Thanks for sharing Liz! I just wish that so many traditional nurses didn't frown upon Direct Entry nursing programs. I'm currently in an ELMSN program, we get a BSN degree after our pre-licensure portion is complete. A lot of people take time off to work before we finish our NP portion. I just want to say that for those who doubt our ELMSN-NP programs, PAs go straight in so why can't we? Also, with having my bachelor's in a field outside nursing, yes I could've gone to PA school but I genuinely felt an appreciation and calling for nursing, specifically. I don't think that PA school would have been the right choice for me. I hope that helps someone! There are so many factors that go into making that decision, and its best left up to personal judgment.
Thats awesome that you get a BSN along the way! I've heard of a few people taking a break like you mentioned to get experience. And like you said its for sure a personal decision. I think the big thing about PA's going straight into it is how many more provider clinical hours they have. Best of luck with the rest of your program!
@The Danielle Denise which school are you in and how long is it in total. I am a couple of pre reqs away from applying and I am still second guessing myself about this topic. I am 30 and i know thats not old but I would want to start a family one day haha.
Pierre Mays Hello! My program is 1 and a half years long for our pre-licensure/BSN portion, and the official MSN can take up to 3-6 years depending on your specialty track. But it’s up to you to you and if you do it full time or part time.
I think this is completely different depending on the person. I know some NP’s who haven’t worked as a nurse for a day in their life that you wouldn’t even know unless they told you about it because they’re THAT good, and other NPs who’ve worked 5+ years as a nurse who are... questionable. But what the good ones with no prior nursing experience have in common is that they NEVER STOP LEARNING. They are ALWAYS studying and constantly looking thing up even after many years of NP experience.
Could you refer me to the NPs with no experience. I am currently in NP school with no experience and I would love to connect with others in this position and ask some questions’!
i really appreciate you talking about how it's not a race.. I'm in nursing school and have always thought that i immediately wanted to jump to NP school as soon as I graduate and just get experience while in school.. I feel like in this millennial generation everyone is in such a hurry to get to their career goal that sometimes we kinda forget to just live slower.. thanks for your tips.. I will definitely keep it in mind
Such a hot topic! I loved how you voiced your opinion respectfully and with great insight. I’m a direct entry BSN to DNP student, and in my program and this comes up a lot in our class discussions! There are sooo many different pathways in nursing, and what works for one person may not be the best route for the next 💛 great vid!
Hey babe, do you mind me asking which program you’re in? I am finishing up my bachelors in public health and leaning towards getting my bsn or straight into dnp
Liz you are spot on! I have been a nurse for 30 + years and am now in the psych np program. So many of the papers I write and projects are a result of so much experience. I in no way think you need that much, butcan you imagine being faced with a psychotic or manipulative patient and never dealt with that before?? I think the PA route is a great idea for those without nursing degree . Thanks for the video❤️
This is why I like ADN programs. You get your associates, work as a nurse for 2 years while you get your BSN, then another 3 while you get your NP. Basically atleast 5 years of RN experience.
I am currently in a Masters Entry program and my program is just over 2000 clinical hours. Most things you stated are applicable to my program: 1.5 year BSN (they award us the Bachelors too!), NCLEX, 2-3 year Masters/DNP with the choice of 7 specialties. However, it is a requirement for my school that you work as an RN while completing the Masters/DNP portion. I go to a private nursing school in California, one of the top 10 in the nation! Great video! :)
P.S. I'm not saying that to brag! I said that so Liz can identify which school it is by Googling without me actually saying the name. Y'all know how nursing school is! Lol
I am almost 98% sure I know which program you are talking about because I go to the same one haha. When you logged into your application, did you see "your decision is ready to view" with a yellow/gold envelope pic?
