RN with Non-Nursing BA

[sdesho]

Hello, I have a question concerning continuing education for RNs with a Bachelors degree in a Non-Nursing field. I am set to graduate with my ASN in a few months and I have a BA in Healthcare Management. I am looking for a program that would take me straight through to BSN and then FNP.

I see that PACE has a Bridge program similar to what I'm looking for but many forums speak negatively about their experience there, and I've already had a less than desirable interaction with their admissions counselors. So I'm looking for other schools in NY and neighboring states.

If anyone is or has been in a similar situation, I am open to all ideas. My goal is really to complete my FNP as soon as possible but also to find a great school that will prepare me with all the tools I need.

Thank you,

SD

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

There are lots of ABSN programs. You really need nursing experience to be a good FNP. I am sorry I do not know anything about the NY programs

[PMHNPonTheMaking]

I'm in a ASN program and will graduate next year.In the state of Massachusetts , Boston College has a RN-MSN,NP bridge which requires you to take 11 credits, Regis College in MA also has a bridge program of RN-MSN with an extra 12 credits and Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions MGH IHP also has a bridge programs.You will just have to take an extra semester to take those courses such as Community Nursing, Evidence Practice and Health Assessment.

Let me know what you decide to do. I live in MA so I'm only familiar to programs in my area.

Or by the way Rivier University in NH also has a bridge program and special requirements if you have a non nursing Bachelor.

I was asking a FNP at my job for a letter of recommendation and he told me I needed to have my license and 5 yrs of experience, I told him right away "you look like the type of person who has a program with all those new grads of direct entry NP programs" .

We all have to admit it's a different role. I get the part that they all say if you want to be a FNP you need a good grip of med surg but I always tell them: "Listen i want to be a PMHNP, I have been an LPN for 4yrs, working in an inpatient psych hospital , what else do you want me to experience to have that good grip of knowledge and critical thinking?" Just because I took a long time to go for my RN doesn't mean I'm not well prepared to challenge the NP program & role.

Good luck to you and keep me posted :)

[_zoubisoubisou_]

Frontier nursing university has a ADN-FNP bridge program. I believe it is online, with the exception of 2 brief on campus visits.

Alternatively, you can go the ABSN route and get your BSN. Then work for a little while as a BSN nurse, or go straight through to MSN.

I was one of those people who wanted some experience under my belt. I'm glad I worked as a floor nurse, but with the ratios, crappy pay, and treatment of nurses, it's no wonder newbies are wanting to go straight through. I don't blame them one bit.