Which online MSN program??

I'll be finished with my CWCN certification within the next 6 weeks. I honestly never had any desire to go back to school until I started the Emory program & realized that I really do like to learn! As far as the possible baby goes, I'm going on 34 & I feel like my clock is ticking. At the same time I feel like if I wait much longer to start an MSN program, I may not ever start. The hospital that I've been employed at for 10+ years is suffering from serious financial problems. I haven't had a raise in 4 years & I'm not expecting one once a become wound care certified. I don't know what the future holds & I'm just trying to figure out the best option for me. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Do you find the job itself appealing? I'm still working on my MSN, but I truly enjoy the work and the role of an NP. It's a lot of work but will be worth it if that's ultimately something you see yourself doing. Good luck with whatever you decide!

I could definitely see myself being an NP. Although I'm not sure what setting would suite me. I've been doing home health for 7+ years & I love the independence & flexibility. I hate all the paperwork! I worked on a med surg floor for 3 years & I can't stand being stuck inside all day! I love being able to help solve my patients problems & it'd be nice not to have to call their MD first & wait (sometimes after several calls & days) for a response. My dream job would be a HH NP CWCN but I can't find any HH agencies close to me that hires NPs. Again, any suggestions are appreciated :).

That gpa is going to limit your choices. So that will narrow Dow your choices. In the beginning the classes are very flexible and it's doable to work full time but eventually you have to do 500-600 hours of clinical so it becomes more challenging. Good luck!

Any suggestions for reputable online programs that I can get into with my 2.98 GPA?

Boston FNP- Thank you for your advice! I will definitely plan to shadow an NP prior to enrolling in a program!

Try not to let age be a deterrent! I'm 51 and completed an RN-BSN program last year and I am now applying to an FNP program. Timing to pursue higher education was just never right for me until I entered my late 40s! Education has no age limit. I must admit, I wish I would have pursued this goal while in my 30's so I could have enjoyed being an FNP that much longer. You'll know when the right time is. Many nurses on these posts have successfully gone after their goals with young families and I have utmost respect for them! Anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

Oh. And the Simmons college program allows you to explain why your GPA may not be as good as you wanted it. So you still have a chance in that program :)

There are so many different discussions here about online FNP programs! homehealthWCN, RN, BSN; I am also in home health at this time working as an RN/Case Manager and I also am very passionate about wound care. I totally get what you are saying about independence in working with patients but still needing to communicate with PCPs all day long. Sometimes I really enjoy the exchanges with MDs and NPs and sometimes it is not as rewarding and fruitful. Anyway, I also am starting to gear up for Fall 2017 in hopes of starting an online FNP program but I am still trying to decide where to apply. My alma mater for nursing school is University of Maryland Baltimore but they offer only DNP now. After a 5 years of practicing as an RN and really finding my footing in a clinical sense I just want to move on with my career in an efficient and cost effective way and so I still am looking at MSN programs instead.

Working full-time is doable, but I just wanted to say that I'm in my second semester and working full-time has been hard for me. I had no clinicals the first semester, and it was okay, but there were definitely weeks that being part-time would've helped me out. A lot.

I started clinicals this semester, and being full-time has been really hard, especially since I work night shift, so I have to make sure that I have the night before off. I have had to do 2 days a couple of weeks because of unforeseen problems with my preceptor's schedule, and those weeks are really tough. I think come Fall, when I have at least 2 days every week, I will need to be part-time at work to balance it out.

It works out differently for everyone and depends on your specific program, job, and home life...but just food for thought! I feel like bringing a new baby into the mix would be really tough, but I do know a few people who've done it while in school.