What should I expect as a new NP student

JBMmom, MSN, NP · Dec 9, 2018

It's largely going to depend on your program I'm sure. As for me- I'm currently working full time nights (3 12s), I have three kids- two teenagers and a preteen, that all have many activities. I teach Sunday school, run the youth group at my church, and still have time for school. Most online programs have similar formats, a discussion post early in the week, then respond to classmates by the end of the week. Random additional assignments have ranged from brief things (fill out a blank prescription), to 8-15 page papers depending on the course, and then tests. The WORST part about my program is the group work. Far too much of it, and I'm wholly unimpressed with some of my classmates. On a recent assignment, despite myself and another group member messaging the submitter multiple times to fix the APA format of the references, she submitted the project without correct formatting. For someone to get to the post master's level and still not have APA down is ridiculous. But, I've digressed. If it's what you want, you'll make it work. I'd say you're better off doing it now while your daughter is relatively young. I've basically been in school for the past ten years, and there were far fewer activities to attend (or miss), when they were your daughter's age. Good luck!

renzlao, MSN, APRN · Dec 10, 2018

I agree. Depends on the program. Mine in California requires class time at specific day of the week done online. Like doing Skype with 6 to 12 students. When clinical started I barely have time for anything else. I do clinic Monday Tuesday and Thursday and class room Wednesday, and I work full time Friday to Sunday. I do typhoon notes after clinic and I squeeze some studying for concepts as well. I reserve all day on class day for studying lectures and reading assignments. My program do not have discussion post and writing that much.

Chief NP, MSN, RN, APN, APRN, NP · Dec 10, 2018

It depends on how the program is structured. I currently attend The University of Texas at Arlington ( AGNP ) POST MASTERS program. Classes are taken one at a time. I just completed Advanced patho this fall and will start advanced role and pharmacology in spring next year. I worked 4 days a week throughout this semester. It's doable. You just have to figure out what works for you.

I also joined a whatsapp group of 50 students and we shared files and study tips. You need friends in the program if you really want to continue working full time. Find groups on facebook pertaining to the class/semester, join whatsapp groups, google hangout video sessions, etc. The more people you interact with in the program , the better and easier your journey will be. Good luck

Chief NP, MSN, RN, APN, APRN, NP · Dec 10, 2018

I'm also in a post-masters program.

essy2010 · Dec 21, 2018

Hello, wanted to ask which school you are attending?

bryanleo9 · Dec 21, 2018

We all have 24 hours in a day. What we do in that time is key. Wife, kids, hobbies etc can all be balanced with proper planning. If you are determined, you can get it done like the tens of thousands of others before you have got it done being in the same situation as you. Good luck.

verene, MSN · Dec 22, 2018

It's going to depend on the individual program. In my program we have class on a set day (in-person) 1 full-day a week, additional online coursework, and clinical 24+ hours per week, add in study time and school can easily take 50 hours a week. No one in my cohort works currently works full time (though several managed full-time hours until clinicals started), but the majority work part-time and about half have families with small children. A lot of it comes down to your personal stress tolerance and time management skills. So long as you prioritize time with family and self-care activities - you can find a way to fit them in.

Ani Talla, MSN, RN · Jan 24, 2019

I agree with others in that it depends on the program. I went through my FNP program before I met my husband and had kids. It was advised for us not to work in that particular program and I understood why. IT was INTENSE. In that time, you will be shaped to become a competent healthcare provider. No longer reviewing and executing orders, you will make them and make critical medical decisions upon graduation. Make sure they have good clinical instructors and not a NP mill of a school that just give you online videos to watch and not actually guild and instruct. It won't be an easy walk, but it's not impossible either. Don't need to go full time. If taking one class at a time is enough on your plate, just do one at a time. Not a race and you will eventually get to end goal. Good luck!

Chief NP, MSN, RN, APN, APRN, NP · Apr 30, 2019

On 12/21/2018 at 11:25 AM, essy2010 said:
Hello, wanted to ask which school you are attending?

UT Arlington...you?