New to nursing career

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Feb 25

I would take It one step at a time. If you want to get NP that is fine, but put that away for a while and just focus on BSN. I would contact schools you would like to attend and talk with them. More than likely you have most of he pre reqs done already for a second bachelors in nursing. ABSN programs are super intense. Like 21 hours a semester. So just focus on getting accepted and doing well on BSN and the rest will be available in the future.

Nica Ramy · Feb 25

Thank you for your response ! But would a direct entry msn program also be an option? I'm not sure what's the best route to go between the two.

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · Feb 25

Nica Ramy said:

Thank you for your response ! But would a direct entry msn program also be an option? I'm not sure what's the best route to go between the two.

Yes, there are direct-entry MSN programs, but that is to obtain an RN. You must obtain an RN license first, then you can apply to NP programs. If you earn an MSN, then you would likely go to a DNP program and then become an NP

Kasan, LVN · Mar 9

I would get an Accelerated BSN then get experience in the field you ultimately like so that you know what you would like to specialize in as an NP. Start by reaseraching the prerequisites for these programs and see if you've met them. An MSN is not necessary to get into NP school. An MSN as an academic degree will help you get into management, teaching, public health etc. but is not a clinical degree it's an academic degree. Then once you become an NP you will have a clinical MSN from that NP Program. If you are ultimately more interested in being a clinician without doing bedside care look into becoming a PA. Most NPs will need atleast a few years of bedside experience in their specialty to get into a reputable NP Program. I've spent hours researching these things because I also wanted to do the same. I also have a BS in another field, I've also been an LVN for 10yrs. Ultimately I decided to go for RN-ADN first because of the price tag of these accelerated programs.

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · Mar 11

Kasan said:

If you are ultimately more interested in being a clinician without doing bedside care look into becoming a PA. Most NPs will need atleast a few years of bedside experience in their specialty to get into a reputable NP Program. I've spent hours researching these things because I also wanted to do the same. I also have a BS in another field, I've also been an LVN for 10yrs. Ultimately I decided to go for RN-ADN first because of the price tag of these accelerated programs.

NPs do not perform bedside care. The PA and NP role is almost identical. PAs used to be more common in hospitals, while the vast majority of NPs work in primary (outpatient) care.

It is important to note that NPs must choose a specialty when applying to an NP Program, whether it is an MSN or DNP program. Acute care roles, such as Adult Acute Care, are designed for NPs that want to work in a hospital. Most prospective NPs choose a primary care role such as FNPs. FNPs should not be working in a hospital, but in an outpatient setting such as a primary care facility or other outpatient facilities. I used to work in primary care and never did "bedside care," I functioned the same as a primary care MD. I then retrained as a PMHNP and work strictly telehealth outpatient only; perform the same functions as a psychiatrist.

Bedside RN experience is generally NOT necessary for those who wish to become a primary care NP. I went straight through from ABSN to MSN-NP. For those who wish to be an Acute Care NP, then yes, most programs require RN experience.

Here are some of the common NP specialties:

https://info.johnshopkinsnursing.org/dnp/?utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=6465359927&utm_content=johns hopkins dnp&network=g&device=c|dnp-ccm-dnp-branded&utm_medium=ppc&kwcategory=b&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvr--BhB5EiwAd5YbXjWAbQofb1HHaufe_wMCRP2PXqzqCdYne2x0hcBSF4uiSro1-oajJRoCw2QQAvD_BwE

Scroll down on that page to see the specialties one can apply for. Another specialty is Women's Health. Look at the websites for some NP programs to see the specialties available.

Again, when one applies to an NP Program, they must select a specialty. Candidates do not apply to a general NP Program. When applying, they must select the specialty, such as FNP. While in the program, the student only receives the education and training for the selected specialty.

If an NP decides to change specialties after graduation, they can apply for a post-graduate certificate in the new specialty.

Nica Ramy · Mar 12

FullGlass said:

NPs do not perform bedside care. The PA and NP role is almost identical. PAs used to be more common in hospitals, while the vast majority of NPs work in primary (outpatient) care.

It is important to note that NPs must choose a specialty when applying to an NP Program, whether it is an MSN or DNP program. Acute care roles, such as Adult Acute Care, are designed for NPs that want to work in a hospital. Most prospective NPs choose a primary care role such as FNPs. FNPs should not be working in a hospital, but in an outpatient setting such as a primary care facility or other outpatient facilities. I used to work in primary care and never did "bedside care," I functioned the same as a primary care MD. I then retrained as a PMHNP and work strictly telehealth outpatient only; perform the same functions as a psychiatrist.

Bedside RN experience is generally NOT necessary for those who wish to become a primary care NP. I went straight through from ABSN to MSN-NP. For those who wish to be an Acute Care NP, then yes, most programs require RN experience.

