nursing2021

As much as I know that you aren't acceptance counselors and really it is on a person to person basis, I wanted to try and ask anyways about your stats getting accepted into NP programs! It helps me to hear other individual's stories and journeys as I prepare my own. As for me, I am currently finishing up my junior year in my BSN program. I have intentions of returning for my masters, and I am leaning towards AGACNP (but FNPs are much more prevalent in my area so I am still doing research and debating). I have a 3.73-ish GPA currently, which is what I will most likely be applying with because applications open up before my next semester ends. My nursing GPA is 3.9 (my prerequisites include some dual-credit courses from high school that drag down my cumulative, unfortunately!). I worked as a patient care technician for about 6 months in one of our regional medical centers and now as a nurse apprentice (RN extern) in a specialized critical care unit as well as a COVID-19 quarantine center for the homeless population. As for extra things that I am hopeful could benefit my application- I was selected for a pretty big scholarship/honor in my area in 2019, I created and carried out a hygiene drive on my campus for a homeless shelter in my city in my populations' course, and then, of course, I have a few nice letters of recommendation from instructors. I guess my question is with this background of myself, do any of you feel like I could have a shot at acceptance to NP programs based off of your own experiences? I also have mixed feelings on going straight through versus working as an RN for a while and going back. In a perfect world I would go right through and get it out of the way because that is my end goal (and I am looking at programs that do not REQUIRE experience) but on the other hand I definitely appreciate and value the experience of the role I will have as an RN and I know that could help my odds as well as benefit me as a provider. I wonder if any of you had similar stats and got accepted. For reference, I live in IN but am looking at programs in surrounding states as well as TN. Again, I know you can't just say oh you will/won't be accepted! Just simply curious about everyone elses stats and what you think of my odds. ? Thanks guys.

Hi all. I am a third year BSN student in Indiana. This past semester I have been trying to make some decisions for my future career and creating a plan for moving forward. I know that I want to go on to graduate school and I know that I want to be an NP. However, I have some questions that I can't seem to find a clear answer to. I currently work as an RN extern in an ICU, and it is my love. I think that I truly want to do ICU nursing and that leads me to believe an ACNP program best fits my passion. However, when I think of my future, I know that I want to have a children. I worry that I won't be able to have the type of shift/hours that I need and want to fit my life once that happens. I have many friends who are FNPs and I envy their schedules-- I like the idea of one day being able to switch to outpatient work in order to raise a family on a more regular schedule. I guess my question is which of these two NP programs best fits what I am describing? Could an ACNP easily find an outpatient job (for example, I love pulmonology and would love to one day work at an outpatient pulm clinic if that is possible). I am doubtful that an FNP would fit in an ICU role but I have met FNPs in the hospital who work at hospitalists so I am seeking clarification. I just want to hear input from others and how their experience with NP/finding the role that fits in their life. If anyone has anything to share, please do! :)