So many choices! Advice needed

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Specializes in critical care.

Hello,

I have been an RN for 7 years, mostly in critical care. I will complete my BSN this Fall. My plan has always been to continue to an MSN Program and now I am overwhelmed by the choices! I am trying to decide between Family NP and Adult NP. Kids scare the heck out of me, but I have heard that FNPs are more marketable. I am the primary breadwinner and will have to continue working through the program.

How did you decide what school and program was right for you?

In my state there are several programs I am looking at...

large state university-competitive, traditional format, will take 5 years to complete.

small private university-not as competitive, very expensive, accelerated format, would take 2.5 years to complete

smaller state universities-there are 2 that offer programs online (except for clincal of course), would take about 3 years to complete

Any advice or experience is appreciated!

D

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

It would take you 5 years to finish a program in this large state-funded university? Seems rather long even for part-time graduate study unless you are taking just one course for each semester. Is it a DNP degree?

My suggestion is to research your job market. If there seems to be enough NP jobs for adult primary care specialties, why go through the trouble of learning peds. I picked ACNP because I share in your hesitance to see sick kids. I also enjoy the hospital setting, hence, the ACNP route. I found out before I started school that specialty practices tend to hire more NPP in this area so I chose my NP track accordingly.

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Specializes in critical care.

The large state school says the average graduation time is 5 years. I have no idea if it is because people are just choosing to take that long or what. It is an MSN not a DNP.

The more research I am doing, the more I am actually leaning towards the large state university. Even though the online programs are offered thru state universities I really worry about having to find my own preceptor and clinical sites.

The large university is much more competitive and so i may apply to there and one other school.

Thanks, I will do some more research on the job market. Even if I do FNP I don't see myself being comfortable seeing kids.

D

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
I really worry about having to find my own preceptor and clinical sites.

D

You are very smart to be worried about this. It can be a real problem. Students seeking preceptors are essentially going to practicing professionals and asking them to provide them with an education for nothing in return. I would recommend exploring that issue (and the amount of support offered by the school to help arrange your preceptorships) before you make a decision.

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Specializes in critical care.

That is why I am looking at the large state school. It also houses the med school and the nursing program is well-respected. I work for the large hospital system associated with the school as well. I am hoping this allows me to find some preceptors. Even with this large school you have to arrange the preceptors yourself too, but you have more support.

D

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

You know I am partial to state universities as well and I did attend one for my NP program. Tuition is cheaper as you can take advantage of in-state rates and in my area of the country state colleges tend to have better name recognition than private schools. I personally can not thrive in an on-line program. I need the campus environment including personal contact with other graduate students for camaraderie and peer support. I still keep in touch with some students in my class and it's been three years since I graduated.

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