RN to NP education. How did you manage it?

Nursing Students NP Students

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I will be graduating as an RN next year, and at 51 years old with no retirement in place, I'm seriously considering NP. But, I need to work as soon as I graduate. Were any of you able to work while pursuing NP training?

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

A lot of people go to school part time and work at the same time, but school will take longer. At this point, are you sure that it's worth it?

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I worked full-time through RN, BSN and MSN-FNP. Takes some creative scheduling and support of your workplace but it can be done!

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A lot of people go to school part time and work at the same time, but school will take longer. At this point, are you sure that it's worth it?

I just finished an MSN-FNP at 55. Total of 5 years for BSN completion through MSN. Age is just a number ;)

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Specializes in Family, Pediatrics.

I worked weekend-option while going to school full-time. Not working was not an option. I did clinical hours through the week and studied early morning/ late night. Just a word of caution that you may find some course work more difficult without having bedside experience, which may require more study time on your part.

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Had to chuckle when I read your post, but in reality its something I'm considering.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Thread moved to Student NP forum.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

You have made a big investment, don't shortchange it. You first year in practice is very important and shouldn't (IMHO) be mixed with also trying to learn a completely different role.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.
You have made a big investment, don't shortchange it. You first year in practice is very important and shouldn't (IMHO) be mixed with also trying to learn a completely different role.

I love this statement and is a concept I have been trying to get my mom to understand. Background - I'm finishing my ADN in December, already with 2 contingent job offers. I have a previous science bachelors and a masters of public health. My end goal originally was FNP and I was going to go straight through. But then I actually started nursing school and I "got" why everyone says you need to practice as a nurse before you can be an advanced practice nurse. This past weekend my mom was asking if I had started applying to FNP programs [emoji23] then I explained to her that I needed to get at least six months before considering starting (the program in interested in requires some non clinical courses that I may start after 6 months) but really at least a year to get my footing in nursing before trying to be an FNP. Additionally, I might end up divorced if I go back to school that quickly. Plus, I'm not really sure that I want to be a practitioner anymore. I have endless possibilities ahead of me

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I love this statement and is a concept I have been trying to get my mom to understand. Background - I'm finishing my ADN in December, already with 2 contingent job offers. I have a previous science bachelors and a masters of public health. My end goal originally was FNP and I was going to go straight through. But then I actually started nursing school and I "got" why everyone says you need to practice as a nurse before you can be an advanced practice nurse. This past weekend my mom was asking if I had started applying to FNP programs [emoji23] then I explained to her that I needed to get at least six months before considering starting (the program in interested in requires some non clinical courses that I may start after 6 months) but really at least a year to get my footing in nursing before trying to be an FNP. Additionally, I might end up divorced if I go back to school that quickly. Plus, I'm not really sure that I want to be a practitioner anymore. I have endless possibilities ahead of me

Are you interested in going back into public health? I did my MPH before nursing school too and you're right... Opportunities will certainly open up to you once you're done- no matter the direction you end up taking.

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Specializes in NICU, telemetry.

I'm in school full-time and am going into my third semester. I've worked full-time the whole time so far, and that schooling includes clinical time.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.
Are you interested in going back into public health? I did my MPH before nursing school too and you're right... Opportunities will certainly open up to you once you're done- no matter the direction you end up taking.

I'm not really sure! I have many open connections with previous employers and the pharma companies I worked with on trials. I'm sure the research bug will bite me again. But I really do want to work for at least a year bedside before jumping into another education program. Every single one of my professors keeps saying "the world is your oyster" once I graduate and get into nursing so I am very hopeful. God knows I need to catch a break. Mama gotta pay back that way too expensive MPH loans [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

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