NP Advice Please!

Published

Hello all! I am new to the forum and wanted to see if any of you could hand out some advice. I am researching the nursing field and I find there is alot of information I don't understand.

Some background first: I am 26, military wife and mother of 3. I have been a medical transcriptionist for 2 years for the VA medical system. I am a junior in college (psyc. degree).

I am searching for my way in the career field. I miss being around people and not just behind the scenes. My dream would be to educate patient's about the effects of their lifestyle/eating habits that cause many chronic diseases (maybe in a diabetic or obesity clinic?). I think I have the personality to fit more of a prevention/education standpoint then an actually primary care NP or something along those lines. Would this be a correct assumption as a NP job? I also love studing gerontology and I have also thought about becoming an OT, but I though that NP would be more diverse.

There is a bridge program at Vanderbilt (near my home) that does not require a BSN. I know there is much debate on this topic and this also frightens me to a degree. My DH is a PA and says that these are just "angry nurses," although I'm not completely convinced! I am far from arrogant person and I just want an oppourtunity to learn and be an asset to a medical team. Changing paths now to head toward a BSN seems foolish and a waste of money. Any advice would be so helpful :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care.

I don't think people who question direct entry NP programs are "angry". I think nursing education is designed differently than MD or PA education. A NP is an advanced practice nurse, which means to me that he/she has some practice to advance on. A direct entry student IMO has no nursing experience to advance. But you can find a lengthy discussion about this on the board.

I certainly think a NP could do the job you described...but so could a RN or CDE.

Do some research on the cost of doing the direct entry program v. the cost of doing an accelerated BSN (if you finish your current degree). Direct entry programs are notoriously expensive and require the commitment of a full-time job. I do not think the BSN would be a waste, especially for what your interests are. You may also consider a registered dietitian program or a health promotion program.

GL

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med surg, cardiac, case management.

I don't think a BSN would necessarily be a waste of time. You could do patient education with that as well, in gerontology, endocrinology, etc...

You're right in thinking that an NP does quite a bit of patient education. But it's not the only option.

You could get your BSN and later go on for an NP if you chose. Or you could get your MSN and go on for an NP later if you chose. Or you could go for the NP directly. There are benefits and costs to each.

I chose the second path, but another one might be right for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hello all! I am new to the forum and wanted to see if any of you could hand out some advice. I am researching the nursing field and I find there is alot of information I don't understand.

Some background first: I am 26, military wife and mother of 3. I have been a medical transcriptionist for 2 years for the VA medical system. I am a junior in college (psyc. degree).

I am searching for my way in the career field. I miss being around people and not just behind the scenes. My dream would be to educate patient's about the effects of their lifestyle/eating habits that cause many chronic diseases (maybe in a diabetic or obesity clinic?). I think I have the personality to fit more of a prevention/education standpoint then an actually primary care NP or something along those lines. Would this be a correct assumption as a NP job? I also love studing gerontology and I have also thought about becoming an OT, but I though that NP would be more diverse.

There is a bridge program at Vanderbilt (near my home) that does not require a BSN. I know there is much debate on this topic and this also frightens me to a degree. My DH is a PA and says that these are just "angry nurses," although I'm not completely convinced! I am far from arrogant person and I just want an oppourtunity to learn and be an asset to a medical team. Changing paths now to head toward a BSN seems foolish and a waste of money. Any advice would be so helpful :)

If you're wanting to work in gerontology, then you could do the dual ANP/GNP program at Vanderbilt. Be forewarned that this is a very expensive option though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

And...playing devils advocate here, how long will you be living where you are? I too was a military wife trying to finish nursing school...oops we came down on PCS orders (only 18 months on station!). Then....we PCS, okay repeat some classes, get settled again and hubby retires...oops takes job in another state. Okay, PCS again, finally get back in school, repeat a few more classes just for good measure...well you see where this is going.

Its funny - I was a medical transcriptionist in the beginning too and was in a psych program also! Personally, if you KNOW you will be where you are for a few years, I would do an entry-level MSN or a BSN program.

Once you get some nursing experience you should be more equipped to make a longer term decision. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion