RRT to NP.. Need advice

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Hi everybody. I have a bachelors in cardiopulmonary science and have been an RRT for 7 years working in critical care. My goal was to go to PA school, but my wife at the time got pregnant and the flexibility of PA programs wouldn't suit my life. I am a single dad so I need to be ability to work so PA was out of the question and I didn't want to put it off until my daughter got older.

I started thinking about becoming an NP. Ive been researching programs and am looking for the most seamless, fastest route with a quality education. Ive read about direct masters programs that have NP and nursing tied into one, but none in my area I have found. I also considered taking an accelerated BSN program (1 -1.5 years) and then applying to NP school.

Online options are a must. I am aware that I will be on campus and in clinical weekly, but as long as I can maintain my current job to pay bills, it would be fine.

What are your suggestions? What advice can you give me to steer me in the right direction. I am unable to relocate and live in the Orlando area.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I would recommend an accelerated BSN and then apply for NP school after that. Lots of those are online for the academic component.

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Specializes in Maternal-Child, Women's Health.

Ask questions of the accelerated program before making a decision. Most do not encourage you to work during the program, and you mentioned the need to work.

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A few of my friends worked while in the accelerated program so I'm not concerned about that aspect. Even if I can work 2 days a week I'd be ok!

Another thing I worry about is being accepted into a program with no experience as an RN since I would want to go right into the NP program.

Even though I have lots of experience as an RT I'm afraid I wouldn't be as appealing as a candidate with even a little nursing experience.

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

Another thing I worry about is being accepted into a program with no experience as an RN since I would want to go right into the NP program.

Even though I have lots of experience as an RT I'm afraid I wouldn't be as appealing as a candidate with even a little nursing experience.

There are plenty of decent NP programs which allow direct admissions (it is another question if that is desirable, but that's where things are staying right now).

Try to get into accelerated BSN program in the same school which has NP program of your choice and do whatever it might take to keep your GPA close to 4.0. Staff can either teach in both programs or know each other, so your reputation as high academic achiever will get known, and that will help.

"All-including" direct pre-licensure RN to MSN/DNP programs are even smoother to go through, but they take way more time (4 to 7 years) and WAY more $$$$.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Are you sure you don't want to get a Master's Degree in Repiratory Care (or whatever the appropriate degree is called)? You may find it much easier and cheaper to build on what you already have rather than try to switch to a totally different career and have to start at the bottom.

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.
Are you sure you don't want to get a Master's Degree in Repiratory Care (or whatever the appropriate degree is called)? You may find it much easier and cheaper to build on what you already have rather than try to switch to a totally different career and have to start at the bottom.

Master's in Respiratory Care, with "leadership" or not, applies minimal, if any at all, widening of the scope of practice when it comes to bedside care. Graduates with this degree can teach, or probably go to academia/research, but not much more. So, unless one wants to go to very narrow profile education/research, it hardly worths the time and money.

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I am trying to get out of respiratory. Although I have a lot of autonomy at the trauma center I work, I feel I am stuck in a career that has no other branches. No room for higher pay either. If I could go back I would definitely have chosen rn due to the limitless options.

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Specializes in i'm an RRT of 16yrs in the mix of RN2NNP school.

Hey hey....So I am new to the site and came by your post. Wanted to check in with you and see how far you have come!!! I am in the throws of figuring out the best process of reaching my goal!?!?

I have been an RRT for 16yrs and am just DONE! Lol. I want so much more from my career soooo, I finally have a plan!! RT to BSN to NNP then as I am working as an NNP my ultimate goal is to obtain my PhD.

ANY AND ALL ADVICE, RECOMMENDATIONS, ASSISTANCE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECICATED!!!!

Hope uve succeed in achieving your goal!!! ?

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On 8/22/2017 at 4:02 PM, RRTflorida2 said:

I am trying to get out of respiratory. Although I have a lot of autonomy at the trauma center I work, I feel I am stuck in a career that has no other branches. No room for higher pay either. If I could go back I would definitely have chosen rn due to the limitless options.

Hi RRTflorida,

Been a nurse since HS. Thought I’d chime in since I’ve had your same feelings about being a nurse as you have about being an RRT. I’ve been faculty in both ASN and BSN programs and I always get students who are transitioning careers. I’ve had beauticians, firemen, EMTs, a Doula, a PTA to name a few. Personally, in my opinion is that having many options in nursing is the “gift and the curse!” If I were you, with that experience, I’d either be a CRNA or save money so you won’t have to work during PA school. If you do CRNA, you will only need a bsn and you can do an accelerated program since you have a Bachelors. Because of your background you’d do good in a trauma ICU in a tertiary hospital. On to CRNA school and way more money than a NP would award you. IMO.

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