SmoothJams

I am considering attending the 2 year Associates/ADN Nursing program at the City Colleges. I already have a bachelor's degree and would like to get my associates RN then earn my MSN while working. (RN-MSN bridge programs) But if finding work as an associates RN in Chicago is unrealistic, that plan would change. It seems that most, if not all of the big hospitals in the area are magnet status and require a BSN for entry level nurses. My question is, if that is the case, are new associates level RN graduates able to find jobs in Chicago? I would love to hear the thoughts and experiences of new and experienced associates level RNs on finding work in the Chicago area. Thanks for your thoughts/insights

…missed a few additional gems from this post… Correct, but not because there is a mandate/requirement for the DNP. Because the DNP is not really a clinical degree, schools can tack on the necessary classes to an MSN program and charge WAY more tuition for essentially the same thing by repackaging an MSN as a DNP. This is also wrong because of the false underlying DNP mandate premise. There are still plenty of direct entry programs available for those who do not have a bachelor's degree in nursing. These programs only take 3 years but do have basic science prerequisite classes and can be very competitive. Also, there are some RN-MSN bridge programs available for Associates level RNs who want to become NPs. For example, University of Illinois Chicago has this option. Their program only requires 4 bridge classes for RNs before starting the 2 years of master’s specialty classes.

This post is not correct and once again makes it seem like this is a done deal and a finalized issue when it's not at all. Please take a look at this post from one of the AllNurses site guides that provides what I believe to be a more accurate analysis of the "DNP for NP recommendation" issue: Here are some additional threads on the issue: https://allnurses.com/doctor-nursing-practice/2015-dnp-529004.html https://allnurses.com/doctor-nursing-practice/mandatory-dnp-2015-a-505362.html https://allnurses.com/doctor-nursing-practice/dnp-2015-forreal-511344.html I don't understand how so many people can be so unclear about the factual nature of this issue. Especially folks who are already in the field.

You might want to consider posting your question on an LGBT message board instead/as well. Generally speaking, any health care practitioner who DOES treat people differently because of their sexual orientation isn't going to admit it....especially not publicly. Also, differing treatment of homosexual patients may be a largely unconscious behavior.

It's not an "unfair assumption", it's a direct and clear assessment of your response. The response of the OP is irrelevant. (Thought I wouldn't blame them for not wanting to respond after your post). Don't dish it out if you can't take it. (But that does tend to be the way of passive-aggressive folks)

It's really not that mysterious. One can have a basic understanding of a type of job from educational program descriptions, reading message boards, and other internet research. However...this is not the same as hearing what the real world day-to-day is like from the "horses mouth". Asking for real world insight and perspective from those currently in the role in no way means the individual has no idea what they do. I'm surprised at the number of people on this board who make unfair assumptions and passive-aggressively try and shame folks who are just looking for information.

Direct entry programs are a great option. Just be aware that the 1st year where you get your accelerated RN license is usually pretty expensive in these programs. Also, be aware that you will have to take some basic science classes and other prerequisites in order to be considered for these programs if they were not part of your original bachelors. This is an important point to be clear about. The DNP as an entry point for nurse practitioners is NOT mandated as a requirement. It was simply a “recommendation” that a lot of folks have misunderstood and now this rumor is going around and won’t die. Granted, because of the recommendation some schools have started to transition MSN programs to DNP..but…this is really just a cash grab as it allows them to charge higher tuition for what used to be a masters program. The DNP is not really a clinical degree. There are still plenty of MSN programs left and there probably will be for the immediate future. It’s definitely something to pay attention to, but don’t believe the rumors that it has been mandated. It’s just not true. Check out these threads from this site for more on this: https://allnurses.com/doctor-nursing-practice/2015-dnp-529004.html https://allnurses.com/nurse-practitio...-a-505362.html https://allnurses.com/post-graduate-n...al-511344.html

Right now, I am quite confident that the concept of clinical psychologists gaining prescription rights on any kind of wide scale is in no way something that someone entering the mental health field should view as a significant factor at all. No one can predict the future, but 10-15 years is a long time and even if it does happen on some grand scale, it's not like psychologists are going to overtake Psych NPs and Psychiatrists and push them out of the market or anything. It's just not a realistic or worthwhile concern right now. I think it may happen on a broader scale someday, but a lot of things would have to change. Bottom line, I really wouldn’t factor it in to any kind of decision making. Bear in mind that psych patients often have other medical issues. A psych NP is a nurse first and depending on the setting you ultimately work in, you will have to be prepared to help manage the non-psych related medical conditions and meds of any of your patients. Now, if you are talking about getting your NP in psych and then working in a non-psych focused environment like a med/surg unit or something, you probably wouldn’t be hired as a psych NP and would have to obtain additional/different kind of certification/training. This is one reason why there are post-masters certificates in various nursing specialties. Someone may get their masters as a Psych NP and then decided they want to work in the ER so they might go back and do a post-masters certificate to gain that certification. But, in general, as a Psych NP you will most likely be managing patients with other general medical conditions on type of their mental health issues.