Thanks for another informative video for those trying to figure things out. One of the benefits I believe for me personally in being a nurse prior to starting my FNP program was the ability to effectively communicate. Being a nurse helped me build this skill in having to have crucial conversation with the patients I was afforded to care for on my unit. Now that I am in clinical I am able to have conversations with my patients more comfortably because I have gained this skill from being a nurse first. Each person have their own path and we wish them the best of luck but I wholeheartedly agree with you regarding the benefits of becoming a nurse first before pursuing an advance practice degree
I couldn’t imagine going through school without this skill. The transition from registered nurse to advanced practice nurse is going to be stressful enough without the added pressure of not having the communication piece. I’m not saying it can’t be done just not the route I would ever consider personally.
OMG! I'm a junior in my BSN program and I have been binge watching your videos and struggling with this question. This was helpful because it does seem like everyone has a different opinion on the topic. I asked an NP with 5 years of prior ICU experience and she said as long as you work hard in school you don't need the experience before you apply. However, I liked what you said about working for a little bit to find a specialty you really like. I know 100% I want to be a provider, the more I'm in my clinicals the more I realize nursing just isn't my passion. And then I get the question, "why don't you just go to medical school?" and things get even more complicated! I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet, but thank you for sharing your opinion, it helps us students out a lot!
I love your videos and your honesty. My situation is a bit different because I have three degrees (zero in nursing, though that was my original path) and I don’t have much available to get undergraduates loans. However I am pretty firm on wanting to work in neonatology or OB/GYN which is more lead by NPs/MSNs. I am completing courses to apply to PA school but learned about going MSN/NP direct entry. I’ve been in the medical field for 20 years in different capacities and am a surgical tech/assist. It’s such a hard decision, but finances are pushing me toward PA. Wish I had just gone for nursing like I was in the beginning, but I digress. Thanks so much for your input and videos! ❤
Thank you for this video! I just hit my one year of nursing experience with my ADN. I’ve been a full-time student ever since I started my job. So, I will be done with my BSN in December. Also, I got accepted into a FNP program for spring 2020. I’ve gotten a lot of negative feedback on not having enough experience before entering the program. And it definitely had me questioning my decisions.
I had a similar experience! I wanted to be a neonatal nurse practitioner while in nursing school. I thought I would become a NICU nurse when I graduate. I later changed my mind and wanted to be an L&D nurse and then a midwife lol I ended up getting a neuro med/surg job after graduating (it was brutal!!!) Left that job after a year lol Ive been a pediatric ICU nurse for 2 years and am now in my second year of FNP school. You really do change your mind a million times based on your nursing experience after school! Experience helps you find your niche.
I think some nurses look down on this path because in a way they never wanted to do the job as a nurse and wanted an "easier" path to something similar to a PA. For the most part you don't need as many hours of clinical experience and upper level prereqs like organic chemistry that PA school requires. I'm finishing my microbiology major (found out I don't like being a lab scientist) and going into nursing because I'm not sure I want to be a doctor and this path gives me flexibility in case I do want that later on and can go to NP school.
I completely agree.. there have been NPs that have told me that being a provider and a nurse is so different that theres a huge learning curve.. i completely agree about what you said about NP being that easier route as the upper level science courses are killer compared to the nursing classes.
Hey! Rush University (Chicago) has a MSN program for Non-Nurses that requires 1300 clinical hours which is a bit higher than the 700-1000 hours that other schools are requiring. Also thanks for the explanation- this was so helpful!!
@@kpete27 I worked with a clinical nurse manager many years ago. She had a Non-Nursing BA and went into an MSN program, I think in Maryland. This MSN tried ICU. The nursing staff threatened that it was her or them. She was dangerous. She then became the nurse manager in my unit L&D, PP, and Newborn nursery. Yes, she had a BA. The hospital administration figured that a manager could go anywhere. The MSN never worked as a nurse a day in her life except for the few clinical hours needed for her MSN (her words). She was a disaster in both units. I have been a nurse for a very long time. Maybe too long. I am retired. I do believe in further education. But I also believe in experience. An old madame of a notorious bordello in Philly was asked if she ever worked as a call girl. She answered, "You can't be an artist and not get your fingers in the paint."
