Please advise

meljonumd · Jan 27, 2014

Unfortunately, you will not be able to just transition your education or skills to a NP program, or even a BSN degree. The MD and RN educational tracks are so completely different that students have to nearly start over again when switching from one to the other (and I've met a few that have).

Congrats on passing your USMLE's; those are quite difficult! If you haven't matched with a residency program, your best shot is to apply again next time; using this year to volunteer, and work in the medical field in another capacity. Possibly as a nurses aide? Therapy aide? I'm not sure what your financial situation is; if you have to work full time, then I would strongly suggest working IN the medical field, as opposed to a fast-food job (although any customer service job can definitely be useful!).

Hang in there.

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Jan 27, 2014

How frustrating. I don't think things will work out so easily since the education provided is so different. I agree I would try to match again next time. Perhaps choose less competitive hospitals or volunteer at one to give yourself a good reputation. Good luck.

ArtClassRN, ADN, RN · Jan 28, 2014

1) Since I am a medical graduate, can I directly apply for admission in a MS in Nursing program?

Nope.

2) How difficult would it be to get a job after graduation?

Not hard at all. You might not be able to find the job you want.

3) Which field has high job availability like peds, fam med, ER etc?

Long Term Care.

4) Which school's graduates have highest probability of finding jobs after graduation?

The school with the most students who get excellent direct care experience and excel in class and clinicals.

5) Which is the most economical school in terms of fees?

Community Colleges.

6) Is it easy to find job with no BSN?

Nothing's easy in this line of work.

I would be thankful for honest and sincere advice.

You are a doctor. Be a doctor.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jan 28, 2014

Hi,
I am a foreign medical graduate (have cleared all Usmle steps but couldn't match in
residency program). I am planning to become nurse practitioner exam have few questions:
1) Since I am a medical graduate, can I directly apply for admission in a MS in Nursing program?

You could apply directly to a Direct-entry MS/MSN program leading to NP specialization. They exist and many are quite competitive to get admitted into. I've never heard of an International Medical Graduate apply to those though but I'm sure someone has tried it.

2) How difficult would it be to get a job after graduation?

As an NP? depends on your networking skills and ability to convince employers to hire you. Looking for a job as an NP is different from looking for a job as an RN. Some NP jobs are spread by word of mouth.

3) Which field has high job availability like peds, fam med, ER etc?

Rural settings as well as underserved urban settings tend to have more jobs for family NP's who can provide primary care to all age groups. Many ED's also prefer to have NP's who could provide care for patients of all age groups, hence, FNP's potentially have an edge there. I'm an Adult Acute Care NP working in ICU. All of my classmates now work in urban and suburban areas in specialty fields.

4) Which school's graduates have highest probability of finding jobs after graduation?

I don't know if this is school-dependent or location-dependent for NP's. Some parts of the country have a less saturated job market than others. It is however important to attend a good NP program for the quality of the training and exposure to topnotch clinical settings for practicum.

5) Which is the most economical school in terms of fees?

State universities are cheaper because you take advantage of in-state tuition. You may not qualify for that if you are not a permanent resident or US citizen. For profit online NP schools are also cheaper but you have to find your own preceptor for clinicals.

6) Is it easy to find job with no BSN?

Some direct entry NP grads never received a BSN, just an MS or MSN. I don't think it matters.

I would be thankful for honest and sincere advice.

I agree about trying to see if you match with a residency program next year. Direct-entry programs, though an option available to you, require a lot of commitment in terms of time and effort.