Walden University

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I am getting ready to start NP school in a few weeks at Walden. Anyone have any suggestions on what to study to brush up before advanced pathophysiology? Any insights would be appreciated.

1 hour ago, Dodongo said:

Did you even read what I posted. The projected increase in NP supply exceeds the increase in demand, producing an estimated national surplus of 42,500 FTE NPs in 2025. This is the opposite of a shortage.

In what state and in what specialty do you practice as a NP? Have you been to your state and national conferences? Do you have any idea what is happening to the NP profession in terms of saturation and declining practice preparedness upon graduation?

And as for your last sentence, by what metric are they better prepared, and what data do you have to support that claim?

I don’t care what googled stats you’re using. Who are you to be in a graduate nursing forum trying to discourage RNs from advancing their education and credentials the best way they can...

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That's what I thought. You're a RN with no clue what the current practice environment looks like for NPs.

And being a NP isn't a right. Not everyone should get to be one just because they want it. Medical schools don't pander to every single applicant. Nor do PA programs. Or pharmacy schools. Or PT programs. Etc, etc. Only in nursing can you find a 100% online program with open book exams that will allow you do diagnose and prescribe medications. It's great that people want to further their education but it needs to happen the right way. And generally, if that upsets you, it probably means you shouldn't be a NP.

This trend has caused FPA to stall for years, and many of us are worried it will start to be repealed. The physician organizations are successfully blocking us in multiple states by using these programs as the crux of their argument. It's incredibly unfortunate that we are serving them up this argument on a platter.

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1 minute ago, Dodongo said:

That's what I thought. You're a RN with no clue what the current practice environment looks like for NPs.

And being a NP isn't a right. Not everyone should get to be one just because they want it. Medical schools don't pander to every single applicant. Nor do PA programs. Or pharmacy schools. Or PT programs. Etc, etc. Only in nursing can you find a 100% online program with open book exams that will allow you do diagnose and prescribe medications. It's great that people want to further their education but it needs to happen the right way. And generally, if that upsets you, it probably means you shouldn't be a NP.

This trend has caused FPA to stall for years, and many of us are worried it will start to be repealed. The physician organizations are successfully blocking us in multiple states by using these programs as the crux of their argument. It's incredibly unfortunate that we are serving them up this argument on a platter.

If you’re worried about your future as an NP then you should worry about being a better NP and stop trying to discourage other RNs from reaching that level. Since all you seem to do is is down other nurses for the school they go to maybe you should reevaluate your career if the idea of online education upsets you. At this point even brick and mortar schools are offering 100% online programs for upper level degrees and it’s like that for a reason. As times change so does the educational platform. Get over it. You’re one of those nurses who try to keep fear in others through your hysteria and it’s ridiculous. So as I said before, who are you to be in a graduate student platform trying to discourage RNs from taking their careers to the next level? Exactly. You act like people are just handed degrees and licenses. the classroom is in the comfort of our homes and clinical sites. There’s a reason they want you to have experience before applying to these programs. It takes a lot of time and dedication to get through these programs while working fulltime still and taking care of our families. It takes preparation to sit for the same board exams as everyone else so stop being an old angry nurse who’s mad that times are changing . I couldn’t imagine sitting around all day on a student forum trying to discourage people. You have no idea the circumstances that have led students to choose the schools they’ve gone to. I’ll commend anyone who’s able to navigate through this field climbing up the ladder and end up a successful NP. The ones who don’t belong in this field get weeded out so I have no concern about not working as an NP in the future and I don’t think any skilled NP should be so worried about what school another NP went to.

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Just continue to stomp your feet like a child and ignore everything I've said. You didn't respond to a single piont I made except to say "I don't care". Since you have no idea what NP practice is like, there's no point in me discussing this with you any further.

There's plenty of work going on to try and severely restrict, or better yet shut down, these programs. Most of us have no problem with hybrid programs, heck, I attended one (And I'm not old, haha). But the predatory, for-profit schools are a genuine problem, and like I said, physician groups are successfully using them against us. I know this doesn't mean anything to you because you're a bedside nurse, but it means something to practicing NPs.

It's good for you that your ignorance leaves you devoid of concern. Those of us who have a clue are better left to these discussions anyways.

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For you’re information, I’m a nurse manager who works for the biggest insurance company in the US with plenty of bedside and field experience. I’ve been in the medical field for 16 years and a nurse for 10 years. Have plenty of friends who have gone through all sorts of NP programs and have spent my career working closely with all types of physicians. Going through a NP program myself . I’ve seen plenty of your comments frowning upon so many NP students in online programs yet this is a graduate student platform. So yea maybe you shouldn’t be on this post or any other students post trying to discourage so many. I’m not going to address your statistics because it’s not needed. I know had I ever listened to anyone like you trying to discourage me from going to the school I went to at the start of my career then I probably wouldn’t have ever had an opportunity to enter this field. The school I chose back then certainly didn't shape what type of nurse I am, so I know that whatever school a person chooses doesn’t mean that they’ll be a poor NP or a better NP than the next. Nps will always be needed. I’ve seen so many of your post to other students that it makes me wonder if you’re being paid to be on this forum discouraging online students. Its not like your negative post towards NP students& online school are goin to make anyone quit their programs just because statistics say their will be an influx of NPs in the future. It’s ridiculous. Have a great day at work worrying about us online students ??

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I post this because, believe it or not, some people care about what kind of education they receive and have a little personal pride. These people will benefit. Others, like yourself, that DGAF about their education or the NP profession as a whole, will continue to seek the path of least resistance.

This is the beauty of forums such as these. You can post as much as you want (nonsense such that it is) and so can I.

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Physicians have residency programs to continue honing their education following their clinical rotations. As a current NP student, I plan on entering an NP residency program to do the same. NP residency programs aren't required and there are only a few programs. I just want more experience.

I know I have my patients' lives in my hands. I want to be prepared.

Should the seriousness with which I take my education, be dismissed when I plan on getting the clinical and residency experience I need and want? The professors I take classes from have the degrees to back up the courses they present.

I chose Walden because it works with my schedule. I am happy with the education. Even if I went to a different school, I am still responsible for learning the material. No one is spoon feeding me.

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