Blurr156

Thank you traumRUs for the kind comments. I agree about the broader and deeper aspects of a nursing education. Some medic programs (like mine, also depends on instructor) teach some pretty detailed stuff regarding A&P, Patho, etc. Plus, I tend to me a bit of an academic when it comes to this stuff so I try to read alot. Regardless, as you said, I think I will be ready regardless of the route I pursue. I think a big aspect of any type of medical training is being comfortable in a patient care environment in the first place. For people who have no healthcare experience at all to take an advanced program I think definitely has its' own challenges. Thank you again for the comments. And yes, "staying safe" is always at the top of my list...

I have to jump back into this thread because it has been very informative and interesting, even though my original post unfortunately won't be applicable to me anymore. Regarding Columbia, yes, you can go straight through the program (it was the program I was looking into). A large part of the focus of this thread seems to be looking at RN experience vs no healthcare experience at all. There was a brief discussion about what I had asked about, but I haven't seen much since. Having worked as a paramedic for 20 years, I would like to think that would give me a pretty respectable foundation in terms of patient assessment and care. I certainly do not claim that this is nursing (RN) experience, but skills regarding pt. assessment, tx, hx taking, etc. are all a part of my job and certainly requisite skills to become an NP. I respect the nursing profession and understand why some nurses feel that RN experience should be mandatory to enter an NP program. It is similar to my belief that one should have experience as an EMT before attending paramedic school. However, although I believe that is the better path to follow to become a paramedic, I would be hard pressed to prove it is a necessary requirement. Interesting stuff being discussed here. I have learned alot following this thread.

Wow!!! Little did I know I was going to be starting such an active thread!!! I just got caught up on all the comments going on since my last post. Great discourse taking place. My thanks to all for their comments whether directly related to my original post or not. An update on my latest "school" plan, it appears that I won't be able to attend the program I was interested in next year because I haven't taken the GRE yet (and it is required for when you apply). Because of this, I might be redirecting my goal towards PA which I can still apply for next year. I am eager to move up in healthcare (along with the additional responsibilities, lawsuits be damned!! ). I again wish to thank everyone here for their comments and hope they continue to help others like myself. I will end this with one question for people here. I often hear about the "nursing" model vs. the "medical" model. Can someone explain in more detail what exactly that means? I think I have a rough idea, but I'm curious from what people here believe it means. Thanks and best to all whatever your endeavors!!!

Wow!! Great dialogue going on here. Thanks to all for the comments. A special thank you to nurseangel47 for your positive comments about the paramedic field. Although we do have our interesting moments in the field, it's not always "Rescue 911", believe me. You would be amazed at the minimal things that people will call 911. Anyway, I give a hearty kudos to all those in the healthcare field. Between cost containment and staffing issues, it has been a challenge which affects all of us. On a bit of a down note though, I just found out that I won't be eligible to apply to the program I wanted. It turns out that although you can still have a couple of outstanding prereqs. when you apply, you must have already taken the GRE and I haven't done that. I only came across this program last week. Ah well, more plans to work on. Thanks again to all. Best to all on your educational and career goals. And of course, happy holidays!!!

What I think might be an even better option (cost wise that is...) is getting my Assoc. in Nursing through Excelsior's online program. It seems to be very convenient for those who work. Once I have that I can start working as a nurse and then apply for a master's program. Hmmm, sounds like a plan. Thanks for your help.

One program near me (Columbia University) has what they call an ETP (Entry to Practice) combined BS/MS program. The first year is full time to satisfy the BSN portion. The rest of the program is for the MS(NP) which may be done part time or full time. I was thinking of maybe going through this program and after finishing the BS part (hopefully) then working as an RN and continuing part-time with the rest. Lots to think about, but I'm eager to move on from where I have been for a long time. Thanks again.

Thank you augigi and traumaRUs for your feedback. I am a little surprised that people who graduate from NP programs (and hadn't worked as RN's) would have to take an RN position first and work for some time before being able to get an NP position. Why have these programs in the first place? It is misleading thinking that one can finish this program and start working as an NP. If my friend hadn't put that question in my head (and with the feedback here) I think I would have been in for a real shock after having worked so hard for those years only to find out I would be starting in an RN position. If this is the case then I will have to rethink my game plan and maybe see about an accelerated BSN or I've heard good things about Excelsior's online program. Thanks again for your help.

Hello to all!!! I have worked as a parmamedic for 20 years, have a B.A. in Economics, and I wanted to advance my career in healthcare. I was originally looking to pursue the PA route, but for certain practical reasons (including my union not helping to pay for it) I have been looking at other options, nursing/NP. I was very excited to learn of a school near me that has a combined BSN/NP program for people with non-nursing bachelor degrees. I was about to start looking deeper into this program when a good friend of mine who is a member of an interview committee at a nearby hospital told me that I shouldn't do the program because I would have trouble getting a job. The reason stated was because I wouldn't have been seen as having "paid my dues" as a nurse first. Is this true? I could understand why someone might feel that way about someone who went through this type of program never having worked in healthcare before. However, I like to think that to a certain degree I've paid my dues (I know it isn't nursing, but from a time in healthcare perspective). My friend did say that I might be considered an exception to that rule. The program is at a VERY well known school and I was told by my friend even then it wouldn't matter. I was wondering what people here thought regarding this topic. Thank you for any guidance you can provide.