Which online MSN program??

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Specializes in Home health, wound care.

I have recently started thinking about getting my MSN (probably AGNP). I have a BSN & have been an RN for 10+ years. I'm overwhelmed by the all of the programs! In order to succeed, I'm looking for a 100% online program that is flexible. I will probably need to continue to work full time throughout the program. My husband & I are also thinking about having our first baby! Any thoughts on if I could make that work? Perhaps taking some time off to deliver/maternity leave? Have I lost my mind by even thinking I could do this? I'm currently getting wound care certified through Emory online. They have pre-recorded lectures & I prefer that style of learning. As opposed to just being told to read multiple chapters. Another "speed bump" is that my college GPA was 2.98 :(. 10 years later I'm much more focused & I want to kick myself for not applying myself more! Sorry for the long post. Any suggestions are appreciated!

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
I have recently started thinking about getting my MSN (probably AGNP). I have a BSN & have been an RN for 10+ years. I'm overwhelmed by the all of the programs! In order to succeed, I'm looking for a 100% online program that is flexible. I will probably need to continue to work full time throughout the program. My husband & I are also thinking about having our first baby! Any thoughts on if I could make that work? Perhaps taking some time off to deliver/maternity leave? Have I lost my mind by even thinking I could do this? I'm currently getting wound care certified through Emory online. They have pre-recorded lectures & I prefer that style of learning. As opposed to just being told to read multiple chapters. Another "speed bump" is that my college GPA was 2.98 :(. 10 years later I'm much more focused & I want to kick myself for not applying myself more! Sorry for the long post. Any suggestions are appreciated!

Sounds like you have a lot going on right now, what is motivating you to consider/make the change now?

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Specializes in Home health, wound care.

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!

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Specializes in Medicine.

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!

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Specializes in Home health, wound care.

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 :).

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Specializes in Hospice.

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!

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Specializes in Home health, wound care.

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

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
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 :).

I am glad Alicat asked the follow-up question because this is the info that really helps us point you in the right direction.

I tell prospective students all the time that they need to shadow some NPs and get a feel for what the role is like. You have to want the role, it's not worth it otherwise.

I will be honest with you, you will be pushing even more paperwork and dealing with even more red tape as an NP, or at least as much. You will probably be less flexible in your schedule and you will probably be stuck inside for large portions of the day.

We have a local agency that hires NPs and PAs for home health coverage but it is hard work with very challenging patients.

Again, shadow some NPs. See if you want the role then you can work everything else out. I finished NP school with a newborn. My other rule of thumb is that to not plan your life around having your baby, it will happen when it happens and you will be able to adjust.

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Specializes in Home health, wound care.

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

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Specializes in Critical Care/Case Management.

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.

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Specializes in Critical Care/Case Management.

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 :)

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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.

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