rn experience before ACNP

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how many years of RN experience/ ICU experience do you recommend before returning to school? I want to go back for acute care np, and i've been working in the SICU for a year now.

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The recommended is 3-5 yrs for acute from what I have been told. I went TICU hoping to go CRNA, yet when I got hurt I changed my life and went psychRN which I am going for a masters in now and my experience there has only been a year.

There is a range in the spectrum I guess. I know a person who applied w/ six months experience and got into UCLA CRNA program and then I know people with 4-5 years experience that couldn't handle the school. Be truthful to yourself, ask your peers what they think your level of knowlege is, and in the end you might find the answer your looking for.

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Specializes in CCRN.

You may also want to look at the programs you are interested in. The program I am in requires 2 years of critical care experience.

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Some schools do not require any , although it's very, very rare. But at least one year full time would be best. Although, since ACNP is really a different job, (you're an NP and not a Nurse) I would say prior experience is important and helpful, but your success as an ACNP is not dependent on it.

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