Help on NP Route... Am I Getting This Right?

[Loque]

I'm hoping to get some advice from some of the awesome nurses here. I'm very new, and not even in nursing school... yet... and am doing a ton of research online. Here's my short story:

I'm a young male chiropractor, and although I love what I do, I would like to learn and be exposed to more.

It broke my heart last week when I had 2 patients that were in such bad shape, I couldn't help them. They couldn't lay on the table, they couldn't move without pain, they were just miserable. I wanted to help them so badly, but it's beyond my scope and my control.

I've been thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner for when I have situations like these. I like the holistic approach a NP has, its approaches towards wellness, and I think it would compliment my chiropractic education nicely. It would fill in the blanks, and expose me to much more than just musculoskeltal injuries.

Because chiropractic school is sooooooo expensive, I need to become an NP as cost effective, and of course, as fast track as possible. I researched BSN, ABSN, and ADN programs (I think that's all the letters )

And I found out that to go an RN-MSN or RN-DNP bridge... I can start BSN or ADN.

Which surprises me greatly. The most inexpensive ABSN program I can find is around 18K, with most in the 30-60K range. An ADN program would probably cost me around 3K (if I factor in all my preqs I already have). The RN to DNP is about another 30K.

I apologize for the long story, but basically... if DNP is my goal, I should go for the ADN right? It might cost me another 6-12 months of life, but as far as finances go, it would be the cheaper way to DNP? Are there any advantages to going with a BSN rather than ADN?

Thanks, and Happy Mothers Day to all the Moms. I swear if it wasn't for my mother, I never would of accomplished as much as I have already:)

Loque

[Loque, BSN, RN]

OMG how coincidental!! My classmate is a chiropractor!! We are both graduating this week actually. He is becoming an RN also for an eventual NP degree for the very same reason as you. He is in his 50s though so he didn't have to have a bachelors when he started (he started young too). He plans to work on an orthopedic med/surg floor, as a matter of fact, before going for his FNP (which suits him fine lol). He said that it's becoming somewhat harder to practice as a chiropractor now these days and he wanted an avenue to help enhance his practice. These days, the BSN seems to be the more marketable degree, so I would recommend that route. My classmate goes to school and works part time at his chiropractic office. He knows of a few practitioner programs that have a route for chiropractors. I will ask him to give you the names if you are interested (and if you would like to ask him for advice, he's always willing to help!). He works really hard in class (and was an awesome tutor, especially with those dreaded musculoskeletal exams! ) and would give me *free* adjustments LOL. Chiropractors in nursing are a great asset! Good Luck to you. (Ooh, and definately look at the previous posters Loan Forgiveness link!)

If you don't mind asking him about the programs, that would be awesome. (I'd PM you, but I'm not allowed to yet for some reason, ha )

I did know of one or two of the chiropractic to NP routes, but they seemed a little sketchy, if that makes any sense. If I want to do this, I HAVE to do it right. Totally has to be accredited 100%.

But anyways, thanks for your enthusiasm. It feels great knowing that it can be done and I'm not alone.

And I'll probably give my classmates and future co-workers some adjustments Fantastic stress reliever and way to deal with difficult patients.

[brody31]

@Loque I am in the same position as you were. chiropractor going into nursing. Please update me and tell me what you ended up doing. I am looking at ABSN programs right now. [email protected] Thanks

[kodc]

Similar situation myself and am looking at the WGU pre-licensure program. I just ran across it two days ago after thinking I was going to do a DC - ADN program in W Palm. That program is 12 months, $26k and you have to fly to W Palm for clinicals once a month Thur-Mon. Travel and lodging would easily increase the price. Not a bad program if you could have an associate cover your patients the times you're gone so you can continue to have income.

After the WGU I'm looking at Frontier's NP program. It's another 2 years but you can work as a DC while you're in the program and continue to pay your obligations.

I'm not really sure that there would be a better combination than the DC + BSN + NP. I have come to find out that my favorite patients as well as providers (especially providers!) tend to be in the nursing field.

This has been in the world for me a few years now. I just needed to finish the neurology program and sit for boards before adding another challenge. Otherwise my wife said I had to move into the clinic. Feel free to include me in any email if you like.

KO

[email protected]

[dc4now]

I am a DC and own a very busy medical spa. I went to WGU program while working full-time , got my BSN in March and took NCLEX in April of this year. I am currently in South University AGNP program in my first class. This was the quickest route I found to reach my goal of an NP. Good luck to you!