How did NP school compare to receiving your BSN

zenman · Apr 19, 2009

Well, the difference between taking orders and giving them is certainly not relaxing...

Trauma Columnist · Apr 19, 2009

Except the responsibility and likelihood that you can hurt someone is bigger too.

VivaRN · Apr 19, 2009

I found the school part less stressful because I was already familiar with the terminology, patho, and such vs. learning it for the first time.

gospel Rn, BSN · Apr 19, 2009

I found the school part less stressful because I was already familiar with the terminology, patho, and such vs. learning it for the first time.

Thanks Viva, this is the school information I am wanting to hear about not necessarily the profession.

zenman · Apr 20, 2009

Thanks Viva, this is the school information I am wanting to hear about not necessarily the profession.

This is getting even more confusing since you only asked, "...as far as stress between the 2 programs?" Can you clarify exactly what you want?

gospel Rn, BSN · Apr 20, 2009

This is getting even more confusing since you only asked, "...as far as stress between the 2 programs?" Can you clarify exactly what you want?

Hey Zenman, sorry...I am speaking of the book work, clinicals, and papers. Which education was more stressful your BSN or Masters/fnp?

kanzi monkey · Apr 20, 2009

For me, BSN education was more stressful by a long shot, for the reasons mentioned by VivaRN. Haven't had my first NP job yet (graduate in a week!). Given the stress I feel in prescribing an NSAID or treating a UTI, my guess is NP work will be significantly more stressful.

I feel like the difference between devising a care plan as a new grad RN and devising a care plan as a new NP is huge. As a provider writing orders you are kind of the beginning and the end of the line. As an RN, you make the ride safe and smooth. Both are huge responsibilities. School-wise, well, NP plans don't deviate much from RN clinical education. In practice though, it matters if you get it or not, because you are the implementor.

In short, you are "the decider".

Writing papers, taking tests--much more enjoyable as a grad student. It's relatively easy if you pay attention, read, and devote the time you need. :)

gospel Rn, BSN · Apr 20, 2009

For me, BSN education was more stressful by a long shot, for the reasons mentioned by VivaRN. Haven't had my first NP job yet (graduate in a week!). Given the stress I feel in prescribing an NSAID or treating a UTI, my guess is NP work will be significantly more stressful.
I feel like the difference between devising a care plan as a new grad RN and devising a care plan as a new NP is huge. As a provider writing orders you are kind of the beginning and the end of the line. As an RN, you make the ride safe and smooth. Both are huge responsibilities. School-wise, well, NP plans don't deviate much from RN clinical education. In practice though, it matters if you get it or not, because you are the implementor.
In short, you are "the decider".
Writing papers, taking tests--much more enjoyable as a grad student. It's relatively easy if you pay attention, read, and devote the time you need. :)

Thanks for a great reply Kanzi and good info! This has been what I have heard from other NP's.

allnurses Guide · Apr 20, 2009

I am finding the work easier, but the load more stressful, because I am working fulltime at the same time.

MissDoodaw · Apr 25, 2009

I am finding the coursework challenging for my FNP.

I had several hundred pages of reading Q weekly my first semester, with weekly exams -mult. choice 50-100 questions. 83% and above is passing. Second semester more time management and papers, presentations, but we lost about a third of my class in the first semester. Due to failing out and stress levels that were not worth it too some students.

I did very well in my RN program -no problems. 4.0 GPA, blah blah blah good GRE scores, ER nurse in between RN and MSN. I am not working -full time student (2 little kids-hubby far away) -But for me this is rough stuff!

To each our own!

sandnnw, BSN, MSN, EMT-B, APRN · Apr 25, 2009

BSN was far more stressful. As mentioned, terminology, sheer amount of reading, writing those care plans vs academic papers (most of which I had a say in the subject, POI, etc). Faculty support and treatment were totally opposite, but I guess that might have something to do with a state BSN vs a private MSN?

I too worked thru my MSN. While this may have added stress, I had lots more support from my spouse, co-workers and peers/faculty. We did not have e-mail during my BSN. Graduate faculty seem to be more open, consistently telling you, "drop me an e-mail for questions."

I really liked having real NPs helping with lectures vs my BSN faculty. Again, I guess this is regarding the focus. BSN being more general (tons of content in a long day) vs blocked time with more focused content for MSN. I went thru the Adult NP program, no peds, no OB, more adult learning methods, computerized learning vs books. Times have changed and I personally like being able to listen to lectures on my own time, at my own desk/car and having a wide mixture of lecturers/content vs 1-2 monotone BSN instructors. Clinicals were totally different.

I think you'll enjoy your graduate work. I certainly did!!!