Nurse Practitioner

iliel · Aug 23, 2003

I'm also planning on going the NP route. I would look into it. there are so many types to NP's, you want to make sure the school you want to go to offers it and what the pre reqs are, if they require the GRE or MAT.

Also check out this website http://www.aanp.org

I think its worth it, if you have the time and desire, then go for it.

sagelola · Aug 23, 2003

I think you need an MS for the NP. So, first you will have to get your BSN. From there it probably depends on the school you are interested in as to what you need to enter their MSN program. I eventually want to be a midwife which requires an MSN with a cert in midwifery. One of the schools I am interested in requires a couple years of work experience before they will accept you.

I think if I was you I would do what iliel suggested. I am sure you can find loads of info on the web...and I think there are probably some links on this site...

LauraLou · Aug 23, 2003

Currently you can become a nurse practitioner either by going through a Masters degree program or through a certification-type program. They are phasing out the certification route and soon all new nurse practitioner will have to have a Masters degree.

My aunt is a nurse practitioner and she can write prescriptions and treat patients independently without a doctor's supervision. She makes more money than a regular RN and has a lot of autonomy.

I hope to be neonatal nurse practitioner someday!

det01 · Aug 23, 2003

I know a girl who has a BS in Biology (no nursing classes ever) and she is going for her NP. Some colleges have a program like that. However, I would think it would be much better to have the nursing background instead of all those text courses.

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Aug 24, 2003

I wonder how many jobs there are out there for NP? I have heard a lot about them getting phased out, that they are a dime a dozen, etc

Just wanted to bring that up. I dont know how true it is but I have heard in over on the NP board here as well. Just something you should check out. I think being a NP would be an awesome job and is something I would consider as well in the future. I know a lot of people prefer a NP to a doctor as well and also I would think with the rising costs of malpractice insurance there will be less docs and more NP. Just my theory....lol

Marilyn

iliel · Aug 24, 2003

Originally posted by marilynmom
I wonder how many jobs there are out there for NP? I have heard a lot about them getting phased out, that they are a dime a dozen, etc

Marilyn

Actually, I have heard the opposite from ppl in the feild. Since the law passed that student Dr's can't work more than 80 hours a week, they are hiring more NP's (and PA's) to work in hospitals. If you've ever been to Planned Parenthood, all you'll find are NP's. This is where my friend works. I'm sure, as with every job, ppl feel they are being phased out. When I was a Dental Assistant in Ca. I had to take the RDA test to make decent money, there were assistants comming off the street and being trained by DDS's cause they are cheaper. Dosn't mean I wasn't going to find a job, it's just something for ppl to get alarmed about.

They are not a dime a dozen, if you look into it, you;ll find so many types of specializations.

Just my 2 cents

fnimat1 · Aug 24, 2003

I want to become a NP also....specializing in Maternal/Fetal. You do have to have your M.S.N. to become a NP. So of course you have to have your B.S.N. My CC has a transfer agreement with Rutgers University for the B.S.N. program.....I'll be a guaranteed junior...do 2 yrs. and I'll have my B.S.N. After completing my A.S. program (that I'm starting next Sept.) I plan on working and going part-time for my B.S.N. It seems soooo far away...but I'm going to do it...."Keepin' my eyes on the prize"

Fatima