Dear Nurse Beth, Career decisions I worked for a FQHC Practice for 11yrs. 8yrs as a CMA, 3yrs as a RN. I obtained my ADN because I was functioning too similar to an office nurse and was responsible for training the nurses coming in, the only difference was the pay. I continued to worked in practice as a nurse due to tuition reimbursement requirements. I had no intentions on leaving but was laid off due to the financial crisis. I took a job as a nurse at a hospital based CAC. Went back to school, obtained my BSN. I love my current job, however I want to go for my FNP. I've applied to multiple schools and have been denied due to "no bedside experience." I have 3.8 GPA. I was accepted to two online schools but not sure if that's my learning style. I am wondering if going to the bedside would assist me professionally even though I plan to work in family practice. It seems as though I am not considered a nurse because I am not a floor nurse. Is it too late in my career to switch up? I haven't been at the bedside since clinicals 4yrs ago. Will not having that experience hinder potential employment opportunities after I graduate?

Dear Wants to Be FNP, What a great goal! You are wondering about eligibility for an FNP program, and and also future employment as an FNP. You're having trouble getting into an FNP program because you don't have enough hospital experience. There are many good FNP programs that are direct entry. What I don't know is if they accept RNs, but there are many NPs here on site who I'm sure do know. Have you tried that route? If you are eligible for direct entry, then I would not spend the next couple of years working as a bedside nurse if your goal is to be an FNP. My belief is you can be an outstanding FNP without RN bedside experience. Just my opinion. A future employer is most likely not going to scrutinize your resume to see how much bedside nursing practice you had before obtaining your FNP. I wouldn't spend the next 2 years in bedside nursing on the chance that a future employer will see you as less marketable if you don't have hospital bedside experience. Are you planning to practice in a primary setting? Either way, you will still have to decide whether you will attend an online program or not. There are some very knowledgeable APRNs here on site who I hope will share their insights with you. Here's the link to the APRN forum also the link to the student forum: Student FNP. There are some great folks over there with lots of tips for you.