Love how well thought out this video is! I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking on the provider role with less than 2-3 years experience. Loved how you mentioned going to PA school instead. I feel like to be an advanced practice nurse, you should have to be an RN for a bit first. For reference: I’ve been a nurse for 1.5 years.
@@NurseLiz Wow is it? I feel like it's more catered for people with a biology background because you get all the prereqs through the degree and go that route instead of medical school. I'm a microbiology major and a lot of my classmates want to do this.
Thank you for making this video! I’ve been going in circles figuring out if I want to further my education after nursing school but wasn’t sure about not having any experience. This helped so much!
I am a COTA student (almost done with OTA school) and am thinking about going into NP Direct Entry school myself...and why not? PA school is similar and they don't have to have those requirements. Thank you Direct Entry NP programs!
I have been thinking a lot about preventative medicine as well! A majority of the patients I see on my preceptorship have preventable problems, aka like you said "having their toes fallen off" because it's SO TRUE. Especially the toes!
It’s not a race, for me it’s taken 30 years. Slow and steady. I have been thinking of ideas for my capstone research project for the DNP program I start next September. This might be a great and interesting topic to research. I have a DNP, NP mentor, I’m going to run it by him and see what he thinks. Lastly, I agree that nursing experience should be required for advanced practice. Nursing education is scattered and I feel there should be more continuity with nursing education.
Speaking to the "Recommendations" section - as a DNP, FNP who taught in a BSN program for almost 8 yrs, I 100% agree with your opinion and recommendations. Needs to be more research, definitely. I am worried about those going right back to school w/ no experience.
I'm doing a dual degree (AGPCNP/WHNP) at Vanderbilt University and they're requiring about 1200 clinical hours. I applied to NP school soon after I graduated nursing school, about 4 months after. I started school when I had just over a year of experience and when I start clinicals this spring, I'll have 2.5 years of experience. Not quite piggy-backing but it's been manageable at this point!
I’m planning on taking the same route! What unit did you start off in as a new grad and do you feel like the specialty you chose impacted your experience in np school?
@@naomiparks9209 I worked on cardiac/stepdown as a new grad. I also did charge for a year which was a great experience as well. I'm not working anymore because I'm in clinical full time now. I don't think my inpatient specialty impacted NP school, except for feeling more comfortable with cardiac content lol. But either way, the work exposure was invaluable. I will say, the NP role is so different from the RN role, you may as well just jump right in and start that NP degree because more years as an RN doesn't mean you have less to learn when you get to NP school. I see experienced nurses struggle with difficult content just as much as nurses with 2-ish years of bedside.
I like what you said about taking your time when making the decision to go back to school. I feel a pressure from my parents and society to go back before I’m 30 and I don’t even know what degree or speciality I want to go back for. I want to work on as many floors as I want without the stress. Thankss!
Honestly, some people have a natural talent for test-taking, while others might struggle despite their hard work. I didn’t study extensively but managed to pass, while I know many who dedicated countless hours and didn’t achieve the same outcome. The key is to stay calm and confident during the exam. Creating personal mnemonics and phrases, just like Mr. Tony always advises, can really enhance retention. I developed unique sayings that clicked with me to help remember the material.
@Marcus6t Sometimes hard work alone doesn't cut it; you have to back it up with smart strategies. It seems like your cousin really understood that. Congratulations to her! 🎉🎊🙌
I am a firefighter paramedic with aspirations to become an NP. I am in the beginning stages of doing a paramedic to RN bridge program and then plan to get a BSN then ultimately NP. At this point I don’t plan on gaining much nursing experience prior because I will be going to school part time while continuing my full time firefighter paramedic career. By the time I would be ready for NP school I will have almost 15 years of paramedic experience. I know there are differences in nursing and prehospital EMS but I hope the EMS experience is helpful as I am considering working in Urgent Care or the ED as an NP.
