The workload of the FNP program

Specialties NP

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i got accepted into the fnp program for this fall. for those who have already graduated, how grueling was the workload? i'm going full-time, and i don't plan on working. don't get me wrong. i'm very much looking forward to studying and love the subject matter. i am just remembering all the countless hours of studying, sleepless nights, worrying if i passed a test in the bsn program. i love nursing, and i feel that i will love being a nurse practitioner even more.

i also have another question. i told my advisor before i applied to the fnp program that i wanted to be a pediatric nurse practitioner and she told me to go through the fnp program to achieve my goal. i don't completely understand the rationale, but i do trust that she knows what she is taking about. can anyone tell me how if i'm in the fnp program that i can become a pediatric nurse practitioner? thank you.

You will be a FNP when you graduate, however a FNP can see pediatric patients, adult patients and geriatric patients. Most NPs and educators feel the FNP is the most marketable NP program. If you want to be certified as a PNP in either primary care or acute care you need to go through a PNP program in that area.

I know some FNPs who only work with peds so that is possible and you do have the flexability to see other ages as well. But if you compare a FNP program gradaute with about 700 clinical hours divided by all age groups to a PNP graduate with 700 clinical hours just in peds out of school the PNP graduate should be better prepared to function with less ojt for catch up.

Jeremy

Specializes in Emergency, Cardiac, PAT/SPU, Urgent Care.

I do feel that a full-time NP program is very doable as long as you are not working. I did my program part-time while working weekends and raising two children under 4 years of age. It's all about determination.

As far as PNP vs. FNP, if you truly have your heart set on working only with peds, then I would do the PNP program. You will get more clinical time devoted just to peds in a peds program. I know most peds practices in my area only hire PNPs; however, this may be different elsewhere.

Do you mind me asking where you are going? Is it a brick and mortar traditional classroom or online?

I worked full time during the first year--as you have classes like patho, pharm, etc. I managed 2 classes with working--BUT when you get to the clinical portion-it it hard to be a good wife, mother, student, and worker. Something suffers. There is just no way around it. There is only so much time. I am 6 months from graduation...and wish you the best. It goes fast!

I agree with the FNP route--the way that healthcare is moving-the FNP will give you more options. I assumed I would do women's health--as that was my love. After going through the internal med rotation--I love metabolic syndrome/geriatrics. You will have many options when finished!

Do you mind me asking where you are going? Is it a brick and mortar traditional classroom or online?

I worked full time during the first year--as you have classes like patho, pharm, etc. I managed 2 classes with working--BUT when you get to the clinical portion-it it hard to be a good wife, mother, student, and worker. Something suffers. There is just no way around it. There is only so much time. I am 6 months from graduation...and wish you the best. It goes fast!

I agree with the FNP route--the way that healthcare is moving-the FNP will give you more options. I assumed I would do women's health--as that was my love. After going through the internal med rotation--I love metabolic syndrome/geriatrics. You will have many options when finished!

I agree....if you don't *have* to work then don't, especially if you have kids. I'm sure some manage to do it with minimal stress, but I just don't like living life that way. My daughter was in 1st grade when I started and in the middle of 5th grade when I finished. I'm proud to say I didn't miss a field day, end of the year party or awards ceremony and I have no regrets about the way I did it.

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