undergraduate experience?

Hello,

I am a senior finishing my last year as a undergraduate. I am highly interested in applying to nursing school(MEPN) next year and eventually becoming a NP. I do not have a nursing degree (I will graduate with a biology degree), so I was just wondering if there are any tips that I can do in terms of getting some nursing experience since I will be taking a year off before I apply? I am currently working as an assistant in a clinical lab and also shadowing a FNP, but I am really interested in getting more hands on experience. I was even looking into some CNA programs since I thought having some sort of license will open up more opportunities. Do nursing schools(for MEPN) even look for that?

I had absolutely NO medical experience before I got into nursing school. However, I had really good grades. I DID volunteer as a Candy Striper when I was in high school though, but I'm sure I never even mentioned that on my application! Wait a minute, I worked as a dental assistant for a year, but I don't think I mentioned that on my application either. In fact, I don't think I was even asked about any prior medical experience.

I certainly hope you're not planning to go to one of those RN to NP direct entry programs, because you won't gain any nursing experience. Maybe it's just me, but I think that an Advanced Practice Nurse should actually have EXPERIENCE as a nurse before becoming one! I'm sure the public agrees.

Also, what the heck does MEPN stand for?? I must be getting old...

It depends.....this is always a sticky subject on here. It depends what type of NP you want to become. if you want to be in acute care...definitely you want at least 1 yr. ICU experience under your belt. If you are going into primary care in any area, I think it is okay (but that's just me). Remember inexperience does not mean incompetence. If it is your passion and you are truly dedicated to it, YOU WILL DO WELL!