RN to BSN to MSN-FNP or RN to MSN-FNP?

newFNP2015 · Jan 23, 2014

As I am a student FNP at this point, I can't say for being out in the real world and practicing as an FNP. However, I feel that it would be difficult to begin working as a bedside RN and NP at the same time. Many people continue their RN jobs PRN to supplement income, etc., but those are people who have already learned the ropes at the bedside. The scopes of practice are very different as well as the role in general. The information you learn as an RN is a great foundation for NP practice, but the role is very different. For me, that would be an overwhelming to experience all at once.

In addition, I feel that it might be a disservice to you to obtain an MSN, be able to practice as an NP, but choose only to get experience as a bedside RN by choice. Just as with ADN or BSN, the most general knowledge you have is right after your graduate and then you focus on what is applicable to your practice. I think that intentionally waiting to practice as an NP until you obtain more RN experience might be losing that broad-scope knowledge opportunity.

That being said, I think with your education experience, you would likely not have many issues going straight for the MSN. As you likely already know, masters level courses are a bit different than prior degrees and this would benefit you. The decision is really up to you on what you want your experience to be. I was a 2nd degree BSN (BS in another field with a few masters level courses thrown in) who chose to work for 2 years before applying for my MSN and I will never regret that decision because the knowledge was valuable and the money has kept me from taking out loans yet (with 2 semesters left to pay for!).

allnurses Guide · Jan 23, 2014

Remember once you graduate and you take your NP boards, you have to accumulate enough practice hours in five years to maintain your certification (and ultimately, your APRN license). This makes it difficult to finish your NP then go work as an RN for several years. Additionally, employer would be weary of hiring a novice NP that was several years out of school with no practice experience.

Jcat117 · Jan 23, 2014

Thanks, BostonFNP. Do you think it's possible to work part-time as an FNP while working full-time as a floor nurse to meet these hours within the five years? What actually got my interest was seeing the clinic at my church. They had a part-time FNP that was working there. I thought how great that would be to have your cake and eat it too :) Just wondering if it's realistic...

allnurses Guide · Jan 23, 2014

Thanks BostonFNP. Do you think it's possible to work part-time as an FNP while working full-time as a floor nurse to meet these hours within the five years? What actually got my interest was seeing the clinic at my church. They had a part-time FNP that was working there. I thought how great that would be to have your cake and eat it too :) Just wondering if it's realistic...[/quote']
You need 1,000 practice hours in 5 years to renew, so it is quite possible to work as an NP part-time. Most NPs, once trained in the APRN role, want to work in that role as it is much different from the RN role (as well as increased $$$). I do have several colleagues that work as RNs on a per diem basis though. You just need to find a employer that is willing to hire you in the RN role when you hold an APRN license.

Jcat117 · Jan 25, 2014

As I am a student FNP at this point, I can't say for being out in the real world and practicing as an FNP. However, I feel that it would be difficult to begin working as a bedside RN and NP at the same time. Many people continue their RN jobs PRN to supplement income, etc., but those are people who have already learned the ropes at the bedside. The scopes of practice are very different as well as the role in general. The information you learn as an RN is a great foundation for NP practice, but the role is very different. For me, that would be an overwhelming to experience all at once.
In addition, I feel that it might be a disservice to you to obtain an MSN, be able to practice as an NP, but choose only to get experience as a bedside RN by choice. Just as with ADN or BSN, the most general knowledge you have is right after your graduate and then you focus on what is applicable to your practice. I think that intentionally waiting to practice as an NP until you obtain more RN experience might be losing that broad-scope knowledge opportunity.
That being said, I think with your education experience, you would likely not have many issues going straight for the MSN. As you likely already know, masters level courses are a bit different than prior degrees and this would benefit you. The decision is really up to you on what you want your experience to be. I was a 2nd degree BSN (BS in another field with a few masters level courses thrown in) who chose to work for 2 years before applying for my MSN and I will never regret that decision because the knowledge was valuable and the money has kept me from taking out loans yet (with 2 semesters left to pay for!).

Thank you, Back2schoolmurse! I must have missed your reply originally looking from my phone first time around. It's really nice to hear about your personal experience with being a bedside RN and waiting to go to NP school. My only concern is that I'm not going to go back once I stop or if I get the BSN. I think once I get the BSN, it'll be tough to want to continue considering I've already been in school for so long.

Thank you again, and congratulations on almost being done with NP school!

Jesse

Jcat117 · Jan 25, 2014

You need 1,000 practice hours in 5 years to renew, so it is quite possible to work as an NP part-time. Most NPs, once trained in the APRN role, want to work in that role as it is much different from the RN role (as well as increased $$$). I do have several colleagues that work as RNs on a per diem basis though. You just need to find a employer that is willing to hire you in the RN role when you hold an APRN license.

That makes sense! All of this information is very helpful, and I feel it will help me make an informed decision at the end. Luckily, I have a little more time, but I'm also planning ahead to lay a foundation. The other part that I know has to be considered is finding a job after ADN school, period, with what I'm hearing about difficulty finding a job. I'm not sure if it's worse in California, but I'm gathering that it's across the board as far as new grads.

Thank you again!

Jesse