I wouldn't be worried about psychologists universally getting prescriptive rights any time soon. Currently, psychologists only have prescriptive rights in Louisiana and New Mexico and for some psychologists in the military. There are indeed some "turf wars" going on in the mental health field, but this particular battle is looking like a longer road. Unless there is some dramatic new development or shift in the next few years, psychologists face a long uphill battle on this issue. Tons of opposition from psychiatrists just to mention one resistant factor. In terms of there being a difference between a PMHNP and a clinical psychologist if psychologists were to get rights on a broad scale: There would be a big difference in that on top of their prescriptive rights, a clinical psychologist would have at least 4-6 years of supervised psychotherapy experience in a variety of settings (including an internship) as well as the ability to conduct and interpret psychological testing, not mention extensive research training. Most Psych NP programs are 2-3 years and don't have the same depth of psychotherapy training. However, right now, in my humble opinion, PMHNP is the best bang for your buck in terms of training time, scope of practice, and income potential if you are looking to get into mental health. As a PMHNP, you might not be a "doctor" but you can do therapy, manage meds, and have a private practice (varying scope by state) in a much shorter period of time with better earning potential right out of the gate. Full disclosure, I write this as one who was originally planning to go into a clinical psychology PhD program and has now switched and is pursing PMHNP.

Just to be clear, the DNP isn't going to be mandatory by 2015.

Josh, Please don't listen to anyone who tells you it's too late to start on a career path in health care. Especially if you just graduated high school a year ago? You have so much time to do whatever you want still. No reason at all for you not to aim high. I recently started on the path to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner myself after a long performing arts career. I still have a ways to go but it's all much more realistically achievable now that I have just started. There was a time when I first thought about doing this that I thought "there is no way". But once I started, everything flowed and I can't believe I ever doubted I could do this. Plus I am having a great time learning all of this new stuff. There was a guy at my work who just got his BSN and he went part-time while working for most of it. And the hospital (he worked as an ER tech) paid for a lot his school through tuition assistance. If you don't already have a bachelors degree, why not get yourself into a BSN program? That way you have your bachelors degree (basic requirement in today's economy) and you wouldn't have to worry about not qualifying for nursing jobs that require the BSN. You would also then be set up to go to a Masters program and become an ER Advanced Practice Nurse after working for a few years if you wanted to which you could also do while working. (Which pays REALLY well from what I've seen) https://allnurses.com/student-nurse-practitioner/emergency-nurse-practitioner-189348.html And do forget programs like the government National Health Service Corps that offer loan forgiveness and scholarship programs that could help you pay for your education. Home - NHSC Your firefighter experience can only help you with all of this. Bottom line, there are a lot of options and the sky's the limit. You seem like the kind of person who is dedicated and driven. Stay focused, ignore those who want to discourage you, and you will get there! Maybe one day you can call me down to the ER for a psych consult. :cheers: Good Luck!

Yes, you may have read that on the website but there is such a thing as larger context and specificity. Let me direct you to a number of threads on this issue that come up with a simple search on the words "DNP 2015": https://allnurses.com/nurse-practitioners-np/2015-dnp-discussion-529004.html https://allnurses.com/nurse-practitioners-np/mandatory-dnp-2015-a-505362.html https://allnurses.com/post-graduate-nursing/dnp-2015-forreal-511344.html I'd also like to highlight a quote from one of these forums posted by one of the site guides: When you post incorrect information or information taken out of context in a public forum, people will correct you. No one needs to "get a grip" but you do need to get your facts and context straight.

You took the words out of my mouth BlueDevil

Zenman, would you mind elaborating on what you are defining as an "integrative psychiatry" practice and the elements or modalities you envision it will include? Also, is this practice something you are planning to do with your APN license or would you need additional certifications/training? While I am still in the preliminary stages of my PMHNP journey, this concept was something I was interested in for myself somewhere down the line. Hearing that is something that you are considering as well makes it seems like an even more viable option and I am sure you have some good and practical ideas on what this would entail. Feel free to private message if you like and thank you in advance for your time and insights.

Thanks for the input mojo. Please know that if you face the wrath of the Psych NP Illuminati, your sacrifice will have been appreciated. Are there any other brave Psych NPs out there who will step forward and share their perspective....?

Hey Myelin! I am looking to apply at Yale, University of California San Fran, Columbia, and Oregon Health & Science. Their curriculums seem to be the most comprehensive as far as direct-entry programs go. U of Penn's Psych NP masters has a great curriculum too, but isn't a direct entry program

So glad I found this thread. I am a black male pre-nursing student. If all works out as planned, I will be a black male Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I suspect that will make me the nursing equivalent of a unicorn?

