Becoming an NP....

[CrunchyMama]

I have no idea where to ask this. Despite being against going back to school after becoming an RN (just graduated last year), I've been dabbling in the idea of becoming an NP. I've been looking up info on a nearby school who has the program. I'm a little confused now. In order to start the NP program, do you have to have your BSN? Any help?

[CrunchyMama, ASN, RN]

Grand canyon university offers a completely online RN-BSN program. There are NO Prerequisites, You get your BSN in one year. Then go and get your master's. That is how I'm thinking of doing it. Of course while working the whole time. :)

Thanks for responding. Yes, I have a friend who is doing her BSN there. She said it's non stop though. The classes are 5 weeks long. She has only had 2 weeks off for Christmas and that was it. I have 3 young kids....I'd rather take it slow. Sounds great though to get it done in a year!

[Annaiya, NP]

Thanks for responding. Yes, I have a friend who is doing her BSN there. She said it's non stop though. The classes are 5 weeks long. She has only had 2 weeks off for Christmas and that was it. I have 3 young kids....I'd rather take it slow. Sounds great though to get it done in a year!

Just something else to think about, NP school is a HUGE commitment. If you don't want it more than anything else, you'll likely not make it through. You can do the didactic courses slowly, but once you get to the clinical portion there isn't much of a part-time option. If you don't have to work during it, you could probably maintain some family-school balance but if you need to work, it won't happen.

Also, as an NP you have a lot less flexibility. Both in job options and in hours worked. If you have a full schedule of patients for the day and one of your kids is sick you need someone who can pick them up for you, because you have a full day of patients that need to be seen. There is no one to cover for you. Some jobs are better about this, but some are not. You gain a lot as an NP, but you give up even more I think. If you don't love the role, then it probably isn't a good fit.

I'm not trying to discourage you, but you don't sound really committed to this. So I thought I'd share a different perspective to think about before you start a bunch of schooling that you said you didn't want to do.

[CrunchyMama, ASN, RN]

Thank you for your input Annaiya. You've given me something to think about. :)