is my school nurse experience sufficient for PNP-PC?

[juviasama]

Hello there,

I've just started my school nursing position, before this I turned down an opportunity to work in pediatric LTC and I might regret a little bit if it hurts my chance to be a competent PNP-PC. So far I enjoy being a school nurse. I love working in a community setting, and I have a strong interest in advancing my degree to PNP for primary care. I am planning to still work as a PNP in a community setting, especially in low income neighborhoods, if God's willing. Prior to the school nursing position, I mainly worked with adults and geriatric patients for 17 months and I am still doing PRN position as an RN, working in a daycare for kids with special needs, starting from infants to teenagers who are developmentally delayed.

I originally thought to pursue an FNP degree for flexibility in job searching because FNP can examine newborns to adults. However, being a school nurse makes me realize that I love working with kids and nothing is more rewarding than seeing kids growing up and involving family in their care. Hence, I am thinking to apply PNP instead of FNP.

However, I also wonder at the same time if my experience as a school nurse is sufficient to be a PNP- Primary Care? Thank you for responding ?

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

I don't have any way to give you feedback from experience, but if you look at your patient populations, they seem pretty similar to me. Kids in school are all sorts of well to sick and deal with everything from falls to colds to asthma exacerbations. I would think primary care deals with the exact same population (since kids are always leaving school for doctor's appointments). Good luck!

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

I would check the experience requirements of the programs you're interested in. Most programs will list the required experience you'll need before you apply.

Sounds like you found a niche that you love ?

[juviasama]

thank you for responding JBMmom, SopranoKris.

The program that I am aiming for doesn't list the required experience, just stating that 2 years experience as an RN is preferred. Sometimes I wish they were more specific, though!

I guess the reason I am starting this thread is because I've seen so many posts that emphasized on acute care experience, regardless of the specialty of NPs. On my free time, I love educating myself by learning the pathophysiology, the appropriate treatment, and the preventable factors for the diseases (I'm not a bright nurse, but I'm trying to do my best for the kids). But I don't think I can thrive in an acute care setting because I am easily stressed out.

Yes, I think you're right. I think I've found my niche ? Thank you!