I will be graduating as an RN next year, and at 51 years old with no retirement in place, I'm seriously considering NP. But, I need to work as soon as I graduate. Were any of you able to work while pursuing NP training?
Julius Seizure 1 Article; 2,282 Posts Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care. May 25, 2016 A lot of people go to school part time and work at the same time, but school will take longer. At this point, are you sure that it's worth it?
rninme 1,237 Posts May 25, 2016 I worked full-time through RN, BSN and MSN-FNP. Takes some creative scheduling and support of your workplace but it can be done!
rninme 1,237 Posts May 25, 2016 A lot of people go to school part time and work at the same time, but school will take longer. At this point, are you sure that it's worth it?I just finished an MSN-FNP at 55. Total of 5 years for BSN completion through MSN. Age is just a number
nursemel326 13 Posts Specializes in Family, Pediatrics. Has 13 years experience. May 25, 2016 I worked weekend-option while going to school full-time. Not working was not an option. I did clinical hours through the week and studied early morning/ late night. Just a word of caution that you may find some course work more difficult without having bedside experience, which may require more study time on your part.
Nurse2B in TN 6 Posts May 25, 2016 Had to chuckle when I read your post, but in reality its something I'm considering.
Editorial Team / Admin sirI, MSN, APRN, NP 18 Articles; 30,666 Posts Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB. May 25, 2016 Thread moved to Student NP forum.
allnurses Guide BostonFNP, APRN 3 Articles; 5,581 Posts Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine. Has 12 years experience. May 26, 2016 You have made a big investment, don't shortchange it. You first year in practice is very important and shouldn't (IMHO) be mixed with also trying to learn a completely different role.
BeachsideRN, ASN 1,722 Posts Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology. Has 9 years experience. May 26, 2016 You have made a big investment, don't shortchange it. You first year in practice is very important and shouldn't (IMHO) be mixed with also trying to learn a completely different role.I love this statement and is a concept I have been trying to get my mom to understand. Background - I'm finishing my ADN in December, already with 2 contingent job offers. I have a previous science bachelors and a masters of public health. My end goal originally was FNP and I was going to go straight through. But then I actually started nursing school and I "got" why everyone says you need to practice as a nurse before you can be an advanced practice nurse. This past weekend my mom was asking if I had started applying to FNP programs [emoji23] then I explained to her that I needed to get at least six months before considering starting (the program in interested in requires some non clinical courses that I may start after 6 months) but really at least a year to get my footing in nursing before trying to be an FNP. Additionally, I might end up divorced if I go back to school that quickly. Plus, I'm not really sure that I want to be a practitioner anymore. I have endless possibilities ahead of me
scoope23 126 Posts May 26, 2016 I love this statement and is a concept I have been trying to get my mom to understand. Background - I'm finishing my ADN in December, already with 2 contingent job offers. I have a previous science bachelors and a masters of public health. My end goal originally was FNP and I was going to go straight through. But then I actually started nursing school and I "got" why everyone says you need to practice as a nurse before you can be an advanced practice nurse. This past weekend my mom was asking if I had started applying to FNP programs [emoji23] then I explained to her that I needed to get at least six months before considering starting (the program in interested in requires some non clinical courses that I may start after 6 months) but really at least a year to get my footing in nursing before trying to be an FNP. Additionally, I might end up divorced if I go back to school that quickly. Plus, I'm not really sure that I want to be a practitioner anymore. I have endless possibilities ahead of meAre you interested in going back into public health? I did my MPH before nursing school too and you're right... Opportunities will certainly open up to you once you're done- no matter the direction you end up taking.
littlepeopleRNICU 476 Posts Specializes in NICU, telemetry. Has 7 years experience. May 26, 2016 I'm in school full-time and am going into my third semester. I've worked full-time the whole time so far, and that schooling includes clinical time.
BeachsideRN, ASN 1,722 Posts Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology. Has 9 years experience. Jun 1, 2016 Are you interested in going back into public health? I did my MPH before nursing school too and you're right... Opportunities will certainly open up to you once you're done- no matter the direction you end up taking.I'm not really sure! I have many open connections with previous employers and the pharma companies I worked with on trials. I'm sure the research bug will bite me again. But I really do want to work for at least a year bedside before jumping into another education program. Every single one of my professors keeps saying "the world is your oyster" once I graduate and get into nursing so I am very hopeful. God knows I need to catch a break. Mama gotta pay back that way too expensive MPH loans [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]
