Cwoods

Are you in the Clinical NPs for Change fb group Jules?

Another perspective - I am finishing a dual FNP/ACNP program in 90 days...yes I am so stoked... I am a former ICU nurse and, like the other posters, couldn't allow myself the restriction to a PCP office. I also wanted the freedom to work in the ED/Urgent Care settings. ACNP only wouldn't allow me this opportunity. I ultimately didn't chose either one. I chose both. I can work in an ICU, ED, or outpatient setting. There are programs all over the country that have this option. I would caution you though, it has been a very tough time getting through the dual program. I'm thankful to be at the finish line. I just wanted to give you another option, if you want to have both certs, get them while you are going back. Good luck!

Bless your heart. You do too much reading on forums! Get out! Talk to some people. Shadow a nurse first, then a nurse practitioner before you make some crazy wild generalizations. I'm glad you are attempting to get some advice, but, seriously, this is an internet forum.... I can't leave you hanging though. These forums are quickly succumbing to facebook groups. You should attempt this conversation there. Here's another student's perspective on these things. I'll graduate with a dual MSN degree this spring (FNP/ACNP) NPs Pros: -According to some studies can provide better outcomes - This is the very first link on Google --> http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/documents/nursingoap/files/Quality%20of%20Primary%20Care%20Advanced%20Practice%20Nurses.pdf -More holistic - Sometimes. That concept is in the nursing curriculum. -Lower admission requirements - Can't speak to med school requirements. NP schools can vary. -Less time required - depends if you do direct entry vs bedside experience, if you count that as "time" -Very high pay (80 000 - 120 000) - way too low on the top number - I've got an offer straight out of school for 150k -Easier to switch specialties - maybe, haven't done it -Can work part-time while in NP school - or full time and do part-time school. -Less debt (I'm getting a scholarship currently so this for either professions won't be too bad/ no accumulated debt) - Possibly; however, if you've got the pedigree to have no debt, why is this a "pro" for you? -May dominate certain sectors of healthcare (Primary care?) - Possibly Cons: -Higher barriers in certain specialties: internal med adult/peds, surgery, rads onc, rads, etc. -It's all in who you know and how well you do. Specialties aren't that difficult to get into. -Limited scope of practice (How extensive these limits are is a mystery to me) - -less pay than physicians - Specialties, yes. Primary care...not so much. -Either non-existant to severe lack in clinical knowledge (Again, conflicting opinions)- BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH "non-existant." keep trolling bro. -Less leadership roles than physicians - Nope -Usely don't take on complex cases (Is this one true?) - depends on the situation. I'm in rural Appalachia. There are no specialists here. Next endocrine appt is 4 months away, et al. Yes, we do have to "take on complex patients." -Very inconsistent educational standards - agreed. I hope this helps. Pardon my sarcasm, it comes from a pure heart. I hope some NPs will chime in on this.

There are folks out there that do exactly what you described and make a killing doing it. I interviewed one in the ED/UC setting but has negotiated this structure in the CC setting. It's on podcast or here's a link to the episode npmoneyshow.podbean.com

You will not be able to dx BV from outside the room....but your staff will

As "the experts," NPs are expected to have opinions about all things r/t health. What's your opinion on Crossfit? Would you recommend your patients take part in it? Do you do it? Is it safe? Most Physical Therapists that I know are anti-crossfit. Most sports med guys that I know are anti-crossfit; however, I have a hard time being against it when I've seen some good things come out of the program. What do yall think?

No, mam, it isn't. @Twozer0, I agree! but you said "with (Insert argument for direct entry programs, probably by some in this thread)

Well...since this thread has gone down the toilet, shibaowner really strikes me as the kind of person that doesn't allow their food to touch on their plate. Or NEVER color outside the lines. This, however, is strickly anectodtal, no evidence. haha

If you want an anecdotal argument for the declination of nursing education, have a look at some of the different forums that have actual, certified nurse practitioners. Please, have a look at the spelling and grammar. Please note, I'm not talking about those that are joking or having a good time. I am talking about the nurse practitioners that struggle with some of the basics of the English language. I'm not saying we need to be posting in freaking APA format...but seriously....

First, didn't you have some weird stick figure thing as your picture? What happened to that!? Full disclosure, I'm still in school and I'll start hospitalist clinicals this month; however, I have been a nurse at a CA hospital for my entire carreer.With that, I'll take a stab at this. As I'm sure you are aware, resources are minimal. At my hosptial, there are minimal to no specialty docs. We have OB, Ortho, Urology, ENT (sometimes). That's about it. There is no consulting so it leaves the providers exposed. That can be good and bad. I've had some stellar IM docs that work codes better than EM...but there are some other ones that...well... you get it. The nurses can be the same way. I assume that it's that way in every facility; however, in a CA facility, it is just you. Be sharp and sure of yourself. There is only 1 provider at a time for the most part. That being said, the community is small and everyone will know you very quickly. I personally enjoy that part of it. I'll have a little more insight after this year. I know this isn't any new information but I thought I'd get the thread started. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Just curious, what makes you want to pursue nursing?

In full disclosure, I am still in school in a FNP/ACNP program; however, I thought I might add my 2 cents. I have been able to work full-time. My program is a B&M program. I have taken a couple of online classes, but they were fluff and were not clinical in nature, i.e. theory, health promotion. With that said, I'm starting clinicals in the summer. There is no way on earth I could work full-time and keep up with the clinical and classroom demands of the program. My program is academically strenuous and if I treated it like undergrad, particularly RN-BSN (what a joke), I would get buried by my professors. I realize people have obligations that keep them from quitting work while in school, but it's imperative to realize the gravity of the position we are seeking. Being a nurse practitioner is a high calling. Treat it as such.

*Update* I wanted to Thank all of you who have responded. It appears as though it would be three additional semesters for me to obtain a DNP. At this point, I am not willing to spend that extra time in school. After considering all of the additional classes, I just don't see the clinical value in them. Again, thank you all for the input! I'm just ready "get my feet wet." I have no doubts that I will go back for a terminal degree, but at this point, I am just ready to get into practice! I appreciate all of you!

Almost as if on queue, the professors of my MSN FNP/AG-ACNP program are pushing for DNP. I understand the push for terminal degrees. It looks good on paper, woo hoos, hugs, and high fives. But realistically, it will be *at least* 2 more semesters for me. Should I delay graduation and providing for my family for another year? It seems like 10 years down the road I would be thankful for getting a terminal degree (i guess?), but the short-term seems pretty terrible. I realize there will always be an opportunity to go back to obtain the DNP, but would it be wise to just get it while my hand is on the plow? My question for actual, practicing NPs - 1. Are you glad you got your DNP? Why? 2. Are you glad you didn't get your DNP? Why? 3. Does it really matter?! Why? Sirl and Trauma, please leave this in this group! I want to hear from licensed NPs, not from MSN/DNP students. Thanks!

I needed some satire this morning. Well done!