I know it's really early to get good data on this, but I am also curious what we will find out about the influence of floor nursing experience of an NP on care quality, patient outcomes, and vitality of the NP career. More and more people are becoming interested in ABSN, direct-entry masters programs, and going straight into NP school after nursing school. I'm finishing up a 15-month ABSN program, and I feel I'm not getting enough clinical experience to feel confident enough, even though we're doing clinical hours at least 12 hours every week. It makes me wary about these fast-paced programs.
I"ll be totally honest. Nursing school clinicals are the worst. They arent set up well for learning because there is little continuity, and a large portion of the learning is placed on nurses who are stressed and can't educate because they are flustered already. I felt the exact same way when i graduated from nursing school. I learned the most at my first job.
Loved the video! I am in a grad entry masters program and I love it! It definitely depends on what you want to do in nursing and what your goals are going into that profession. For me, I knew I wanted to go into the provider role and I decided on the np route. I have clinical experience (patient care associate, pharmacy tech, etc.) that I felt gave me more insight in the health field. Although it was not nursing experience, I find myself being prepared in collaborating with other health professionals, understanding what most medications are used for, how to earn patient trust, and many other valuable things. My program is solidifying the foundation that I want to build from in terms of becoming the best fnp that I can be for not only myself but my future patients! When I hear that some nurses spite others who choose this pathway it is very disheartening. Not everyone is trying to rush to the end! Some of us choose these programs because this might truly be our calling! For others they may have different needs that can be met with these programs, or maybe bedside nursing was not their calling. Everyone has their own reason or purpose for choosing this path.
Starting my direct entry program this upcomingJanuary and loved everything you said. I feel the exact same way, in that, I want to provide the absolute best care and support to my future patients❤.
700-1000 placement/clinical hours seems like a teeny amount if there's no previous healthcare experience. My BSN (woohoo, got the offer a couple of weeks ago!), has 880 placement hours! Pretty much all the unis I've looked at here in Aus require 5 years prior FULL-TIME experience before they'll accept you for a NP program.
I absolutely think you should have nursing experience before going for your NP. I have been a nurse for almost 17 years and almost done with my FNP degree and it has been invaluable in my program and especially with clinicals! Thank you for sharing this.
@@afm398 it definitely is a start but needs to be more. The more experience you have, the easier it will be in the NP program as you will understand more. It just makes sense to have more experience before becoming an advanced practice nurse.
@@kizzmecwby197 ugh I just want to start and get it over with especially because I plan to open an aesthetics clinic. Do you think it's okay to go into np school with one year. It just might be a little more challenging which I don't mind.
@@afm398 and this is one of the problems with the profession is this attitude. I’m sorry to be blunt, but the hurry up and get it over attitude is what will let you hurt people or kill people. You have to realize that you can physically harm people in this profession and kill people. It isn’t something that you hurry up and get it over with.
Thanks for this video! I graduated in May with my BSN and already have people telling me to go to NP school now... I have told them I want to get experience first and that I don't even know what route I want to go. Also these people aren't in the medical field so I don't think they fully understand.
Definitely take your time! If thats even the route you want to go. I think a lot of people have started to see NP as the end goal, when in reality being a nurse is a great end goal.
It seems like a lot of perspectives on this topic assume that direct-entry NPs do not have experience. I think that a distinction has to be made between direct-entry route for someone with no clinical experience vs. someone with clinical experience (besides RN experience). For someone who has no patient care experience and wants to enter into a direct entry MSN, yes, I'd agree that getting RN experience first is the best choice because, as you mentioned, caring for patients at the bedside exposes us to irreplaceable knowledge about how to recognize complications, educate/advocate for patients and make clinical decisions. But, I don't think that is comparable to everyone considering the direct-entry route. I earned a bachelor's of science degree in another discipline and have 10,000 hours of patient care experience across 4 specialties. I think that taking another year to work as an RN isn't necessary. Obviously PA would be an option for me, but going that route would mean that I wouldn't be able to continue working while in school or take advantage of tuition assistance. Plus, time away from connections I've already made at my current employer, where I'd be better positioned to transition into my role after graduation. I think that before making a concrete decision about whether RN experience is necessary, individuals should be evaluated holistically, and with consideration to all of the experiences they bring to the table that would qualify them to be prepared, competent providers. Thanks for all you do Liz, I love your videos.
