katrina4

CapeMaui Great question...I actually had the same concerns. I am applying to an advanced BSN course (I have a bachelors/masters in another field) with the intent of eventually going on for my MSN. I have always been interested in the NICU and being an NNP. My main problem is that there are no NNP programs in Pittsburgh and I am not willing to relocate my family. My friend is a PNP and she has said that while there definitely are more opportunities for PNPs, there are many more PNPs than NNPs in our area (maybe because we don't have a NNP program) and therefore the supply/demand equals itself out. But she did tell me that when she worked in the NICU as an RN, most of the NNPs worked the night/weekend shifts. You might want to try calling the hospials or even checking their job postings. I have found by looking at job postings that some of the NICUs around here require their applicants to be CRNPs, but not necessarily NNPs. But as a previous posting stated, maybe these NPs don't have quite the same roles as a NNP. One other thought. I have looked into a NNP program at Penn State. They require 3 years of experience in a NICU as an RN before applying to the program. I don't think most PNP programs require this level of expereince.

CapeMaui Great question...I actually had the same concerns. I am applying to an advanced BSN course (I have a bachelors/masters in another field) with the intent of eventually going on for my MSN. I have always been interested in the NICU and being an NNP. My main problem is that there are no NNP programs in Pittsburgh and I am not willing to relocate my family. My friend is a PNP and she has said that while there definitely are more opportunities for PNPs, there are many more PNPs than NNPs in our area (maybe because we don't have a NNP program) and therefore the supply/demand equals itself out. But she did tell me that when she worked in the NICU as an RN, most of the NNPs worked the night/weekend shifts. You might want to try calling the hospials or even checking their job postings. I have found by looking at job postings that some of the NICUs around here require their applicants to be CRNPs, but not necessarily NNPs. But as a previous posting stated, maybe these NPs don't have quite the same roles as a NNP. One other thought. I have looked into a NNP program at Penn State. They require 3 years of experience in a NICU as an RN before applying to the program. I don't think most PNP programs require this level of expereince.

I was just wondering what all of you Pitt nurses thought of the program there. I currently hold a masters degree in physical therapy but have decided to go back to persue a nursing degree. I am planning on applying to Pitt's new accelerated BSN program for individuals that already hold a degree, with the eventual plan of getting my MSN. There are several other schools in the area that have an accelerated BSN program, but I know that Pitt has a great reputation in the medical field. As former students, were you happy with your education there and did you feel it prepared you for your nursing career? Thanks!