Hi all! Completely new here. I've been reading the forums for a few weeks. I apologize if this has been asked before, but what is your honest opinion on direct entry/immersion programs designed for non-nursing background applicants? Think accredited by the appropriate nursing bodies, in person, and 4 year long ones such as DNP programs. I am considering doing the Psychiatric Mental Health NP track, and I am a licensed mental health counselor now with no medical experience whatsoever. I know about the role that NPs are supposed to fill, as well as some of the pros and cons that come with the profession in general, but what I would really love to find out is.... do places really hire new NP grads from direct entry programs? Is the lack of previous RN/medical experience poorly seen? If you happened to be exposed to the hiring process in your practice, what is the "pulse" so to speak on new NP grads coming from direct entry? If you were the hiring manager, would you consider hiring such an individual? I've read that this can be a problem in some cases, and not so much in others. I know it also depends on the area. I'm in the Pacific Northwest. Any feedback you may have, I'll greatly appreciate it. Sometimes we don't know what we don't know, so feel free to share any considerations I may be overlooking.
