Thinking about going into a NP program and need some opinions!

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Well after graduating with my Bachelor of Nursing Degree in fall 2010 and working full-time since (I know, I don't have a ton of experience--but more then most I talk to based on where I work) graduation I am debating going back to University for my Masters of Nursing with focus on Nurse Practitioner.

I am young (23) and very eager to expand in the nursing field. I currently work in a pretty busy Rural Hospital that is too far from everything but close enough to not get anything (if you know what I mean). So we deal with everything from MI's, Obs, Surgery, ICU (we dont have one but you have to do what you have to do, etc...). Being in a rural setting we are always struggling with staffing issues and it is extremely hard to get away for more education so a lot of it is done on the net with journals or through telehealth over satellite. The town I am in desperately needs another form of primary care as the current system is not working and is affecting the people.

So my questions that I have that I need real NP's opinions for are the following:

  1. Am I too young?
  2. By the time I enter the program (if I get accepted) would 3 years be enough experience?
  3. How do you like being a NP?

My overall goal is to work in a clinic at the local hospital or under a physician (best friend is in med school and is thinking of opening a cohort business together). I want to stay in the location I am in now manly because its home, there is a need for an NP and all my hobbies are here!

I have a year (well 11 months) to decide if I want to continue my education as I want to finish before I turn 26 years old (I like to get things done fast!).

Thanks for reading.

Brandon.

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Specializes in ICU.

Yes go for it.. That rural experience will help you out. Might I suggest the Hrsa scholarship( Hrsa.gov). It work great for people in your situation. Young rural and wanting to get a masters. This year the number one person they want to help is someone getting a Np. With a Efc of less than 5500 on the fafsa.I think applicatIon deadline is may 8 right around the corner but keep it in mind for next year. There are a lot of great online programs that are doable while you work.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

I am not an NP but I say go for it, if it is even an option for you. In my state, and the neighboring state public universities have all done away with their MSN NP programs. It might be worth it to check and see if the program you want even exsists anymore.

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Specializes in ICU-Step Down, Cardiac/CHF, Telemetry, L&D.

I started NP school at 24. I had 3 years of experience. I say go for it!!

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Specializes in ICU-Step Down, Cardiac/CHF, Telemetry, L&D.

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Shoot -- would a young med student ask if they were too young? Not a chance. Go for it!

Besides, I'll become an NP at the age of 50, so age limits mean nothing to me. ;)

I'd look into a school that arranged for clinical experiences if you can get that ...I'm having a devil of a time w/ my program as we have to locate our own for the most part.

Good luck -- those rural areas need NPs!

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Thanks for the opinions. It will be a decision that I will definility have to think about. I'm almost set on taking the course as I'm getting tired of the politics around pt care and how the money is more important then the patients themselves. And being up here in Canada it is getting sickening.

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Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

Go for it, Brandon!! You sound like you know what you want, so there's no point in delaying. I think you'll make a great NP!!!

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I am also looking into schools for my Master as an NP. I think it an great idea to start investing in more education. Nursing is changing everyday ; )

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