Should I get a post-masters in acute care?

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Hello all!

I am a newer AGNP and with 12 yrs (mostly inpatient) RN experience. I took a great first job on a hospitalist team working 12hr nights and I have been working for 9 months. I mostly deal with cross-cover calls t/o the hospital but now that I have some experience the night Dr. and I are talking about an occasional ED admission to help me learn more. I am excited but scared at the same time.

This has all led me to really consider getting my post-masters in acute care so that I can be better prepared. I love inpatient work and 12hr shifts but I want to be secure in my job and more confident. I have been communicating with UPenn about their streamlined post-masters in acute care and it seems like the best deal for me. I am curious if anyone here has gone through their streamlined program and what you thought about it?

What I already know about the program:

- must have 1 yr experience in acute care (soon)

- work shifts count towards clinical hrs (sweet)

- total cost is around $16,000 (for 3 core courses- not bad)

- takes about 8-12 months to complete (sweet)

- 360 hrs of clinical (very reasonable!)

What I want to know:

- How many non-clinical hrs/week did you have to put toward this program?

- What is the board pass rate for this program?

- What exactly do they want from you for clinical? How many notes per shift etc. Is there a guideline to share?

- How much do you feel you learned from the program?

- Other interesting tidbits? Personal experience?

Thank-you for your time and information!

Christine APRN

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

Why not call UPenn and speak to an admissions officer? They should be able to answer your questions. They may also have webinars for prospective students.

Another resource for asking these types of questions is Quora.

Good luck.

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I have been in contact with them but I would like to hear from NP's who went through the program. I have asked them their board pass rate for the streamlined program and I'm waiting to hear back.

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I have many friends who are working the same type of jobs as you as primary care adult gero NPs. I don't disagree with you that it makes you more marketable and educated. However, I also feel like you seem to have secured the job and are doing great at it- if its not necessary, then its not necessarily needed. But more power to you if you want to do it! It definitely looks great on a resume, for your future, & I'm sure will make you even more confident :)

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Does your state adhere to the consensus model? As an AGNP aren't you focused on primary care?

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