Published Feb 22, 2016
dienw
34 Posts
What online FNP or adult/gero programs allow longer completion times? For those of us who work Monday - Friday 8-5, it's really difficult to work clinical hours around our schedules.
Most NP programs seem to be oriented to getting people in and out in two years or less, which is a good thing for the vast majority of nurses. Faster completion means more hours per calendar year, more hours per semester, more school and job conflicts. If I could spread my clinical hours out over three years, I could keep my current job. I could obtain 40 clinical hours during a week of vacation time. I'm well aware of the number of clinical hours - I happen to have a lot of vacation time.
I explained all of this to the recruiter at a well known private nonprofit nursing school and was assured there was no problem, although I sensed that the recruiter wasn't really listening to me. Once I was accepted, the department head said I wouldn't be allowed to obtain clinical hours in 40 hour one week blocks. I respect that different schools have different policies. I'm just looking for a school with policies that won't force me to change jobs. I've found two programs that would work except that they aren't online. The classroom attendance part would burn too much of my vacation time leaving me without enough for the clinical hours.
Public, private, for profit, I'll consider any school. Post-master's certificate programs are preferred. I've completed the three P's. It is possible that what I'm trying to do can't be done now. Quitting my job might be an option a few years from now, just not today.
yhl1975
134 Posts
Good question.No any response yet. In my state ,NY, there is a difficulty to find a job after "online program". I am in postmaster program, Molloy , considered to go to Stony brook and was surprised : now the program is partial online. Molloy is privet, but all education is super professional and well organized. I finished last semester 3-R with 60 hours clinical. This semester only 60 hours and additional specialty credits left, next semester additional 160 hours and my last two semesters will be only clinical 160 + 160 hours. It is correct different schools have different policies. I think you need to do your best search before you apply .
I am planning to do my clinical and may be continue to work per diem once a week, since I have kids family and life. We have students that work full time 3 shifts 12 hours and they have children /life/hobbies and they are successful in the program.
Good Luck!!
Alikatz08
125 Posts
I am also in NY and have co workers who completed online/distance learning NP programs at very reputable schools (remember quite a few schools have brick and mortar campuses with NP programs offered either on campus or online now and both choices are run professionally) and they had no issues finding a job. Most employers are just going to make sure that the person has their license (passed their boards), etc. On a rare occasion one may be more impressed with a certain school above another, but from my experience this usually is not a problem. All schools are different and some are of course better than others. Stony Brook is almost all online (except for some time on campus certain semesters, but not a lot at all, which is great for working nurses), also Stony Brook is a very well known and highly respected university (they have a good medical school too)!
OP - I noticed you had said that a post masters certificate program is 'preferred' because you completed the 3 Ps. I assume then that you have already obtained your MSN degree? If so then a post masters certificate program is what you'd be looking for in general of course. Just keep doing your research on different schools and I wish you the best of luck!