Mishko

I am a 22 year old associate degree nursing student, and am hoping that someone might be able to answer my questions about becoming an NP, and the priveledges that go along with it. When I was still in high school, I was convinced that I wanted to go to medical school to become a doctor. After doing more research, I decided that it wasn't for me, but that nursing seemed to be much more up my alley. The thing that really swayed me was that I wanted the interpersonal aspect and abilities I would get as a nurse, rather than being a doctor who is treating a disease. Because I wasn't 100% sure that I would love nursing, I opted for the Associate Degree progam rather than the BSN. It would be a cheaper route for someone who was uncertain. I have been a CNA for three years now and am scheduled to graduate next Spring, and as it turns out, I absolutely love nursing! The further into school I got, the more I started thinking about the idea of going on after my ADN, to pursue my BSN, and ultimately become a Nurse Practitioner. I'm young, and a male, which in my opinion is needed in the field. I currently am thinking that I would like to do Pediatrics, but have a few questions about the role, and priveledges of a NP, especially in the state I live in and would remain in, Wisconsin. Firstly, I'm not sure how it is in other states, but here it looks like rather than needing a Master's anymore, after getting your BSN, you just go on to the DNP program. Can anyone explain that further? I also have done a lot of research on the role of the NP, but have not been able to find many good answers to my questions. Could someone explain to me the different role/clinical option for NPs in Wisconsin, as well as their priveledges? Can they write scripts? Open their own practice? Do they need supervision of a physician? Can they work independently in a hospital setting as well as a clinic setting? I hope that wasn't too rambling, but I'm getting to the point in my education where I need to start lining things up if I want to continue schooling without taking a break. My plan is to start on my BSN the Fall after I graduate with my ADN, and then hopefully begin NP school as soon as I'm done with my BSN. Thank you guys!

I am a nursing student at WCTC currently in my 2nd semester. I took my pre-req. courses between WCTC and MATC, but stayed at WCTC for my actual clinicals/nursing school. I also heard a lot of horror stories about how WCTC is super tough, and is known for "weeding" people out, and this really was the case during my gen. education courses (especially the sciences). However, although the actual nursing program is very demanding, it really is an awesome program. The staff is so supportive, and because the class sizes aren't that big (20-30 usually), you can always get direct help if you need it. Also, WCTC has one of the highest Nursing Boards pass rates in the state! This is in part because of the challenging program, and the fact that they really prepare you for your boards and your future as a nurse. I'm not too familiar with MATC's clinical program, but I do know that they were close to losing their accredidation not long ago (as so many schools seem to be), and so I think that that speaks volumes of the program. It might me easier, but it is not to the claiber of WCTC. I hope this helps, and best of luck in pursuing your nursing future!