Aurelia2012

Thanks! Some schools outright say it doesn't matter, but some don't.

Hi all (: I have a prior healthcare degree so I have much of my prereqs done but they will "expire" before I can apply to an MSN program.. does anyone know if state college/university is more favorable than classes from community colleges? I moved a lot in undergrad, so I attended many campuses. I learned a ton at the community college where I took APII and nutrition, and breezed through the state school where I took API and Micro. I would prefer to go back to the community college so I'll have a clue but I don't know if, on paper, this will hurt. Also, having previously worked as a nursing assistant and some surgical assisting, should I focus on non-healthcare-related volunteer work? Grateful for any suggestions!!!

Yes, lots of folks say don't settle. Here's the thing: As a kid if you are asked what you want to be you just say -- "an astronaut!" without any idea of what it takes to be one. Saying I want to be an MD now is like that, the job itself with school and residency long behind is a dream, but the sacrifices I would have to make during the reality of the training is not something I can do. You'd think I waltzed in here and said "I always wanted to be an astronaut but now I'm going to make miniature models of the solar system instead!" rather than seeking a similar profession with more overall flexibility. I mean hell, do medical schools offer a part time schedule? Thanks anyway, but I suppose I'll go lurk the NP threads to see if anyone gets these concerns. Have a great day, all (:

I have done much of the "grunt" work of nursing and would prefer the autonomy of an MD, but overall I do really enjoy direct patient care. I was thinking an NP program would be a much closer approximation to what I dreamed of doing but with somewhat less stress and less commitment to apprenticeship than 4 years and residency/specialty training. I got out of scrubbing because of the 70 hour work week ): When I think back to my physician shadowing experiences, I can only think going to med school would be a detriment to my family.

Hello everyone! I'm researching a second career and would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions this board can offer regarding NP programs without nursing experience!! I worked as a CNA for two years, an OR tech harvesting tissues for about 18 months, and earned my BS is in psychology with med prereqs (I intended to pursue an MD). Unexpectedly blessed with a family mid-way through, I got my LPC because it was very family friendly and have been working psych and oncology in this capacity for the last two years. I always thought I'd go back and get my MD but I can't find the flexibility I need before I've got an empty nest - but I'm also in my 30s so I'm looking to make a change in the next few years or earlier. I dismissed nursing until recently learning of this NP option because I wanted to move up, not start over... What are your career-change experiences of direct entry NP programs and their clinicals? What is the entry level work environment post grad? I know these answers will vary widely!! I just want to know if any who have done this have any hindsight to share Sorry if this is in the wrong place -___-