What is np school like

PNP4KIDZ, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2011

I went to the University of South Alabama's online PNP program and loved it! Like I have mentioned before, I would do it all over again! I had 4 kids at the time (am now remarried with a total of 6 kids) and loved the flexibility!!!

yogimom · Apr 4, 2011

Wow! I am doing my online program with Benedictine for Education and Management, Leadership, and Finance. I love the flexibility with our family (3 boys) and looking at doing an online FNP program. Did you personally have to visit the campus for check out? I will definitely check this University of South Alabama's program out. thanks so much! :)

PNP4KIDZ, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2011

We were required to go one time in the beginning of the semester for a few days (that's it): check-offs on assessment, learn about xrays/suturing, etc. It was fun learning and meeting my classmates! Six of us stuck together throughout the entire program, splitting up study guides, supporting one another, etc. It was a blessing! Good for you with your program! That sounds very interesting! Feel free to contact me with other questions!

bloviate · Apr 4, 2011

It's pretty busy with the papers. I haven't studied as much as I did in my undergrad. The biggest thing I noticed is the schedule is brutal starting out and then it seems to let up in the last few semesters.

I think what you really might be getting at is "do I measure up." If you did reasonably well in your undergrad and are fairly self disciplined you will do fine.

peaceful · Apr 5, 2011

i agree with above post, university of south alabama is a good school. extremely demanding online program that is good for students that are highly disciplined and self-motivated. graduate school is not easy. lengthy, involved apa papers along with complex exams. my bsn program was a walk in the park compared to graduate school. i study every spare moment and work a few days a week. also deal with 15 year old that is not the easiest teenager.

buster4 · Apr 5, 2011

Well, personally, it has been the hardest thing I have ever done. I am in my final semester, hope to graduate in May. Keep in mind I have worked 3 12 hr nights shifts a week since last February, this semester, I work Sat, Sun, and Mon nights, and do clinicals Wed, Thurs, and Fridays (days of course) so I am very tired...... Prior to this job I had a Mon through Fri job and could leave for class and be off a day or two a week for cliniclas. But I couldn't have survived ($) wise at that same job. But a lot of reading, studying and papers. I have spent most weekends (prior to this job) at the library. and most evenings. I have had to sacrifice my family and husband. But hopefully my life can come back to normal soon and have my loved ones back!!

TJFRN · Apr 5, 2011

buster 4... you'll get your family back and think you are at the finish line. Pat yourself on the back you did it and survived. :yeah:

j.aic2010 · Apr 6, 2011

I found the expectations at the graduate level intense. Lots of notes for clinicals. Had to find my own clinical sites and complete a total of 700 hours for the FNP requirements. I enjoyed the case studies and learned alot from them. The project that had to be completed was alot of "fluff" but nevertheless a requirement. I have to say it was tough and when you are working it is even tougher. I have recently passed my boards, so now I will be job hunting....and I do hope that enjoy the job after all the work I put into this!

buster4 · Apr 6, 2011

Thank you TJFRN for the words of encouragement!!!!!!!!!!! It is appreciated!!.. It seems unreal that it has been almost 3 years since I started, and it seemed like it would NEVER end.. each semester felt like a lifetime, but now it seems unreal.......

Thank you again for the words of encouragement we all need them, it does help so much!

bbreid · Apr 7, 2011

this may be a stupid question but if you do an online np program, how do you do clinical rotations? are there certain facilities that you have to go to?

mammac5 · Apr 7, 2011

Clinical placement for distance students depends upon the student's location. If you are in a city where your NP program has existing relationships with preceptors, they may be able to set these up for you. If you are in an area where no contracts or relationships exist, you will be expected to do your own networking to find appropriate placements and preceptors and your program will then contact them to make sure they meet the standards of your school.

In areas where there are LOTS of NP/PA/Med schools, this is a real challenge since there are only so many appropriate slots for students. Hint: You may have an easier time finding preceptors if you are willing to travel to a more rural area or a small city that does not have colleges with medical/NP programs.

PNP4KIDZ, BSN, RN · Apr 7, 2011

My distance school was in Alabama with me living in the Midwest. Because their distance program was so established, they already had existing contracts with facilities in most states, and even overseas for military. There were not any pediatric places in my state they had a contract with, but it was no problem, and I established contracts with two major hospitals with one being a children's hospital where I work now. So, they didn't always have specific preceptors set up, but I did not have any problem. I contacted offices I had been to before, and contacted the local NP chapters. I got responses right away for people who wanted to help me. We just had a form from my school they had to sign. I live in a big city with A LOT of nursing/NP/physician/DO schools and did not have a problem. Maybe it depends on which part of the country you are in, but I had no problems at all. Your school will help you with any paperwork necessary. It is not a big deal.