What would you say to a co-worker, negative about DE programs

[Julia77]

Short, sweet and professional, please. I am curious what you would say to a co-worker who wonders if DE really can prepare one adequately for FNP? (In my case, DE is a not-for-profit, with local in person clinical, and a residency assessment class)

I am currently up to date on the myriad of charged opinions about the validity and concerns related to DE NP programs, thanks to another hot thread.

Julia

[futureeastcoastNP]

I would just make the point that most DE programs attract people who have previous bachelor's degrees in biology, chemistry, and other science heavy majors who were likely even on a premed track. That's something badly needed in the NP profession, which doesn't seem to put much emphasis on science. Without direct entry programs, those students would likely go to PA school instead, depriving the NP profession of bright minds because of the rigid mentality that someone must work as a bedside RN first.

[KNNMNP]

I think this is absolutely correct futureeastcoastNP.

[Adenium]

I would tell them to look at the clinical outcomes, not the pathway. There are (as you saw on your other thread I'm sure) pros and cons.

I just finished my program. My fancypants ICU experience didn't have a lot to do with my success in clinicals. It was, yes, my more scientific thinking and ability to synthesize what I was learning and apply it to my patients. Basic assessment from my 5 years of nursing helped, but honestly there's so much more to learn it quickly pales in comparison. My program was kind of DE, but you had to get a certain amount of working hours before continuing on. I chose to pause and work for a while while I figured out the best way to proceed.

[KansasFNP]

I'm personally torn on this one. I relied heavily on my years as a dually certified emergency room and ICU nurse when completing my advanced education. The 7 years of direct, hands-on experience assessing patients, administering treatments/medications, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team that I had prior to becoming a nurse practitioner assisted me in excelling in advanced practice education. Many of the physicians I have worked with in my neck of the woods have stated that they appreciate working with nurse practitioners due to the critical and independent reasoning skills learned while working as a registered nurse. This is absolutely not to say that bright, science-minded individuals with a knack for interpersonal communication and pathophysiology cannot make an excellent APN via a DE program. If you have completed an approved course of study, passed, successfully taken boards, and become credentialed as a nurse practitioner in your state, you have just as much right to practice proudly as a NP as I do, even without RN experience. Just my anecdotal opinion.

[Adenium]

True, and for primary/outpatient care I think ER nurses bring the most skills to the table. I wish I'd done ER now that I'm an FNP!

Anyway, not to let this thread devolve into another pro/con argument.... I think anyone addressing their coworkers about the DE issue can let them know what they chose and why if they choose to, but it's also your right to just do what you think is right for you. The important thing is to have done your research, know your local job market, and be sure of what you're doing for yourself first. Once you're confident, you can confidently discuss with others as you see fit.

[BlueDevil, DNP]

I'd smile and say, "Perhaps you're right; I committed to this goal, so I guess we'll see." I would repeat this exact phrase without any modifications every, single time sthey offered such comments. I would not bother to make any effort attempting to convince an acquaintance that something I wanted was worthwhile. Words are wasted on people who have already made of their mind. I'd just excel in my new career and no doubt, quickly forget all about him/her and their opinions on my life choices.

In other words, just do your thang. Who gives a sassy rat what anyone else thinks?

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

What Blue Devil said...word for word.