figuringitout09

I'm at a crossroads for different reasons. I initially knew I was interested in mental health, decided to pursue the prereqs for a BSN with the intention of eventually becoming an NP, but now am thinking I may need to go the PhD Clinical Psych route. But to you I'd suggest if you can't imagine yourself being the one to cath people, draw blood, insert an IV, mess with bodily fluids, then you might not like nursing. If you are seeking more science than an MSW there are some clinical psych programs that may appeal to you. And as you know there are medical social workers so you can work in healthcare and still be an MSW. The military also hires MSW's if that appeals to you. But you are currently in grad school that's a nice accomplishment. You probably thought a long time before ending up there. Just some food for thought.

If you're not looking for a BSN there are several community college schools that offer the AS. In fact Pellissippi is to start an AS 2010 Fall. Most upper level programs (meaning you've already got your pre-reqs met) start in the Fall and you need to apply in advance. For the BSN option the only public program is UT all the rest, LMU, Tennessee Wesleyan, South College, etc. are private schools and therefore will cost more. I haven't heard about South having money troubles and they are in fact accredited. Hope this helps.

I was contemplating between a masters in psych counseling or becoming a psychiatric NP. I've been working on my BSN prereqs and have been quite pleased with my science grades (something that I worried about - but like you when I put my mind to something I can do it). I wish there was a direct entry option here but there is not so I'm earning a BSN first then will apply for a Masters program. I made the decision to go this route for financial reasons and flexiblity, like you I like changes too. With an NP in one area, I could do a post Masters and in a year or less be working in a completely different area, should I desire. I agree with the suggestions to shadow or volunteer if you can. I've been volutneering in a mental health hospital and really like it. Another thing that didn't appeal to me about the pscyh counseling route, and I imagine would be the same with the MSW is a lot of field and home visits (not in nice areas either). I'm entering this after a legal career and did not want to go back to certain unsafe areas for a future career.

Thanks, I was hoping maybe something came through for Knox I was unaware of :-) P.S. Looking at my last msg. I am the queen of typos today.

I'm guesing you guys are talking about UT-Memphis because I thought UT-Knoxville due to budget cuts had to do away with their directory entry MSN.

If you're looking at purely dollar terms it's $20,000 versus about two years of work. But then that doesn't take into acct. your current living situation. For example if you don't have a mortgage now or have low rent vs. the area the private school is in being quite expensive to live, etc. If you are thinking you are ready to start something NOW and believe that would be good for you then again the private school wins. Obviously there are many ways to look at this so if I were in your shoes I'd make a list of pros and cons.

I'm taking prereqs now for either Spring 2010 or Fall 2010 depending on which school I can get into. I'm actually hoping a bit for the (have to apply and interview for this school in Jan.) Fall school because that's a public school and would save me $$ but the Spring school moves fast.

I'm currently taking pre-reqs at South College. I'm not in the actual BSN program yet. I'd say it's quite competitive like all nursing schools seem to be. All of your pre-reqs are taken with various health students even those doing pre med, the majority of students in these programs are very driven. But I'm only my second week into my 2nd quarter here. The interview process to get into the nursing program is quite competitive as well from what I've heard. It is quite expensive though and I've thought about seeing if there was a way to transfer to UT. I went this route because of how fast it goes - but it can be a lot to take in in ten weeks. Feel free to PM me if you have other questions.

INFP here. In school now and interested in becoming a FNP or PMHNP.

Thank you RN007. I think this thread finally got me up to enough posts to be able to PM.

I'm in the Powell/Halls area.

Hey zenman is even in our neck of the woods. Sorry about all the rain we've had. Good luck in your studies as well.

Yes, I volunteered at a clinic where I know one of the woman was working on an ASN with the hope of getting into the direct entry MSN program. I'm sure this budget has affected many plans. I hope to do my Masters at UTK so hopefully they don't starting messing with that program:nono: Good luck in your studies. I'm still working on pre-reqs. I should enter the official BSN portition of my program in April if I rock through it too I would be looking at Fall 2011.

Interesting thread. I'm in my pre-reqs now for a BSN program that should all go right I'll start in April. I think one of my first posts on allnurses talked about thinking about counseling first and then got turned onto becoming an NP. Now I think think about FNP vs. psych NP. In my idea world I do both FNP then later psych NP the best of both worlds. Oh, and I'm also in East TN so curious how you girls RN007 and ladybugmo are doing.

Thanks for sharing PTYME. I'm heading the nursing route as well. As caliotter said if counseling is still an interest you can look into becoming a psychiatric mental health NP.