I have no idea what to specialize in though! My top choices are pediatric, neonatal, women's health or family. I'm thinking choosing family would make the most sense but I need reassurance. Also, has anyone tried an online NP program???? How is it?
I graduated as a Family Nurse Practitioner 5 years ago and I thank God I chose such a generic field. I've seen colleagues tied into their specialty and unable to free themselves later. What if you burn out? What if there's really no market for your specialty unless you move to a metro area?
So much for advice! It is FREE!
Well, several colleges around the US are creating their own creative designations of nurses, by combining specialties into one program; such as the program I am in(Emergency Nurse Practitioner) @ Vanderbilt which prepares a nurse for emergency care by credentialing them as both FNP and ACNP. See:
http://vanderbilt.edu/nursing
To enter this program, you must be an RN with a minimum of two years practicing in critical care, med/surg or a field of equal experience.
Thanks for the responses! I decided to go for FNP. I put in my application for an online program so now I am just waiting to see if I have been accepted or not. I'm excited to get started!!!
Just want to wish SoldierNurse the very best of luck!!!! Also, I don't know how you did your BSN but BSN and Master's was a cakewalk compared to ADN although it did take time.
Best wishes!
Go with a FNP program
Dont bother with a acnp, peds, adult either
why ? YOu are more flexable as a FNP. A NP program is just the stepping stone as a mid level practitioner. A post graduate fellowship for NPs and PAs require that NPs are FNPs.
Best wishes
Patrick T
RN, BSN, FNP student ( class of Dec 2008)
SoldierNurse wrote:Hope you get accepted!
Thanks! I should find out in the next couple of weeks. I sure hope this is a good decision. For some reason I don't feel great about it. I have a 2 1/2 year old and I'm so worred that I'm going to be putting too much stress on myself trying to get a Master's, work full time and raise a toddler. I keep telling myself that "this too shall pass." We will see how it goes!
Well, you can look forward to a 7 day a week commitment, with several research papers due weekly, as well as around 100 pages or so of reading nightly; not to mention clinical engagement.
Graduate Nursing School is not for the faint of heart; nor for one who intends to have a social life.
