What to Expect in an NP Program

[cbv91]

I'm graduating with a BSN in July, so I know I have at least 2 years before even applying to grad schools. That being said, I would like to know what I would be facing should I take the Nurse Practitioner route when the time comes, and what I can do to help myself. Google seems so vague, I want to hear about your experiences! :)

I'm very excited about graduating, and my final GPA will be no less than a 3.0 even if I slack off (I have obsessive-compulsive personality disorder so I couldn't slack off if I wanted to). I just LOVE studying medicine and nursing and I almost don't want it to end. I love studying in general to be honest!

Also, I once read you should have a DNP now too and I would like to know how legitimate that statement is? If it is true, what would getting my DNP involve?

Thank you and happy new year!!! :)

[guest769224]

Just so you know, RN exp. is not required to get into an NP program. It will depend on the school. Although, getting that experience would likely be beneficial in preparation.

If you choose to get your DNP after or instead of your MSN-NP, that will take around 6 months to an additional year, depending on the program you choose to attend. Some schools offer bridge programs. If you love studying nursing then maybe it's best you do pursue a DNP, since you have passion for it. However, there is no requirement for the DNP as of now. By the time it becomes mandatory (or if), I can almost guarantee you'll have your masters, in which case- you would be grandfathered in, and exempt from DNP requirements. To an employer and to patients, I doubt you'd garner any more respect than a masters prepared NP, who is just as capable at the job as you would be.

DNP will not afford you much more than the opportunity to step into management positions. Pay can be expected to be equal to those prepared at the masters level.

[TexasNP14]

My program for PNP requires 2 years experience as a RN. Some do and some don't, so this is something you might need to check on for the schools you are interested in. No, a DNP is not required yet as originally planned. There are some DNP programs, most take 3 years full time or 4 years part time. My PNP program takes 2 years. I am working while in school, did first semester and a half still staying full time+. I just cut back to part time+, more to help plan our schedule at home than anything. I still work an extra on call shift every pay period when I can and do home health teaches on the side. I made enough money doing teaches the month of december to pay for my spring semester, so that was great! For now, I want to finish my NP and then if interested go back for DNP. At our orientation, they encouraged us to get our DNP down the line.

I just had my first big break from school over christmas and am actually ready for school to start back on monday, I'm a little bored of sitting on the couch:)

[Dranger]

Lots of ACNP programs require 1 year critical care experience.