I stayed after class today to speak with one of my instructors about my desire to become an NP and my plan to apply to two schools, Rush and Vanderbilt, with hopes to start next Fall (2011) in a PNP program. I graduate next May from nursing school. This instructor is a great teacher and is also an ANP, so I thought she could give me some words of wisdom and insight as far as schools and specialties go. This ended up being one of the most depressing, disheartening conversations of my life!
First, she told me that I should not be applying to MSN programs as I had planned, despite the fact that I would be done and (hopefully) licensed as an NP BEFORE 2015 because, according to her, congress has passed a bill that all NPs will have to be DNPs, most likely BEFORE 2015. Not just to become licensed, but even if you are already licensed and are working as a NP--your license will most likely be void. I explained that I was more than willing to do a DNP program but my plan was to do it as a bridge after getting the MSN, which she said was not smart and I should go get my BSN and then do a BSN to DNP program instead, which she said would take me less time (about 2 years after the BSN). Then she told me that NP school is extremely hard, so if the school tells me that my program will take about 3 years total I should plan on that meaning 4-5 years tops. Then she said that some chick she worked with who was a graduate of an RN-MSN program was a total moron who no one respected because she had no experience (even though I had already told her that I planned to do school part-time so I could gain experience while I was in school). And being a NP isn't all it's cracked up to be--she makes more money working as an RN. And the AMA has "clipped our wings" to the point where NPs are severely limited, underpaid, etc. And although I have a non-nursing BS degree and will have my ADN in the Spring, I most likely don't know how to write or how to read and understand a nursing article since I don't have a BSN and so I will probably really struggle if I DO end up getting into an MSN program (even though she originally said that they will ALL BE GONE in a year or two since all schools will stop offering them completely), so I am setting myself up for failure if I pursue this. When I told her that I had spoken to admissions people and department chairs at both schools and they both seemed to think that the MSN-NP programs would still be around for years to come and that students can and often are admitted with non-nursing BS degrees and ADNs as long as the grades, etc., are there, so said that schools will say anything to get your application fee and then they will decline you.
I feel like crying! I'm a good student (3.97 GPA, 1380 GRE), I've never missed a single class, I work my butt off in school and have maintained my grades even when my husband was gone for a year long deployment and I was left with my two small kids and was going to school full-time. I volunteer at a local hospital in the NICU. I normally feel pretty confident about my academic ability and I am HIGHLY motivated and was so excited about pursuing grad school for next fall. Now I am confused and kind of crushed.
Can anyone sort out reality from misinformation here? I don't know what to believe....
I could have written your post, everyone has their own opinion but only you know yourself best! I start Vanderbilt in Fall and graduated this past December with an ADN-put your blinders on and keep your eyes on the prize!!!
I wouldn't speak to that professor unless you have to. I obtained my BSN after my ASN, just so I would have more options for MSN and/or DNP schools. Many schools are getting rid of their ASN to MSN program and their BSN to MSN programs to be a NP. Obtaining the DNP ...mixed feelings, kind of unclear on what is really happening with that. Talk to others and research the information for yourself so you can make an informed decision.
For those who keep hearing the DNP will soon be mandatory here is an excerpt frm the NLN's June 2010 statement concerning the Master's Degress vs DNP in Nursing. I have also included a link if you would like to read the full statement.
Now is not the time to exercise a restrictive control of education development. Our educational approaches to developing a cadre of advanced practice nurses shouldn't be an "either/or" situation, e.g., a doctorate as the only avenue to advanced practice. Nursing must stay true to its core purpose — meeting the health care needs of the people by providing safe, quality care. Existing master's programs have capably demonstrated the ability meet this high standard.
Now is not the time to rapidly lengthen the only route to advanced practice nursing education which may not be in the best interest of our patients. Master's-prepared nurses are poised to assume an important role in a reformed health care system and provide site-specific primary care. APRNs have been providing care in underserved areas and communities, both urban and rural, for decades with quality outcomes.
I just graduated from an MSN program that took 3 years to complete part time. I worked full time at one job, part time at another, studied around ball games, school, work, husband, and kids. I have a job that pays well above what I was making as an RN, plus my schedule is 4 days a week, 8 to 5, no holidays and you can't do that very well as an RN in a hospital. Do not let this instructor keep you from pursuing your dream. I ran into a instructor like that 14 years ago at Belmont university in Tennessee. I took courses and was convinced that I did not have what it took to be an NP. The instructors were so negative... I stopped coursework and returned to work as a full time RN. Since then I have completed my program through another university and I am looking forward to doing what I have wanted to do for the past 14 years. Don't let one person's perspective stop you from doing what you want to do.
Very encouraging words! I'm sure this is what my life will be like, when I start an MSN program. Sounds like you have my dream job! Good to know it can be done!
dojo2
36 Posts
I don't know that I want to complete a doctoral program after finishing my masters I am very content and ready to be a real person again.