correr82

Hey Guys! I do not intend to replicate any questions that have already been asked so please feel free to link me to other forums if my question has already been answered... I just finished up my accelerated BSN at a direct entry BSN/MSN program. This was my second career and I cannot wait to be an FNP! That said, I strongly value the RN experience and am hoping to work as an RN during the NP portion. I am hesitant to take time off all-together because I would feel that I am straying from my ultimate career goals. I like the idea of working as an RN because when I finish the NP I would have a solid 2 years of RN experience under my belt. I have been offered nights, 3 12s at a hospital and been promised to have the night before my classes off. The orientation schedule works out perfectly with my schooling. One other note is that I do not have kids. I know many people say they drop down to part time work when the clinical course load gets heavy but as a new grad, Im not sure I can ask for much more than Ive already been given until Ive been there at least one year. :) As for going part-time to school, my program has us enrolled at half-time (usually 6-8 credits for the entire program). Within the first year the most clinical hours I would do in one semester is 120. In the second year it gets heavy with clinicals at 360/semester (at which point I *think* I would have been at my job long enough to cut back). I also learned that part-time at my school is taking entire semesters off rather than taking fewer credit hours because of when classes are offered. Im wondering, is it truly feasible to work full time and go to school? I am a motivated worker and OK with the idea of not having the strongest social life for a temporary period of time. I do expect it to be hard, but is it truly impossible/miserable? * Please note, I posted a separate thread on this because as a NEW nurse, I didn't think I would have the flexibility that those who had been working as RNs for years have at their jobs. I am interested in hearing any and all personal experience regarding working and FNP school!

Hi, As you all know many of us will need to turn to private loans during the ETP year, since we do not qualify for grad plus. I was curious what people are looking at for options? Columbia also provides this website: http://sfs.columbia.edu/files/sfs/content/2013-2014_ug-pvt-domestic.pdf.

Bummer, thank you for letting me know that's normal. :) ** I see the few posts above where that is already discussed**

Did anyone do their first FASFA as a graduate before going back to edit? My direct Stafford loan estimate was cut in half when changing it to 5th year's bachelors. Is that to be expected?

Maybe they are deliberating final decisions!

I actually should have mentioned that I feel that I have some time on my side (26 this year) but I do view this as a second career and am eager to get started. I agree with you both about taking private loans - I am hoping to take out as little as possible. @CNMhopeful - were you admitted already to a regular accelerated nursing program? In my mind to do the longer route, you would have to apply this year, wait until next year to start, take a few years off to work, and then apply for NP?

@ ariahealingarts, I am totally with you. Also consider hidden expenses such as the salary differential you will be making after you graduate from a 2.5 year program versus the longer route. Since you will likely be making a much higher salary after grad school than before, this is an advantage of paying the high price tag up front.

So the rumor is that we will hear today? *Fingers crossed*

Well that's a relief that the 100,000 estimate INCLUDES cost of living. Someone from last years forum wrote: As for Columbia being "worth it." Education from Columbia is what you make of it. Something that I've said to a lot of people, is how Columbia is like having the best damn Toolbox money can buy... it all just depends on how you use it. Obviously it is a personal decision, but I appreciated this perspective.

Hi Everyone I have been following the forum but not very active so far. Congrats to everyone admitted to the ETP program!! What an exciting accomplishment. Thank you all so much for bringing up the financial aspect, it is incredibly intimidating!! I was wondering if the estimated 27,000 for the first year in additional expenses were additional school expenses alone. I can't imagine that also included anything with regards to living expenses in NYC? @ ariahealingarts *manifesting abundance*

I'm in for FNP!! l would love to connect to the other FNP students !!! Congrats everyone!!!!!! And yes, I LOVED the confetti.

Hi Everyone, I have been looking around this blog for a while and have yet to clarify my question...please point me in the right direction if there is already a blog on this. I am interested in case management and working with patients in longer term care (i.e. oncology) and do not want to limit myself to the primary care office. Overall I am interested in a lower acuity role so I thought the FNP would be the best specialty for me since its the most general, but I keep reading that the ACNPs are preferred in the hospital setting. Could someone let me know what the best degree might be for this? I am not an RN, but have been in the healthcare field for a while and am applying to grad school to be an NP. I am most interested in the holistic aspect of nursing, mind-body medicine (like MGHs program), developing a relationship with the patient, and the idea of integrative/interdisciplinary care. Since I havent done clinicals, I find it hard to choose a specialty. Some schools let you choose after but other schools I have to decide up front. At this point I know I do not see myself in any of the ICUs/ED (maybe this will change since the cardio system is so cool!).Ive also been told by some nurses that FNPs are not always as respected as a more specialized path (jack of all trades, master in none). I tend to see a big picture and so am generally less drawn to specialties. Also, my professional experience is in managing various public health pediatric programs (primary & emergency care/injury prevention) so I wasnt sure how it would look to the schools if I am applying for all adult certs. At this point I think FNP is the best for me but I have limited knowledge as to the actual scope of work outside of primary care settings, such as their role in case management (if its even an option). Thanks for the input!!