What's NP (FNP) program like?

Nursing.is.an.ART · Feb 5, 2006

sounds like fun =)

good luck on everything ..

i'm not studying there.. i'm a nursing intern from KSA ..

have a nice day ..

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · Feb 5, 2006

HI! I'm in the process of applying for grad school (MSN/ FNP) for Fall 2006. For those who are in such program, what is it like? Is it like nursing school? I know each school is different, what's your like?
I'm applying to Boston College and UMASS - Boston Campus. Anyone applying there or currently in the program now or graduated from those schools? Would love to hear from you!
THX!
CareBear : )

Hi NCLEX CareBear! I'm not in BC or UMASS Boston but I will be starting the NP/MSN program at UMASS-Worcester this summer. Do you live in Mass? I hope you get into the grad school program you want. :) Good luck! :)

-Christine

P.S I read your other post about getting reference letters. What about asking one of your co-workers for the third reference? Especially someone who precepted you maybe? Just an idea. :)

orangeplum · Feb 6, 2006

Hey Carebear

Not really an answer to your question, but I'm also applying to BC for the FNP program - I havent heard from them yet. I got my acceptance letter from Northeastern last week. I would love to chat sometime about school! Are you from MA? Feel free to PM me if you get a chance!

L

Spacklehead, MSN, NP · Feb 6, 2006

I'm in my second semester of an FNP program and it is a lot different than my BSN program (taken at the same school). We are required to learn much more material in detail and there are many more projects/papers to do.

Having said that, it is nice to go to class where all of the students interact with eachother and the professors are now your colleagues. In-class discussions are very interesting since everyone comes from different backgrounds with regards to their nursing careers. It also seems as if the students are all rooting for eachother as opposed to competing against eachother.

Good luck with your applications!

NCLEX_CareBear · Feb 6, 2006

Thank you everyone for their replies! I look forward to grad school!!!

CareBear : )

CardioTrans, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2006

I too am in FNP school, Im in my 3rd semester. I agreee that it is nothing like my BSN program. Even though I did an RN-BSN program, I was still treated as though I was a new student with no past experience. In grad school, you are still a student, but the instructors know that you are a nurse, and treat you as such. Colleagues, not anything else.

It is stressful at times, but a different kind of stress, if that makes sense.

Good luck with your applications.

NCLEX_CareBear · Feb 8, 2006

I look forward of going back to school...I know...I'm such a geek. =)

I graduated almost 2 years ago...I don't think I ver got used to the working world. I've only been an RN (meg-surg RN) for a little over a year. I'm worried how I'll compare to my classmates who have more clinical experience than me. What if I can't keep up with the rest of the class? Maybe I should work a few more years before pursuing my MSN...What do you guys think? What would you do?

CareBear

Spacklehead, MSN, NP · Feb 10, 2006

I think it all depends on how you feel. If this is something that you have your heart set upon, then definitely go for it! We have a couple of women in my class who never did bedside nursing. One is a drug rep and the other works for a company that makes ostomy appliances and they both are managing fine so far. For me, I feel that my clinical experiences have helped me grasp the material with a lot more understanding and interest (esp. Patho and Pharm). I also think that going back to school for my MSN has also helped me with my job. I now have a much better understanding of disease processes and why the body responds the way it does.

I second-guessed myself about applying but when I finally got accepted and started classes, I knew it was what I really wanted and I felt like I fit right in with everybody else. Good luck with your decision!

CardioTrans, BSN, RN · Feb 11, 2006

Only you can answer that. Some people do great with little to no experience. Others feel that they need yrs of it. Like posted above, the material that I am learning in my FNP program helps me on a daily basis at work. I have also learned things that I never learned in my LPN, ADN or BSN programs, that are basic pharm.

It is totally up to you. I wish you the best in whatever you decide to do.