School Nurse to FNP?? Silly Idea or No?

[uthscsa2011]

Hello fellow nursing professionals. I wanted to gather some opinions of a school nurse getting her FNP? If this nurse started her career in School Nursing (no bedside experience) would it be a good idea to try and go to graduate school for FNP? If not FNP, what is a better graduate degree suitable for a nurse with a Public/Community Health background?

[Tinabeanrn]

I think you can start anywhere. She can work as an FNP in a school based health care system so I say she will be fine. It may be a little bit more challenging for her though. But I still say go for it.

[TX RN]

Hello uthscsa!

I guess your in SA too.

I think the important thing to ask is what that school nurse wishes to do as a NP.

PNP sounds like a more direct evolution.

FNP, well this includes adults. So again, yes, this may work but why fit a square peg in a round hole if you only plan on working with round pegs? Weird analogy I know, but round pegs = kids, square pegs = adults is what I'm thinking here.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

In my urban area, some of the school districts actually employ NP's. They do sports physicals, deal with STI/birth control concerns, and more. Sounds like a job like that would be right up your ally

[elkpark]

Given that there are many direct-entry programs that take people with no nursing experience at all (non-nurses) and prepare them to be FNPs, it appears that TPTB in nursing have decided that no experience is required. I would think school nursing would be as good a background as anything (and much better than no experience :)). IMO, you should pursue whatever professional path/role interests you most.

[Kdrenee]

That's what I plan to do! So I think it's a great idea:)

[nursegreen]

Absolutely! I had a school nurse in my graduate program who was doing the FNP program. She did fine and made it through. If FNP is what you want to do then I say go or it! Good luck!!!!