Here are some of the common NP specialties:

https://info.johnshopkinsnursing.org/dnp/?utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=6465359927&utm_content=johns hopkins dnp&network=g&device=c|dnp-ccm-dnp-branded&utm_medium=ppc&kwcategory=b&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvr--BhB5EiwAd5YbXjWAbQofb1HHaufe_wMCRP2PXqzqCdYne2x0hcBSF4uiSro1-oajJRoCw2QQAvD_BwE

Scroll down on that page to see the specialties one can apply for. Another specialty is Women's Health. Look at the websites for some NP programs to see the specialties available.

Again, when one applies to an NP Program, they must select a specialty. Candidates do not apply to a general NP Program. When applying, they must select the specialty, such as FNP. While in the program, the student only receives the education and training for the selected specialty.

If an NP decides to change specialties after graduation, they can apply for a post-graduate certificate in the new specialty.

So would an ABSN or an MSN be better for later NP... it seems like msn is the better route? I know Vanderbilt has a program that's msn and you get an NP after. Sorry this is all so confusing still I'm getting mixed reviews. But your comment was helpful! I know I need an RN before anything NP related but is which route makes sense ?

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · Mar 13

Nica Ramy said:

So would an ABSN or an MSN be better for later NP... it seems like msn is the better route? I know Vanderbilt has a program that's msn and you get an NP after. Sorry this is all so confusing still I'm getting mixed reviews. But your comment was helpful! I know I need an RN before anything NP related but is which route makes sense ?

You have multiple options for becoming an NP.

Cheapest - go to community college to earn ADN RN. Then you can do a bridge program to earn your BSN or MSN.

Fastest - get an ABSN RN, which will take 13 to 18 months, depending on the program. There are similar programs for an MSN RN. After that, then you apply to either an MSN NP or a DNP NP Program.

Look at some nursing school websites, like Vanderbilt, Hopkins, etc., to get an idea of what programs are available and the requirements. Make an appointment to talk to an adminissions counselor. Most schools have webinars where people can ask questions. If you live near a school, you may be able to have an in person visit and see the school.

Schools are moving away from the ABSN, but there are still programs out there. Do a Google search.

Also, while schools may publish on their website that RN work experience is required, the truth is that if you go to Vanderbilt for example and earn your MSN RN, then decide you want to be an FNP, they would likely admit you to their DNP FNP program, assuming you did well in school there. That's what HOpkins did. (If you want to be an acute care NP, then you will indeed need to work as an RN for awhile).

Good luck.

203bravo, MSN, APRN · Mar 26

Nica Ramy said:

So would an ABSN or an MSN be better for later NP... it seems like msn is the better route? I know Vanderbilt has a program that's msn and you get an NP after. Sorry this is all so confusing still I'm getting mixed reviews. But your comment was helpful! I know I need an RN before anything NP related but is which route makes sense ?

If I may--

I understand that navigating all your options can be confusion and overwhelming. I would not recommend that you do a direct entry MSN program in which you would obtain an entry level RN license. This path is very expensive and you will not achieve anything more than you would would taking the BSN route. You do not need a MSN to gain entry into a DNP program.

If you know before hand exactly what specialty you would like to pursue as a NP then a direct entry MSN program may be a better option for such fields as Family, Peds, or Psych. Most acute care NP and CRNA programs will require experience in specific units.

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · Mar 26

203bravo said:

If you know before hand exactly what specialty you would like to pursue as a NP then a direct entry MSN program may be a better option for such fields as Family, Peds, or Psych. Most acute care NP and CRNA programs will require experience in specific units.

I suggest the OP simply contact the schools she is interested in and ask to speak to Admissions for more information on the best route. If speed is the most important factor for her, then that will define her options. If cheap is most important, then that provides other options.

The OP needs to pick up the phone and also use email to contact her desired schools. The people on this, or any other forum, can only provide basic information.

For example, if she wants to go to Vanderbilt, then she needs to explore their webiste, contact them and get their advice. If she wants to go to Hopkins, then look at their requirements for their NP Program, which is now DNP only and find out the entrance requirements. And so on. Yes, she should contact every school she is interested in and look at all their websites. She needs to do the W O R K.

londonflo · Mar 27

Kasan said:

An MSN as an academic degree will help you get into management, teaching, public health etc. but is not a clinical degree it's an academic degree.

My degree function is from a leading university (albeit in 1981.) It is "Practitioner/ Teacher". It involved becoming a practitioner as well as an academic.

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · Mar 27

Also, the OP should look at Admissions events provided by the schools they are interested in. Most nursing schools have webinars where applicants can join and receive information on admissions, as well as have an opportunity for asking questions and discussion. Some nursing schools also offer in-person events for potential applicants that provide a tour of the school, a chance to meet some faculty and current students, and an opportunity to ask questions, etc. I also learned from other applicants during such events - by talking to them, I picked up good information as well.