I would have LOVED to stay as a staff nurse in a hospital longer than I did. I was there for 1.5 years and I learned so much. The nurses that have been there longer are often more astute at picking up patient changes and knowing what to do quicker than starting residents. But these joints didn't allow me to stay in bedside nursing longer, lol.
Oh my goodness my daughter has her Bachelor’s however NOT in nursing, now she is taking courses to fulfill requirements to get INTO an NP School. I am tired of paying for school and my patience is running thinner than Swiss watch.
As someone who didn't have any experience going into NP school, and anxious about this insecurity, a faculty member told me this -- Yes, you don't have experience as a nurse, but here's what you do have and why we admitted you: You have 3 years of MA experience, 3 years of clinical coordinator and EKG experience, 2 years of public health experience where you not only taught diabetes and hypertension courses, you also were involved in health policy. And, even though you're a bit crazy...you're working PRN as an outpatient nurse. I realized at that moment that I did have clinical experience. That said, I will say that what an NP does, and if you go to a reputable school, I honestly believe that my RN experience actually would make the transition into an NP a bit more difficult. Many of my classmates mentioned that they're use to following orders given to them while as an NP student, they're learning how to diagnose and give orders/plans of care. I do find that does make a difference. The only thing I'd say a nurse with experience has over me is time management skills and if one decides to go into a specialty, then they are way more experienced and more qualified then me.
I obtained a 4 yr BSN degree then DNP, FNP 15 yrs later (I waited too long, but no one can ever take away any of the experience I gained). I, too, recommend 2-3 yrs of experience, as it is an "advanced" nursing practice degree.
My university (Saint Louis University) is the only school in my state that has an accelerated MSN program for people who never got a BSN first. It's amazing. I'm finishing my undergrad in Criminology and Criminal Justice then I'll be heading to the MSN program. I also have an associates in Applied Science which helps because I'm already a healthcare professional too. In order for us to obtain the NP, it's just a post-masters certificate rather than an entire degree.
I have 13 years of nursing experience, float pool nursing primarily. I definitely believe the clinical nurse experience is imperative. The skills I have learned and the foundation that has been built helps me understand things better. Not to say others should do it my way. But I definitely would have struggled in my program more if I didn't have that experience, but that is just my personal experience.
I’ve been a nurse for 11yrs and just recently finished my FNP. I’m so glad I did not do this when I was a younger nurse. I wouldn’t have been ready, not as a person and not as a nurse. I worry that by diminishing the time required to apply for a graduate program, we diminish the quality of our care, perceived and actual. In some ways, the perceived quality is more important because how we are perceived by physicians can dictate how we can practice.
I’m a 43 yr old MBA that spent 4 YEARS! getting my first masters degree. I know you’re not a big fan of direct entry (DE), but I’m NOT doing that traditional route again. That said, can you help me find DE programs that will prep me to sit for FNP credentialing? I’m finding DE MSN programs, but almost all only prep you to sit for the NCLEX. What DE programs prep for FNP? Thank you, and love your vids. Very helpful!
I don't know any specifically, but when you're searching online, I'd just suggest being very specific and searching for DE nurse practitioner programs.
i think that clinical hours are key. RN clinical hours are invaluable. nursing (and Medicine) are taught on the floor/unit. a lot of the schooling is a weedout process imho. i see the actual procedures done (MD/PA/NP/RN) and that's where you really learn stuff. "on hands"/clinical and patient assessment/Dx is where the "magic" is! so going to NP school (what i also plan on doing after my BSN) WITHOUT nursing experience seems kind of like going for your Master's in Engineering without any engineering courses/experience. i guess you can if you get in but it's not going to be pretty. >.