I don't think anyone here was suggesting this in any way. I was originally planning to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology and decided that the Psych NP path was a better choice for me for several reasons. And for the record, I currently work at a hospital, have worked in several divisions, and also volunteer in the psychiatric division. To be clear, just because folks are aware of the income potential or high demand for something and include that concept in their discussions doesn't mean that is the only reason they are interested in it. Also, the point of this thread was to try and solicit input from those with experience in the field, due to an awareness of the potential hazards and pitfalls. Read the first post. But I will agree with you that perhaps the lack of responses to these types of threads is mainly due to low numbers...and the iron fist of the Psych NP Illuminati....

Just as I suspected…nothing but the sound of crickets…. I think this is a conspiracy designed to reduce market saturation for Psych NPs. I bet when you graduate and get your Psych NP you get nabbed on the street, thrown into the back of a van and taken to a secret location where there are bunch of Psych NPs in robes in a room full of candles with an altar. They make you swear not to divulge too much information on Allnurses.com so as not to expose how good a deal it is. The penalty for divulging too much information publicly…is well…I dare not say… :bowingpur Zenman was actually “dealt with” a long time ago for giving out too much good information on message boards and encouraging too many new PsychNPs. Now his profile is actually managed by a shadow writer for the Psych NP Illuminati. I want to take this moment to thank Zenman for his sacrifice… Like I said, I’m on to you Psych NPs….I’m on to ya’!

I think I've seen posts from both of you in threads similar to this regarding the "Psych NP Experience". I'm starting to think that the majority of Psych NP are keeping quiet in response to these types of inquiries on purpose. I bet that for those who are really into psych, it's a really great nursing path and they don't want to give away the secret. Good pay, not a ton of competition, consistent demand, ... I'm on to you Psych NPs...I'm on to ya!

Hello All! I am an aspiring Psych NP currently taking my prerequisite classes. I have been reading and searching through this board for many months now (and will continue to) in order to try and prepare myself and get a grasp of the realities of the field. I am an adult student and a career changer and have learned not to go into anything blindly. I'm quite confident that Psych and the NP role are a great fit for me...so far... I have become aware of several trends or general concerns such as: -The not real nursing shortage -New grads having increased difficulty finding jobs -Weird NP politics with doctors and regular nurses -Differing opinions on direct entry grads (which I plan on being someday soon) -General first job horror stories I'm starting to get the impression that a lot of the more negative or potentially discouraging things I am reading/hearing are mainly concerns for RNs, BSNs, LPNs, and the like and revolve more around bedside nursing. I currently work in a hospital and this is also based on speaking with the NPs here. My questions for all you Psych NPs (and other experienced NPs) are: Is Psych, especially starting out as a Psych NP, a little different? Is the job market for Psych and Psych NP not as bad as it for the other more popular specialties? What's being a Psych NP really like? What should I be aware of or prepared for? Am I correct in assuming that Psych NPs don't have to deal with as many of the trials and frustrations of bedside nursing? Based on what Zenman and a couple other Psych NPs out there have posted, the Psych NP role sounds like a really good deal compared to other specialties and bedside nursing. I'm just trying to get a better perspective and test my naive assumptions. Thanks so much in advance for any and all opinions and thoughts. Your wisdom and guidance are greatly appreciated.

Hey Ataylor65! If you are also interested in psych, some of the programs I have found are: University of Illinois Chicago http://www.uic.edu/nursing/prospectivestudents/gep-about.shtml Psych is an offered masters specialty within the direct entry masters program University of California San Francisco http://nursing.ucsf.edu/programs/masters-entry-program-nursing-mepn Also has a psych masters specialty with direct entry. Super competitive admissions for nursing here in general so I am hearing. Yale http://nursing.yale.edu/Academics/GEPN/ Same deal with less stringent admissions requirements compared to UCSF There are more and I found all of these on the website for the association for psychiatric nursing: http://www.apna.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3311 Not all offer and acclerated BSN/Direct Entry psych specialty though so you have to look at each program.

Hello All, This is my first post on this forum. I am looking into accelerated bsn/direct entry psych NP programs and need some clarification from the pros. From what I can see, many of these programs are described as being 3 years with no break in between getting your BSN in one year and starting your advanced practice specialty studies. This sounds great, but I have also heard that folks have had difficulty getting into advanced practice master's programs because they didn't have enough experience. So I'm a little confused. If one gets accepted to a 3 year program, is it not really 3 years? Are you forced to take time off to work to gain experience before you start your specialty studies and if so, how long? For anyone who has completed one of these programs who had a bachelor's in a different field - did you feel prepared to be an APN or NP after just 3 years? I am definitely looking at adult psych MSN programs in particular if that makes a difference. Thanks much in advance for your insights.