New NP student...help!

[RNICU09]

I have a question for NP's/experienced RN's/ current RN's in school to be NP's (and really anybody who wants to give me their opinion.) I graduated with my BSN in December of 2016. I began working in an ICU in February, and will be there now about 6 months. I begin NP school in September, but my question is, is it the most beneficial to me to stay in ICU during this time, or should I switch to a med-surg floor? I've heard a lot of mixed opinion on this, and was wondering what will be best for me & my resume when I graduate. Thanks all :)

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Stay where you are and with what you know for now. Learning another new role while also trying to learn the NP role, IMHO, is counterproductive.

[RNICU09]

Thank you for your advice! I'm not all that happy in the ICU, but I see your point!

[Cococure]

I agree with the above poster ...stay put and learn your role. I wanted to switch specialty also before I started school I am glad I didnt...it would have been overwhelming.

Just my 2 cents

Good luck and hang in there

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

Depends what NP role you are seeking. ACNP? I would stay in ICU. FNP? May be worth trying for an outpatient role. i don't really see why you'd go to

meds surg. Why would someone suggest that? How would it help?

[Cool Nurse, BSN, RN]

Life is too short to continue to do something that makes you unhappy. Try the ER, PCU or outpatient clinic. Best of luck to you!

[bettieRN]

I will be applying to several online Masters programs. Middle Tenn State, Maryville, and Regis can any one that's in these programs give me review or advice?

[Kaligirl02, ADN, BSN, MSN, LVN, RN, APRN, NP]

OP: I'd most definitely stay where you are. It's easier, to me, to focus on my studies since I know my job fairly well. I think it would hard to learn a new role while going to school. I decided not to become ECMO certified (my dream) due to not wanting to study for both ( PNP and ECMO) at the same time.

BettieRN- I'm currently going into my 3rd semester at Regis and I like it so far. Be prepared to do ALOT ofstudying and writing papers. PM if you have other questions.

[Kciccone]

BettieRN- Hello, I am in the same situation- researching online programs. Except- I have a MSN in leadership and Mgt from WGU and now want an online FNP program (post masters fnp) - I wanted to ask if you found any helpful information ? it has been very time consuming trying to find an online fnp post MSN program.... Thanks for any advice :)

[cwgirl197, MSN, APRN, NP]

BettieRN- Hello, I am in the same situation- researching ONLINE programs. Except- I have a MSN in leadership and Mgt from WGU and now want an online FNP program (post masters fnp) - I wanted to ask if you found any helpful information ? it has been very time consuming trying to find an online fnp post MSN program.... Thanks for any advice :)

I am pretty sure that University of Texas at Arlington has an online fnp post MSN program and I think they specify it according to what your masters program lacked in order to gain fnp certification. It is worth looking in to! Good luck!

[bettieRN]

Kciccone- Hi, I have researched several FNP for MSN. My original first choice was Middle Tennessee State but they are going through transition starting the Fall 0f 2017. The admission advisor stated that if you met the admission criteria you will get in, but she doesn't know how the prgram will look or change in the next year. It's cheaper than Maryville. But, after much prayer, I think the better fit for me will be Maryville. It's more costly, but it's approved by the Tennesse Board of Nursing. Which if you live in Tennesse you have to attend ( online) the Master universities they approve. They have strict requirements for the any university. Walden, doesn't have brick and mortar university backing them. I believe that in the future this could work against me. But, they are approved for Tennessee. I actually know of two nurses that have since graduated ( FNO) and is practicing without problems. The cons was that it two years, but doable. Maryville, my first two semesters is one class and they have extended there Masters to 2.7 years. Which I am 52 years old, time is not on my side, but I don't want to feel rushed either. I don't know anyone personally, but through other people, who knows nurses that graduates FNP. It's been favorable. Oh, I forgot Walden has 2 week break every semester, they give discounts. Like military. Maryville doesn't , it's private college. With Maryville you have 650 a semester fee ( negative). I also was impressed with Regis. I have a peace about Maryville. I hope this will help you with your choice. PS I haven't been accepted, yet, but my advisor has stated that if everything OK with my admission criteria, 3.0, recommedations, essays. I should be ok.