The workload of the FNP program

[Foxfour]

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.

[jer_sd]

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

[Spacklehead, MSN, NP]

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.

[Blessedx3]

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!

[carachel2]

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.