Newbie - nursing student with questions

[MissHeatherD]

Hi!

Right now I'm taking prerequisite courses to transfer into a BSN/RN program. Although I already have my Associate's degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences, it will take me another 3 years to become an RN with a BSN since I don't have any of the required courses for nursing.

I ultimately want to become a Nurse Practitioner and I was wondering what to expect and prepare for these next few years. From what I understand, after I get my BSN, I can go on to persue my Master's degree. However, will a Master's in nursing grant me as a Nurse Practitioner, or is it seperate from a Master's? Could someone walk me through the process of becoming a Nurse Practitoner?

In the mean time I'm also looking for a job as a Nurse's aid. Any other suggestions to what I could do in the mean time?

Also, does anyone know the best college(s) for a possible accelerated program for Nursing in NJ?

I know I asked a lot of questions but I'm very interested about my future in nursing. Thanks in advance for the helpful responses!

[CaliLvr000, BSN, RN]

Many schools require that you already have a Bachelors degree to enter an accelerated program, well that's how it is here in CA. There are threads about becoming a NP, if you click the Specialty tab, then Advanced Practice Nursing....they have lots of info there!! Good luck trying to get into NS!!

[LuckyKelleyK, RN]

You make it sound so easy! Don't get your hopes up for your 3 year goal, it takes most people longer than they plan. I am not saying that you can't do it, but from experience it is very discouraging when it takes longer than you thought. As far as your NP goes, many colleges offer masters programs that will give you your NP, but I believe you must at least work 1 year as an RN to be eligible.

Anyways, the best advice I can give anyone, is take it one step at a time! I am the kind of person who always worries about things way too far in advance. It is much easier to tackle one thing at a time. 1. Getting good grades in your pre-reqs! Next you can worry about nursing programs. The requirements change all the time anyways, but it is good to get a general idea of where you want to go. Then you can deal with getting into nursing school, graduating, taking the nclex, getting a job, getting through your first year, THEN applying to grad school.