RN to NP

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

I don't have a BSN. I don't even have an ADN as I was short by one class. Since I rolled that 1 class in I was told if I kept w/same Univ I would have an auto ASN (while working towards a BSN) after completing 1st class, however I'd rather not complete my BSN with them.

So my ultimate goal is FNP (with integrative/CAM focus). Looking at one of my school's that's local plus online, they have the RN-FNP but I'd need a BSN. I'm not sure if I can do a RN-MSN (with no focus) then get a post cert FNP. How do I research that?

Would it be a waste to do a MSN first, instead of finding a program that would go straight to FNP? I've been told it's a bigger waste to do the RN-BSN then the BSN-FNP when you know that you ultimately want FNP b/c you're taking on more classes w/the BSN than needed. I don't know if that's true. (My orig plan was to just complete a BSN somewhere then go on)

Lastly, what's a good time frame to start all of this? I graduated last summer, currently working, if I applied to "something" in the fall that would give me less than a year's experience. But if I have to piece this out, BSN or MSN first then that may be okay.

I just have no clue how to research this. I've finally only figured out what my ultimate focus is!

[ukstudent]

First you need to obtain a degree. Unless the University also gives out Associate degrees then I don't believe there is any auto ASN just because you have enough credit's but didn't graduate. I take it you are in Ca, as that is the only state that allows people to take the nclex without graduating from a nursing school with a degree, whether it be a diploma, ASN, BSN or MSN. Once you have a degree there are many on-line programes that take you to a FNP. If your University does give out associate degrees then I suggest getting that and then doing an RN-FNP program. Good luck in your studies now that you know what you want to do.

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

First you need to obtain a degree. Unless the University also gives out Associate degrees then I don't believe there is any auto ASN just because you have enough credit's but didn't graduate. I take it you are in Ca, as that is the only state that allows people to take the nclex without graduating from a nursing school with a degree, whether it be a diploma, ASN, BSN or MSN. Once you have a degree there are many on-line programes that take you to a FNP. If your University does give out associate degrees then I suggest getting that and then doing an RN-FNP program. Good luck in your studies now that you know what you want to do.

Hi, no I guess I didn't make myself clear. The only reason I would get an auto ASN from the one Univeristy is b/c I did all co-reqs with them while going thorugh nursing school, all except one. I rolled in my psych from my community college pre-reqs as it was literally a perfect A and I figured why mess with that! Otherwise I would have stuck it through taking the psych course through the University but I knew I couldn't do any better so it didn't really make sense just to be awarded the ADN and they said that "if" I take my BSN through them, then after only one class (3 credits) I would have an auto ASN.(still on the way for the BSN) At the time, I more or less thought I would continue on for my BSN with them, but my experience with them was sub par, so I'm looking elsewhere to continue on. The ASN would not apply to any other University that I'm considering.

I'm not in Ca. interesting that there is that perception. I'm in Pa. and graduated from a hospital based diploma program and we as well as all the other hospital based programs were able to sit for the NCLEX-RN. I thought most hospital based programs around the country were the same. I do not need my ADN to go on for a BSN. I am looking at RN-BSN programs and I'm surprised to learn that at least one of them, would give credit for my nursing part.

I think I may just do my BSN now, or rather next fall is when I'm looking at starting. And then see where I'm at, then I can figure out which MSN I want to focus on. In the last couple of days I'm not 100pct I should go the FNP or ANP route and may go the administrative MSN instead. So hopefully through time/experience I'll figure out the best course of action for me. Since it's clear to even me, I don't know what the heck I want now! I have ideas but that's about it.

Originally I thought (and was told) it's a complete waste to piece out the education of doing a seperate BSN degree and then going back for the MSN. Around here anyway, there was one program that had a RN-MSN with a bridge for the BSN so one was eligible even with the RN only. It eliminated many of the BSN courses that would have been done with a seperate BSN program and financially it seemed better in the long run, but they have pulled the program and are re-evaluting it, there is a plan to revamp it and bring it back, but they are not sure when.

Thank you for your thoughts.

[ukstudent]

Sorry, you didn't say you were a diploma grad. A diploma is a type of degree, at least in my book. In Ca, you can take the nclex without finishing any type of degree. Look at Tomas Edison State College, Slipper Rock. Both in Pa and can be done on-line. There is a great thread, very long, about rn-bsn on-line programs. It will give you several ideas on different programs that will give you college credit for all your nursing knowledge.

Would have loved to have had the opportunity to go though a diploma program. All the nurses that I have worked with that are diploma grads have been amazing nurses.

Good luck in finding a program that meets your needs.

[jlcole45]

A lot of programs have RN to MSN degrees. Just pick one and start! The longer you take to decide the longer it will take for you to finish. Figure out which one would work best for you and your life outside of work. I was an old RN diploma from a hospital based program, then got my BSN 10 years later, and now working on my FNP, I'm in my 22nd year of nursing. So as you can see its never too late.