Should i become a nurse practioner or wait?

myelin · May 21, 2012

In my opinion, you NEED to practice independently as an RN for at least a few years before pursuing your NP. In years past there was no option for direct entry because it doesn't really work. Without the experience you gain as an RN, the NP program is not designed to compensate for that lack. Get into a good teaching hospital and get those years in...ICU and emerg are excellent...med-surg ok too. Best of luck!

That's kind of a bizarre statement. There are a lot of NPs out there practicing who don't have a significant amount of RN experience, and it's working just fine for them. The only research study that has been conducted on the subject found that prior RN experience does not relate to NP competency. It makes sense if you think about it, since RN roles vary widely and so do NP roles. That isn't to say that RN experience isn't helpful, it certainly is. But people from other backgrounds have much to offer as well... the development of critical thinking skills isn't limited to RN work.

Merlyn · May 21, 2012

Okay, so i have a question, should i get become a RN and go straight to work to get expierence, or should i just go straight from nursing school into getting my masters to becoming a NP?

Be a RN for awhile see how you like the profession, then go on for NP.

zenman · May 21, 2012

Okay, so i have a question, should i get become a RN and go straight to work to get expierence, or should i just go straight from nursing school into getting my masters to becoming a NP?

The premise behind NP programs, at least originally, was for one to have experience before entering. Considering that NPs have very little clinical hours, every little bit of experience helps. If you do decide to work for awhile first, pm me and I'll show you how to use your time efficiently and you won't tend to come out of NP school with that "deer in the headlight look!"

porterwoman · May 21, 2012

zenman, may I pm you too? I would really appreciate tips on utilizing my bedside time while in NP school. I'm in the 3rd semester of my adult/gero NP program.

Thank you, and sorry to highjack the thread,

Rebecca

zenman · May 22, 2012

Sure...

FORTHELOVEOF!!!! · May 22, 2012

I actually called my BON in Missouri and was told that they aren't going to go forward with legislation to make NP get doctorate degrees but they are going to start encouraging Universities to phase out the Masters NP programs and replace them with dnp programs so that there is no alternative. All NP will be grandfathered of course. I don't see this happening anytime soon though.

cruisin_woodward · May 24, 2012

I actually called my BON in Missouri and was told that they aren't going to go forward with legislation to make NP get doctorate degrees but they are going to start encouraging Universities to phase out the Masters NP programs and replace them with DNP programs so that there is no alternative. All NP will be grandfathered of course. I don't see this happening anytime soon though.

They are already starting to phase them out in Michigan...

HolyPeas · May 24, 2012

Yeah, I think FORTHE LOVEOF!!! is mistaken

FORTHELOVEOF!!!! · May 24, 2012

Well if anyone is mistaken, it would be the Missouri BON, as I stated that was were I got this piece of info. But it was the Missouri BON not the Michigan BON, so things may be different in your neck of the woods, we have MSN programs at almost every university in Missouri.

HolyPeas · May 24, 2012

Yeah, thats what I meant, please dont take offence, it wasnt meant to be a personal thing. Also it doesnt really matter if they allow masters NPs if there are no masters NP programs so it kind of creates the same effect whether or not they are technically allowed. Thats all.

FORTHELOVEOF!!!! · May 24, 2012

That was the exact point the BON was making, they said it may not become a law but they are pushing to get rid of the programs which would have the same outcome. They did say that if my program was to stop accepting applicants after I was already in the program, I could still sit for the licensure with my masters. I was told to "hurry up and get in one" if that was the path I wanted to take. I did take it a little personally because you referred to me rather than the source I cited, no biggie if you didn't mean to direct it at me.

HolyPeas · May 24, 2012

Sorry :) Yeah, I was just using your name because it was an easy reference.