Hi all,I'm interested in doing a direct-entry MSN, and ultimately want to specialize in neonatal. However, I know that you can't be an NNP without some experience first.If I have the NP in something like Peds, and I want to get NICU experience, how should I go about doing this? Maybe work as an RN in the NICU for awhile?Any advice would be really helpful! Thanks.
may1787, BSN, RN 51 Posts Specializes in NICU. Has 14 years experience. Jan 20, 2008 I want to be a neonatal nurse practitioner as well, but with a Doctoral in Nurse Practitioning (DNP). I have been researching it a fair bit, and from what I can tell many schools require two years of experience working as an RN in a level II or III NICU. This would mean that you would have to work in a NICU in order to be accepted to many NNP programs.
Trauma Columnist traumaRUs, MSN, APRN 165 Articles; 21,214 Posts Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU. Has 31 years experience. Jan 20, 2008 And if you are an NP, few places will hire you as a staff RN due to liability issues. Maybe an accelerated BSN might be better for you?
elkpark 14,633 Posts Jan 20, 2008 Completing a pedi nurse pracitioner program will not help you reach your goal of NNP -- the two roles and bodies of knowledge are entirely different. Might it be simpler to just complete a basic RN program, get the NICU experience, and then enter an NNP program? If you're looking at direct entry MSN programs, you must already have a baccalaureate in something -- have you looked at accelerated BSN programs? That would be quicker than a direct entry MSN, and you wouldn't be putting time, effort, and $$$ into a difficult, demanding graduate program in a specialty that doesn't interest you.
MommyandRN 342 Posts Specializes in ICU, OR. Has 12 years experience. Jan 22, 2008 I say work in NICU as an RN while pursuing your MSN. Also, go to the NICU board, there are a few NNP students who post there.
