To all current NP's. What drove you to become one? Advice? Etc?

Specialties NP

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So I'm still a nobody prereq working on my 2 year RN degree, but as of right now (I know it can be unrealistic to look this far out in terms of goals) but getting my doctorate / Becoming a NP is on that list of what I want to achieve.

Now for current NPs what was your path like? How did you achieve it, How long did it take? What tips, advice etc could you offer?

Im trying to 'pre plan' my long term goals (Super long term) and just wanted some insight from a NP perspective.

Current stats right now to give you a basic Idea.

-26 years old / EMT

-Full time. Getting pre nursing associate (To get full benefit of gibill/fed aid) Completion is Winter/spring 2018.

-From there apply ot nursing school to get ADN degree complete. (Mite not get admitted until 2019 because of how close my prereq finish to acceptance to 2018 fall Nursing school and obviously other varying factors.

My prenurse degree has some BSN classes in it as well.

-Hoping to be a RN by 2020-2021 and working in the field as well as working to my BSN.

From there is really how my schedule plays out (Because of hours / Kids / Life/) Unsure on how I would approach schooling (Thinking night classes or online).

Then to Masters / Doctorates.

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Hey first you are not a nobody ...EMT's are an integral part of healthcare and I am sure many people would agree with me. I am not a FNP but I am a student ...my advice just relax and complete your RN and then BSN. After ask yourself why do you want to be a FNP? Truly search deep for your answer. Who knows give nursing a few years you may love it. Explore different areas in nursing and see what you like...after shadow NP's in different areas and see for yourself what the job entails. Research schools and save save save money along the way. Life will happen the way it will no matter how you plan...lol Remember nurses practice in many areas and specialties and in non bedside areas...explore and enjoy the ride. Right now focus on getting those pre-reqs done for nursing school ...nursing school is no cake walk and not for the faint of heart!!

Good luck

Cococure í ½í¸

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Agree - you are not a "nobody." Welcome!

Nothing wrong with looking ahead - I wish I had been more attuned to my future instead of flying by the seat of my pants all the time - lol.

However, in retrospect, I probably wouldn't change much - sitting in a cubicle is just not me! lol

So...be the best EMT you can be, take your pre-reqs, get your RN, explore your options there and from there you can make a more educated and experienced decision.

Best of luck!

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A Honda Accord.

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Specializes in MICU.

In 2014 when I first joined AN, I was about to start my ADN but I had my eyes set on becoming a Nurse practitioner. Nothing wrong with that. Because of my long goal, I had to do ADN and BSN general studies at the same time. No summer break or any break from school. I Completed my ADN-RN in 2016 then transferred to State University to complete the remaining 30 credit for upper nursing courses and my graduation is set in May 2017. To wrap it up, today, I received a letter of acceptance to a DNP program within the state University system. I did it, you can do it!

One thing that I can tell you, go through some of the posts in this forum and you will go far in your professional life. When I need advice, other than God, AN is my favorite mentor tool that I use.

All the best!

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Specializes in Family Practice.

First off, do not refer yourself as a nobody. It is clear you have your sites on pursuing goals in this profession. When I was 26 I started school with just English and math. I did not know what I wanted to do, until someone told me about being a LVN. I was like, "what is a LVN?" My classmate in Anatomy and Physiology replied they are nurses like RNs. I said okay why not. I knew from there on I wanted to be a RN and if starting as a LVN would help out my endeavor so be it. I did it. It was a very hard program, they taught from a RN book and exposed us to so many areas in nursing. It was like they were preparing us for RN school. I graduated and worked for four years in various settings like med/surg, postpartum, nursery, and long term care. I was still in Jr. college taking more courses for my RN and voila in a year I graduated with my RN. In the late 90s a LVN would take a bridge course and then cross over in the last year in RN school. I found a job working in the NICU for 16 years. By the 10th year I went to pursue my BSN and three years later I graduated with my MSN-FNP. If someone told me I would be a nurse practitioner when I was in my 20s I would think they were crazy but it is a reality and you can make it happen. Just take it one day at a time and before you know it you will be done. There will be trials and tribulations, but you will persevere if you stay focus and believe in yourself. Next year I will be working on my doctorate and I am done. So NEVER GIVE UP NEVER QUIT. It is yours so go get it.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

What drove me to become an NP? Simple FLOOR NURSING sucks and wasn't going to do that until retirement.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

I love psychiatry, have been working in psychiatry for years and I want to make a larger impact in the lives of my patients. I am grateful for the opportunity pending my acceptance into the program late March/early April. :)

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