ABSN or ELMSN-FNP?

inthecosmos, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Feb 25, 2018

So, usually, if you are a FNP you can find jobs in the settings you mention. The only one that is questionable is the NICU setting, I am not 100% sure on the criteria there, but there are Neonatal NPs. You can ALWAYS get certified in something else down the line.

Honestly, I would HIGHLY recommend shadowing a FNP and determining if you just want to jump in. At some point during the program will you obtain your RN? I am not sure how direct-entry works, but if it were me I would forgo the ABSN program.

Wuzzie · Feb 25, 2018

Pediatrics and Neonatal both have their own graduate paths to NP. Highly doubt you'll be able to find a job in those specialties, especially as a direct entry FNP. You'll be passed over for other candidates with experience in those areas. It doesn't sound like you really know what you want to do in the end. Maybe getting some experience as a nurse first would be of benefit in this case.

inthecosmos, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Feb 25, 2018

Pediatrics and Neonatal both have their own graduate paths to NP. Highly doubt you'll be able to find a job in those specialties, especially as a direct entry FNP. You'll be passed over for other candidates with experience in those areas. It doesn't sound like you really know what you want to do in the end. Maybe getting some experience as a nurse first would be of benefit in this case.

FNPs in my area work in pediatric clinics. FNP covers from 2 and up. I agree, however, that experienced nurses will have the upper hand.

espressome, BSN · Feb 25, 2018

Yes, I would get to take my NCLEX after the 4th semester. Many of the students work as RNs during the second portion (the post-licensure, FNP part) of the program. I guess my main concern is the flexibility of FNPs. I've read that they're the most flexible in terms of job opportunities. However, I keep reading comments from others talking about how the BON is cracking down on their scope of practice and with an increase in specialized NPs, FNPs will have a more difficult time finding positions in the hospital. However, I haven't worked as a nurse and don't know if any of that would apply in the Bay Area.

Also, does getting certification for something else equivalent to taking another NP program? Or are there other shorter post masters programs if you're already an NP?

Thanks for all the replies!!

inthecosmos, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Feb 25, 2018

Yes, I would get to take my NCLEX after the 4th semester. Many of the students work as RNs during the second portion (the post-licensure, FNP part) of the program. I guess my main concern is the flexibility of FNPs. I've read that they're the most flexible in terms of job opportunities. However, I keep reading comments from others talking about how the BON is cracking down on their scope of practice and with an increase in specialized NPs, FNPs will have a more difficult time finding positions in the hospital. However, I haven't worked as a nurse and don't know if any of that would apply in the Bay Area.
Also, does getting certification for something else equivalent to taking another NP program? Or are there other shorter post masters programs if you're already an NP?
Thanks for all the replies!!

From what I've observed, they're just as long due to the clinical hour portion of the program. I think it depends on where you live. In NC and Virginia, the two areas I'm closest to, they hire FNPs in acute settings. If you know for a fact you want to do a specialty, that's what I would recommend going for. My friend started as Adult and decided halfway through to change to FNP. Now she's looking at another year.

allnurses Guide · Feb 26, 2018

I'd go the ABSN route if you're not sure what you want to do. Work as a nurse for a year or two and see what area you like. I'd nudge you towards ELMSN program if you were certain you wanted to be a NP and work in the outpatient setting. You might be able to find a job as a FNP in the acute setting, but a FNP program focuses on primary care, not acute care.

espressome, BSN · Mar 2, 2018

Thanks for all the advice! I think I'll do the ABSN route. Something about bedside nursing, inpatient settings, and just exploring the nursing world really appeal to me right now. I'm still relatively young so I could always pursue an NP or some advanced practice in the future once I have everything figured out. Also, my moms health isn't too good right now so I think it's best that I get my BSN and start working to help out with my family. I'm definitely coming back for that MSN (or DNP) in the future! :)

Isk86 · Aug 28, 2019

Hey, I am in the same position trying to decide which program to apply. Did you started the ABSN program yet? Did you like it?

I really want to know because it is not an easy decision to make.

Thank you!

espressome, BSN · Aug 28, 2019

15 hours ago, IzaKhan said:
Hey, I am in the same position trying to decide which program to apply. Did you started the ABSN program yet? Did you like it?
I really want to know because it is not an easy decision to make.
Thank you!

Yeah I finished my ABSN and will be starting on a step down telemetry floor next week! An ABSN program is fast-paced so you’ll just have to say goodbye to your life for that year or so but it’s doable! I definitely don’t regret going through an ABSN program and I see myself doing ICU in the next couple of years. I’m also glad I didn’t decide to do the FNP route because I’ve done a preceptorship in an outpatient setting shadowing an FNP and that just wasn’t for me, at least for the time being. If I were to go back to school, I’d probably pursue some specialization in the critical care setting. But everyone’s different. It just depends on your own interests and type of setting you want to be in, but it’s also hard to know what they are if you haven’t done any clinicals. I’m not sure how easy it’ll be, but maybe try shadowing an NP?

Good luck!