New ICU nurse applying for FNP program

sailornurse · Sep 29, 2015

Hi,
Just wanted some feed back. I recently completed my ICU internship (6 months) and have been on my own for 3 weeks now. I completed my BSN program this past June in 11 months through WGU. I have already applied to Simmons for the FNP program for January admission. I feel excited. anxious and scared. Even though I had 6 months of training I am still having HUGE anxiety. But I don't want my anxiety to hold me back. I really want Simmons to accept me, but just in case what other online GREAT school are out there. Should I take longer time to acclimate to the ICU. I am working full time, and would be entering any program as a part time student. but my heart is all about SIMMONS:).

You need to change your username. I see you just joined All Nurses. Terms of Service (TOS) you agreed not to use any title you have not earned as part of username. You can not use FNP.

KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 29, 2015

For the business matters:

- if you feel that you are ready for the next step clinically, your clinical skills are strong, you want to think and ask "why it must be so", you know and anticipate your meds' actions, docs do not look like band of wisards - then just go for it. Only keep in mind that it will be additional load, and a whole lot of it.

- if you do not feel like above, either recall your application and wait till you "acclimated" where you are now, or, if admitted, choose "very part-time" option. In the latter case, you always can meet with program director and tell about some unclement temporary family circumstances and talk them into 2 classes max per semester. Grad programs deal with working adults, not 19-20 year/olds, and much more used to making individual accomodations.

littlepeopleRNICU · Sep 30, 2015

Only you know that you are ready, but I personally would take more time to "become acclimated", like you said. I feel like school will be less stressful in the grand scheme of things because you aren't trying to figure out the school thing AND still figure out the work thing. I also think you learn things in experience that help you in school because you can relate to real life scenarios you've seen in patients. That's just my two cents though. A lot of new grads go right out of school, work hard, and do fine...but given the choice, I would push it off.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2015

I was happy giving it about a year and a half but I had to earn my BSN first. I would also make sure that you know enough physicians or NPs willing to precept.

anita1231 · Oct 3, 2015

As an NP student and ER/ICU RN for 12 years I must say, "Stop". You need to build your assessment skills BEFORE moving forward to NP. A few months in ICU in no way prepares you for the clinical assessment skills needed to see the various types of patients you will encounter on the job. Although ICU nurses are skilled, they're a specialized form of nursing. I would recommend working in ICU and ER for at least 2-3 years BEFORE going into an NP program. ER prepares you for the various types of patients you will encounter in the NP program. In addition ER sharpens your assessment skills while increasing your clinical awareness. Please take time to learn and grow in these areas before pursuing the advanced degree. Your patients will thank you.

anayo, DNP, APRN, NP · Oct 3, 2015

My fellow collague,

As an NP myself I think you need a year or two of experience before going for the NP program. You need to gain critical thinking, understand your meds, etc. That way you will be comfortable when you start clinicals, and able to take care of patients apprioprately when you graduate. Best wishes!

allnurses Guide · Oct 8, 2015

You won't be doing yourself any favors trying to start a rigorous and rather inflexible FNP program while also trying to learn your current role as an RN in the ICU. It's not a good investment for you financially and it probably isn't good for your patients.

BiotoBSNtoFNP · Oct 8, 2015

You should consider deferring you start date with Simmons, if you become accepted.

The program is very time consuming, especially if working full time. I do not think it would be wise to have the additional stress/anxiety of a new unit that you mentioned while trying to focus all of your attention to learning the NP material. You should feel extremely comfortable in your RN position prior to starting NP school.

When you are ready, simmons is a great, albeit inflexible, program as boston pointed out. Be prepared to work hard throughout the duration of the program and consider the real possibility that you may not be able to continue to work as an RN full time the entire time (especially during clinical semesters).

This program prepares you to perform well in clinical and pass your boards, but only if you are dedicated to put the time and effort into all of the assignments and readings. It would be unfortunate if you enrolled and you did not have enough time to dedicate to your studies bc you still are experiencing new unit stress/anxiety.

mandapanda2015 · Oct 12, 2015

I applied to UAB FNP Program for Summer 2016 and only have one year of experience. I am excited. I live in TX but according to UAB will pay instate tuition!

sophBSN · Oct 13, 2015

Thats wonderful, I [plan on also applying to South!