Rumor has it with FNP's...

[knurse10]

I made the decision to go back to school to become a family nurse practitioner six months ago. I have always believed in advancing my career and education so that I can make a difference and lasting impact in the nursing profession. I had two other more practical reasons to continue my education as well: job security and salary.

Every time I share that I am getting my MSN, I get very mixed responses from people with most of them being negative. It has made me seriously question whether or not to continue my education. I wanted to share some of these responses to see whether or not they are fact based or rumors. Any response would be much appreciated.

1. Hospitals don't hire FNP's and are phasing them out.

2. No one respects the practice and NP's are not taken seriously by other healthcare providers.

3. You cannot continue with bedside nursing as an FNP.

4. There are no jobs for NP'S

5. Nursing Management positions prefer a BSN, not an MSN.

6. Earning potential is the same for an experienced RN with BSN and an FNP.

7. Why would you want to pretend to be a doctor?

8. Oh you're going to one of those online schools...

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Are you discussing this with physicians?? LOL. You have apparently received a lot of opinions, but they don't reflect the reality in my part of the country.

NPs are certainly working 'at the bedside'. Hospitals are definitely hiring NPs... but not inexperienced ones. The positions are being used to provide 'hospitalist' type services and support in community hospitals because they have been shown to improve quality measures and reduce re-admissions. As everyone moves deeper into population health models, I believe that NPs will be a very important part of the acute care model.

If your career goal is a job in nursing management/administration... NP is not really the correct pathway. I do know some very talented nurse leaders who are also NPs, but they obtained those degrees AFTER they were already employed in nursing admin jobs. An NP education does NOT prepare you for an admin role. However, moving ahead in admin is a step-wise progression usually beginning with charge nurse --> unit manager --> service line manager, etc. An MSN is necessary but not sufficient... you'll also have to gain experience to move ahead. You'll need to accumulate some clinical nursing expertise in order to move into entry-level management positions. This will require a minimum of BSN, simply because most organizations have this requirement.

As far as the 'online' route... There's nothing wrong with distance education for some didactic courses. But (you knew it was coming, right?) a 100% online 'degree' is not going to prepare you adequately for any advanced role. You'll be much better off with some sort of structured residence requirement. A practicum not only enables you to practice applying what you've learned, but it also opens the door to networking opportunities.

I would also encourage you to obtain your MSN from a well-respected, traditional (NOT commercial, investor-owned) school. Most offer distance (on line) options for classwork. All your hard work should result in a degree that will enhance your CV rather than be perceived as a 'quickie' low-effort / high cost diploma mill.