Been waiting for this video!!!!!! You totally helped me decide to work at the bedside a few years before going for NP! I’m starting my MSN Entry to Nursing Programs this January. It’s 22 months and I’ll get my RN and MSN. I plan on working bedside for a while and exploring the different fields. After a while I plan on going for my DNP-FNP. But I feel like part of me might love just being an RN for a while so who knows!!!! Thanks again Liz!
In Québec, its pretty different. NP need to have 3600 hours on nursing experience and around 1500 of those hours need to be in the specific practice you apply for. I was like you, I totally changed my mind on what i wanted to do. During my nurse technician program, i wanted all the critical and urgent care placement, i was only seeing myself at an hospital with really intense cases. But as i worked and did my bachelor, i realized i loved patient education and prevention of diseases, working with families etc. With all this I now want to be a NP in primary care :) im applying for next fall.
i feel like i want to go to NP school right after nursing school because the committee that dictates our education requirements continue to push for all NP’s getting a DNP by 2025 and i do not want to have my doctoral
I was an experienced labor and delivery nurse at a large hospital who worked with a CNM group. There was one CNM who seemed to not have the level of knowledge and judgment that the other CNMs possessed, she seemed uncomfortable in her role, and it made me very uneasy as I was not confident in her and that is not a feeling any staff nurse wants to have when working with a provider. I found out later that she had no labor and delivery experience, or any nursing experience, as she went to nursing school then directly into midwifery school. I am a big proponent of getting nursing experience before going on to become a provider of care. I hope this young woman eventually caught up with her peers but honestly, the lack of nursing experience in this particular case was glaring.
I’ve been a nurse for 13 years (almost all in ICU) and have just started an MSN program for forensic nursing. I have never wanted to be a nurse practitioner but always wanted to continue my education. Nothing quite struck me until forensic nursing came up. From the perspective of the longtime bedside nurse, it can be incredibly frustrating to watch new grads come to the unit, get their 1-2 years of experience, then leave for NP school one after another. Their attitude is frequently that they have already learned everything there is to know about the ICU and are now inherently better than those nurses who choose to stay at the bedside for a longer amount of time. I have always thought that nursing experience is crucial to advanced practice, but feel that even more so since starting my program. We take all the same patho/pharm/assessment classes as the NP students and I feel extremely prepared based on my bedside nursing experience. Sorry if this got a little ranty.
So glad you found something you love!! I feel like SO often people don't even think of alternative nursing jobs, they just look at NP. when in reality there are SO many cool options for nurses, as you've found!
Thank you for your wonderful video! I wanna ask you a few questions if you don't mind me asking. 1. Do I need to get a BSN degree to work as a nurse (either RN or NP) though I have an MSN degree? I mean, is it recommended? I'm wondering if it is common and okay to work as a nurse without a BSN degree when I have an MSN. 2. If you recommend finishing a BSN and working as an RN for more experience before I choose my future career, what about starting a direct entry MSN program and taking an absence of leave for 1-2 years to work as a full-time RN before I choose my specialty? 3. Is there any chance that I can apply for the direct entry MSN program when I already graduated but haven't finished the prerequisite courses? I wonder if I can finish the prerequisite courses in a community college and then apply for the program.
I totally was gonna do this but the place I want to work told me I need a BSN or need to be in progress of one when I’m hired after getting my ASN RN plus I have a BS in psych already.
@@pinknikkij well my advice (just my opinion) is get into a program that will give you MSN/DNP. This way in case "life happens," you can at least sit for your NP boards along the way to your DNP. If that place is the only place who can offer you employment when you graduate, work there while they pay for your BSN (hint hint 😁), this way you'll have some experience under your belt when you go for your WHNP.
