Ariel_89

Hello, I have about three years of Med Surg experience and I wanted advice for the FNP program. My two options are going for a masters in FNP, or going for doctorates in FNP. They are different schools. Both of these programs offer full and part time classes. I would like to know pros and cons for each and why you chose that route. As for me, here is my dilemma. I live in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. MSN: Pros for school: I would finish school faster than if I did the DNP. I would get accepted to the program sooner. The program is made for working adults. Cons: I would have to pay a little bit more. (They do offer tuition reimbursement if I choose to work for them.) The school isn't well known. DNP: Pros: I would have my DNP. I wouldn't have to pay anything for school as long as I have a strong GPA. The school is one of the top in the nation. Cons: Schooling is so long!! The school is very hard to get into and requires a lot of essays and letters of recommendations. Even if I apply theres a chance I might wait an extra year before getting into the program. Other questions: Is it true that they will not allow Nurse Practitioners without their Doctorates? If so, when is that happening?

Its been my dream to work with children or babies like labor and delivery. However, I did the mistake many people make and took the first job available. To me, it ended up being a super busy med surg unit. I am not happy here. Heres why: The CNA are horrible on my unit. It seems crazy how much a difference a good CNA makes. The CNA are not helpful. In fact, I had nurses float from other units tell me how much the CNA suck. Ex: I have an admission and the CNA never send in an admission kit (towels, soap, deoderant, etc.) Then the patient is yelling because he has no soap or toothbrush. Other nurses are complaining to me too, saying similar things. I feel like I am doing double to work sometimes!!! I can't even remember the last time I had a break. Too many patient to nurse ratio: Its overwhelming. Its crazy how they expect us to be able to chart and pass out meds, track acute changes, monitor labs, change wound dressing, admission, discharges, and keep on top of customer satisfaction. We have a limit; at least supposed to of nurse to patient ratio on our unit, and sometimes they try to give us on top of that limit. I even talked to the nurse supervisor and she said, "eh, sorry but nothing I can do. You can't refuse patients." I am still a new grad (5 months on my own), and this seriously put people at risk. And if something were to happen, they aren't going to blame the anyone but me. My question ultimately is: Is is like this everywhere else? Im considering anything now. ICU, labor and delivery, pediatrics, or should I try to stick out the full year. I don't want my resume to look like Ive been job hopping.