JadenMN

I have the choice between a general medical unit or the ICU. I'm pondering which unit would be more beneficial if I want to be a FNP. Still thinking, thanks for the input!

Thank you so much for replying!

Is ICU and ED experience essential to becoming an NP? I only have 2 years of med/surg experience but I'm wondering if I should postpone starting the NP program for 1 year in ICU and 1 year in ED experience. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you!

Hi everyone, I'm planning on starting the FNP program in the fall and I was hoping for some input to a few questions. 1) Would current NP's recommend studying for the NP boards right away? For example start studying for boards during the first semester. If not, how have others studied for the FNP boards? 2) How many hours do you think is appropriate to work during the program? Full time? 30 hours a week? Less than 30 hours a week? 3) I'm nervous about being appropriately placed in clinicals. Anyone have any ideas about securing above average clinical instructors? Where to look, for example private clinics, university affiliated clinics, that kind of thing.

That's a good question. ICUman did you complete a MSN NP program online? If so, how was your experience? I have a few more questions about online NP programs if any online graduates would be so kind to answer. 1) Was it difficult to find your own clinical sites? 2) How were your mentors/clinical instructors? 3) What school did you choose? 4) Any downfalls about online education that may be different than conventional classroom setting? And vice versa. Thanks!

Thank you so much for the input!

Hi everyone, I'm hoping for help with questions I'm having about going back to school for my FNP. I thirst for the knowledge but at the same time I wonder if it'll be as satisfying, emotionally and financially. I've been back and forth about this for the last 2 years and the same questions keep pestering me. The following are questions I'm having a hard time with: 1) How hard are the programs? I remember studying 4-6 hours per day when I was going to nursing school. Are FNP programs like this or worse? I have to support a family of 4 so I still have to keep working. Any recommendations on the amount of hours I should limit myself to work per week? 2) I wonder if my current knowledge base is adequate to begin the program. My experience in nursing has been working on med/surg in a mid size hospital for 5 years. Any recommendations on taking courses before applying for the FNP program? 3) Union nurses make between $45-$50 dollars an hour after the first 10 years. Taking this into consideration, is it financially worth it to return to school? Based on my research, it'll take about 5 years to complete the DNP program (The financial argument includes dropping down from a 0.9 FTE to a 0.4 FTE) and approximately $100,000+ in student loans. 4) In your own experience has it been as satisfying as being a staff RN? I enjoy being at the bedside and watching patients get better and go home. 5) Any RN's ever became a FNP and then decide to return to floor nursing. If so, why? Any input would be much appreciated. Thank you!