MedievalNurse

Just as an FYI, for Hollier, the review is the very same for adult-gero as family, the only difference is you can skip the women's and pediatric content.

I too will be starting the MSN-DNP program in January. I am not currently slated to add a new specialty, however, I am considering getting the acute care specialty along the way. I originally was going to start in the Fall and get the acute care specialty, but in Austin, there is a real problem getting clinical affiliations. I look forward to "seeing" you all in class!

The University of South Alabama allows you to add another specialty while obtaining your DNP, and it is an online program.

I currently have a position working for a clinic owned and operated by a physician where the demands for benzos/pain medication is rampant. I find it very frustrating on a daily basis to have to deal with the people who have become addicted to their benzos or their pain medication and just want refills. If you truly want help for your anxiety or your pain, and are open to trying various options in addition to or in lieu of controlled substances, I want to help you. If you need a short course of benzos for a particularly rough time in your life, cool, let's talk. If you come in to my office telling me you NEED Xanax because clonazepam makes you sick, I don't want to hear it. I am switching to a job where controlled substances are not an option. I have to say that it is one of the most attractive parts of the new job. I am ready to stop feeling like the gatekeeper of controlled substances, determining who is "worthy".

I have only been working as an FNP in a primary care setting for about a month and a half now, but I love it and even on my most stressful days, I wouldn't want to do anything else. I have a big variety, seeing anything from new work injuries to managing primary care for people with complex medical issues. We do everything from preventive health to DOT physicals (I haven't started those, but working on a class so I can take that exam). I don't make as much money as I could as an RN, I make 75K per year, but that will go up to 90K once all of my credentialing comes through (Medicaid, Medicare, etc), BUT I also don't lift heavy patients, I don't clean up body fluids, I take a few minutes break whenever I want, etc. The autonomy present, even working with a physician (I am in Texas) is so refreshing. My knowledge matters, I am respected, and I get paid to use my brain. I have friends who still work as bedside RNs and they enjoy that work. I think this is fabulous for them, and I am glad they are happy. I do miss the 3 twelve hour shifts and night shift since I am essentially a night person, but I do not miss the work. 13 years was enough, and I am thrilled to have this new challenge. I think what it ultimately comes down to is an individual choice. As I have seen it discussed in other threads on these boards, being a nurse practitioner doesn't always mean you are going to make more money than an RN, but it is a completely different profession, and it is like comparing apples and oranges. I am a new NP, I don't expect to be at the same point in that career as I was when I was a highly-skilled critical care nurse with many years of experience and two major certifications to my credit. Just as you will find those who don't make as much money (me) you will find those who make a lot of money. I don't think anyone should decide (or decide against) to become a nurse practitioner just for the potential bump in income. Evaluate what NPs do and be sure that is something you will enjoy. I get to spend a lot of time educating patients and encouraging them to make healthy choices, all in the hopes of keeping them out of the hospital. Good luck in your choice.

I think it is great to do an online program if that is what fits your needs. Personally, I finish my first master's degree with an FNP in 9 weeks, and I am transitioning directly into a DNP program where I am getting a post-master's in acute care along the way. All of my schoolwork s/p associate's degree has been online, and I wouldn't have done it any other way. I do not deny that it is not for everyone, but it certainly has its place. In terms of people speaking against online/for-profit programs, I believe the criticism is a bit too generalized. Each program has to be evaluated on its own merits and shortcomings. It is a bit naive to think that if a school is for profit it is somehow beneath a nonprofit school. Even state schools are very concerned about money, just ask any professor who has to juggle teaching with bringing in grants/funds. All of the schools I have/am attending are state schools, but I don't think that makes my program any better or worse than any other based solely upon that fact. I looked at reviews, how programs are run, and a lot of other factors. Good luck with your program.

To follow up my previous post today, the mail came and my acceptance letter was in the mail. Hopefully many others will hear today!

I just received my acceptance into a post-master's for acute care DNP program, hopefully many of you will hear today as well!

Hi all, I still have not gotten my mail today, nor my letter from USA, however, I did get an email that suggests I did get in addressed to newly admitted DNP students regarding the acceptance packet. So, I won't say that is a guarantee either way, obviously until we have the letter in our hot little hands there is no sure way to know, I will say, check the email address you provided to USA. Julie

I have applied for a post-master's DNP/new specialty for the fall and I am in Texas. I also know of a few colleagues attending USA who are here in Texas as well.

There are post master's for some specializations as you know, but for many specialties, it would just be a matter of being specialized based upon your experience. You could be an AGNP and specialize in nephrology for example, not because there is a special course or program, but if you worked for nephrologists and developed that as a special interest. Additionally, some programs such as the University of South Alabama offer some sub specialties, such as cardiovascular, palliative care, oncology, etc. These aren't official types of NPs but it gives you additional training in those areas. Hope that helps.

The campus orientation is done a few weeks before the semester you start clinicals. If you only have a BSN and not already a master's prepared nurse, you will not need to go to the campus orientation until next year, or possibly the year after depending on your program and schedule. Hope that helps.