Second Degree RN

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I am currently a chiropractor looking into the option of becoming an NP in the near future. I am curious about people's experience with online school and what programs they have found?

If anyone has gone from the DC to NP, what is your experience? do you regret making the switch.

There is a lot of negative things going on in the chiropractic profession but I do not want to make the fallacy that the grass is always greener.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I am not in your same situation, but I did my BSN online and am now in the middle of my MSN online. I love online classes! I am somewhat if a night owl so I can stay up after everyone has gone to bed. I work weekends, so I also have the daytime while kids are in school to get a lot of work done. Many of my classes use Adobe Connect so it is like a virtual classroom. best of both worlds.

I am in an Informatics program, so I won't have to do the clinical component that y'all will do, so I can't speak to that.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

OP: You cannot complete your degree entirely online. You must complete the clinical component to become an RN as part of the program. 100% online NP programs are for persons who are already RNs.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

Duke offers online programs with "on-campus extensive" periods (usually a few days a semester) for assessment practicums. Not exactly sure about practicums. I think they assist with placement whenever they can.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
Duke offers online programs with "on-campus extensive" periods (usually a few days a semester) for assessment practicums. Not exactly sure about practicums. I think they assist with placement whenever they can.

OP is not yet an RN.He/she needs to complete that step before an NP program.

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Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

As mentioned, you have to be an RN first. I have a friend who's a DC that did a 2nd degree BSN, and is now in an NP program.

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I originally worked as an ophthalmic molecular geneticist before deciding to go into nursing. I received my BSN from an accelerated on campus program and currently in an online MSN (FNP) program. So far I'm happy with my decision to choose the online route for obtaining my FNP! However not all online programs are created equally. You have to see which program will make sense for your needs. For instance, one of the reasons I chose Simmons Online FNP program because although the classes were online, they were real time. There are pre-recoded lectures and notes and scheduled class sessions where the professor and students get to interact and go over material (you have to have your face on camera as well). Some online programs just have pre-recoded lectures and powerpoints and only interact via post on discussion boards, theres no scheduled classes. In my case I needed something that would keep me accountable. Check if your potential program finds your clinical sites or if you will have to find your own. Also consider what the programs passing rate for the first attempt at licensure. Additionally don't forget to factor overall costs!

Since you're coming from a non-nursing degree you will have to take BSN courses even if you go the direct entry route. Nursing school will be difficult wherever you go! Yes nursing is challenging, but it enables you to help others at their most lowest point, provides job security, good pay, flexibility, and tremendous opportunity for job growth!

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