RN wanting to to be a FNP

[curtRN]

I am about to graduate nursing school in like a week and in the end want to be a FNP. I'm only 25 and people are telling to wait and work for 3 years, preferably in the ICU. And then go to NP school. Is that helpful for me in the long run? I don't wanna stop because I'm in the "school mode" right now. I don't have any kids and I'm not married. Also the state or whoever is changing the degree to a doctorate degree to be a FNP by 2015 I hear. If I go now, I can make that deadline and hopefully be grandfathered in. Also what books or other things can I read to get a head start on the type of studying / work I will be doing? I loved NCLEX comprehensive review books and such, but what does a NP use? I'm the type that will study like I'm in the class a semester before it even starts. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

[nurseaig, ASN, BSN, MSN, NP]

Any info on SUNY Downstate FNP program?

[PrettyWingsFNP, BSN, MSN, RN, NP]

I am a relatively young RN, starting NP school, wait, I guess I am technically in NP school, as of three days ago :) I've been a nurse for 2 years, card/tele and clinic nursing. I can say that my hospital and clinic experience have been very valuable in many ways, 2 in particular.

1) General real life knowledge of what a sick person looks like....labs, vs, etc

2) I've learned that I do not like working in a hospital and that I like the clinic setting. I LOVE teaching and preventative and primary care. I DISCOVERED MY PASSION!!! I didn't know I wanted to be an FNP until I spent a year and a half working on a step-down unit that wouldn't even exist if these patients had quality, or any for that matter, PRIMARY CARE!

At age 24, and beginning my FNP education, I wouldn't have changed my path. However, if I had known what I know now, if I had known that I would love the FNP role, then I would have jumped straight into this program at 22, fresh out of nursing school, and took advantage of "school mode." Not to mention, I'd be studying for boards right now, or maybe even have passed them at this point, instead of beginning my program!!!!!

P.S. I work with an incredible FNP who went right from BSN to FNP school, never worked as an RN and whole-heartedly feels that her path was best for her!

[missvictoriat]

Pretty Wings RN,

What FNP program are you attending? I'm 24, have two years as a nurse too. And I'm beginning FNP school next week at Texas Woman's Univ in Denton. What classes will u be taking?

[anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP]

I graduated with my BSN May 2010 and started on my MSN in fall 2010. In my program you may start the classes without any RN experience but you cannot start the CLINICAL portion until you have about 2 years experience as an RN. Also in my area many are going back for their MSNs so the clinicals are a bit backed up. I am going part time and am scheduled to graduate from the FNP track in December 2014. This is the soonest I can graduate because of the backup. Also most of the classes are online which is nice :)

So I'd check with the institutions you're interested in to see if what exactly is required. I don't regret my decision at all because (like you) I know my ultimate goal is NP (either family or peds...but family can give you a leg up anywhere!). I may only be on my 3rd class out of the MSN requirements but hey...that's 3 less to do!

Good luck!

[jaznia15]

I am currently working on a med-surg floor many nurses avoid because its labeled as the hardest and busiest floor in the hospital. Our pt capacity is higher because we still have semi private rooms and we usually see the uninsured population so our pts are sometimes hard to deal with because they have a I don't care attitude. I was told at the interview that if I could work this floor I'd be able to work anywhere. I type all this to say I LOVE THE FLOOR, but as others have previously stated I'd like to do pt teaching before my pts become hospitalized. I graduated in May of this year, obtained my license in June. If accepted into the FNP program I'll have right at a year's experience as a nurse because classes start Summer 2012 in June. I just turned 22 In July and if I complete the 2 year program, I'll be 24 when I graduate. I plan on working throughout the program just on weekends only so I'll still have 3 years RN experience upon completing the program. I think going back before getting 2 to 5 years experience prior to the program is doable IF you are certain NP is the route you want to take.