VA NP programs that require no RN experience

Just look around google, it's a pretty powerful tool. Also, I highly suggest at least 1 year of RN experience, it'll be priceless trust me

Please get some RN experience before going to NP school. There's a reason most programs require RN experience. How are you suppose to diagnose and prescribe when you don't have the critical thinking or assessment skills ?

I appreciate both responses and I see where you both are coming from. Is it silly to go through both programs (RN, and MSN in FNP). and after finishing both, to start working as an RN first, then working as an FNP?

My thing is that I know I will not go back to school if I leave, due to starting a family and all. My goal has always been to finish all schooling at once, then work while starting a family.

It makes no sense to me to attempt to practice as an ADVANCED practice nurse without any experience as a novice nurse?

My goal would be to work every other week or every weekend while in NP school

My goal would be to work every other week or every weekend while in NP school

I know everyone is different, but "they" (whoever that grand "they" are) say that it takes at least one year to become acclimated to being a nurse, and that's working full time. For me, it took me almost two years full time.

I appreciate both responses and I see where you both are coming from. Is it silly to go through both programs (RN, and MSN in FNP). and after finishing both, to start working as an RN first, then working as an FNP?

My thing is that I know I will not go back to school if I leave, due to starting a family and all. My goal has always been to finish all schooling at once, then work while starting a family.

If you don't have the determination to

go to school after some time away, then maybe you should reconsider things. I have 2 children & nothing can keep me away from going back to school. I will be getting my ADN & then BSN. Anything in life worth having doesn't come easy.

Not an NP or an NP student. The first part of the title nurse practitioner is NURSE. NP schools build on knowledge you've gained while working as a nurse. You'll set yourself up for failure. Sadly, programs like this do exist. But you're also looking for an online only program. Terrible idea for someone with zero experience. Don't look for a shortcut. You need experience.

Go for it! I have not heard of the program that you are talking about but I am sure they exist. I replied because I read some discouraging remarks. You can become and practice as an NP without being an RN! It is NOT unheard of and we do a great job. In fact, some employers will say that sometimes it is better to find us as we are not yet jaded. That is not to take away from anyone's experience! However, don't be discouraged. Just understand that you can do it!

It can be done. My cohort and I are proof. We love our jobs and are good at what we do. I can understand where you are coming from. But please understand that they only way to know for sure, it to be an NP without RN experience. It's not that we don't appreciate nursing, we do! But I feel that we should meet in the middle and respect each other.

If you want to work inpatient, I'd suggest RN experience first. The things you just know walking into a room after five seconds will be supremely helpful.

If you work outpatient, maybe 20 percent of your RN experience will be useful. It's just a different world.

I know some great inpatient NPs with less than two years of bedside RN experience, some horrible ones with 15 years at bedside. While I respect some friends who say that all NPs should have substantial RN experience, I don't agree with them. Many people need that experience. Some don't. Some people read 25 hours a day outside of work and make NPs with 20 years of RN experience look clueless, because they have hunger for knowledge, energy, passion, and so on. RN experience is super helpful, but some people have a strong ability to learn massive amounts of information quickly and a way of looking at moments in context that allows them to adapt rapidly. I also know people who are rabid about being condescending to NPs who didn't work as RNs for 10 years first, even though they themselves had zero experience in the areas they now work as NPs.

Take it all with a little salt. If you took ACLS, felt inadequate, then spent 752 hours reviewing journals on resuscitation, you'll adapt quickly. If you took ACLS, realized you didn't know how to run a code, then ate a cheeseburger while watching Grey's Anatomy, you need to be an RN for a long while first.