So I have my bsn. Working on a cardiac tele unit now for six months. By the time I start school I will have had one full year. I plan on continuing to work. Are the classes going to be extra challenging for me because I don’t have the same first hand experience at seeing what providers order and why they order it for patients ? Everything is super fresh in my brain still like patho and pharm and that’s why I want to go
I would chose the PA route honestly. I would feel much better with the training they give and it's only 2 years full time... But unfortunately we don't have any PA schools here in O'ahu :( The good thing is that NPs here have full autonomy
I'm a licensed social worker with a clinical counseling background and I am torn about a DE psych NP program and a generalist RN program. The RN program would save me $$ but it would take longer to gain the qualifications to integrate the social work aspect
Great vid. Professionally I don't see the point. (going directly to NP) If the goal is to immediately work as mid level, then study to be a PA (a more rounded medical education) If you went into the trouble of getting your RN degree and license, then WORK as an RN I cannot begin to express the knowledge gap between school and practice (even just a couple of years) No, having prior XP does not mean you'll be a great or even good provider Yes, you can be a direct entry NP and be a great provider, but your at a disadvantage
Where I live (Dearborn, Michigan ) there is an “over saturation” of NPs, Where a lot of NPs are not finding jobs. Do you feel this to be true everywhere? Or is this just a thing where I live?
It definitely depends on where you live. Some areas are paying to relocate you, while others are harder to find a job in. The dearborn area is definitely challenging. If you are willing to relocate to the west side of the state, TONS of my friends got jobs super quickly out there. Even up near lansing they got them quickly.
I am thinking this way it is longer but incrementally difficult which will be easier to adapt and leaves a safety net if it doesn't workout. I'm thinking to bridge into an RN diploma program that way I can work and school and after that pass test and find work really anywhere its just temporary but finish up classes for a AS in biology for transfer and if you wonder why not an ADN its really because I can't see a reason it would do me any good outside nursing and who knows what will happen so as an RN start working on a bachelors in biology or genetics if offered and finish that. Now if I don't make it in any of my options I have a degree that from what I know will help me more and honestly gave a much better understanding of the body than a BSN. I can try for a PA program which from what I gather teaches from the medical model and if I'm going to be making decisions about prescriptions is a safer way to make sure I make the right choice or find a NP or DNP program that used the medical model I heard UC Davis does and I'm sure others do. I don't know if the direct entry programs will accept a applicant without a BSN even if licensed but worse case scenario I have to go get BSN I already have a BS and am an RN so the time won't be so short and why I'm not just thinking PA is autonomy that a NP has in California. I have these steps this way so I can work as far into it as I can, I know I won't be able to if I got in either program but its easier to explain as an adult who changed careers in his 30's why I'm unemployed. It also lets me fall back on a better job than I have now if my big dreams don't work
I have a BS in Biology for 3 years now. I've been trying to get into a PA program but my GPA is too low. So I figured maybe I go the nursing route and then become an NP. Honestly, I really don't want to be a nurse. I want to be either a PA or an NP. I've been in the medical field as an ED tech for over 17 years. I'm tired of being a tech. I've worked so hard to get my BS degree that now I'm stuck as a tech doing the same thing. I would like to go to the next level of my career. People tell me to go for an ADN and work as a nurse in the ED but I really don't want to work as a nurse in the ED or any department. I'm not young (55) and I don't want to continue working my butt off to make ends meet. If I were an NP or PA I would work on a specialty either Ortho or Cardiac. What would you recommend?
I am a nurse in a functional medicine/ preventative clinic. I am worried I will not have the "acute care" experience before going to NP school. However, I am working with NPs every day. I see their thought process and I have great critical thinking skills. I cannot say I have the emergency care skills but I want to be an FNP, so I'm not sure it'd benefit me anyways. Any thoughts?!
I think, given the current situation we are in post-Covid, this is GREAT preparation - especially if you want to practice in this vein when you get done! (Which I would recommend - a huge demand now and in the future.
i just graduated from high school and got into Johns Hopkins University but their undergraduate programs don't offer nursing major. So I decided to major in chemistry and will be choosing my courses soon. Any advices on how to go from there?
Honestly be careful with chemistry as your major if you don't plan on becoming a chemist and if you need a high gpa for any grad school including PA and MD. This is just from what I've seen from other people and from the classes I took for my chemistry minor I needed with my microbiology major.
So much thankful for you, I was looking for a video talking about this but never found a good one. thank you for the great information, I always know that I can depend on you.
If anyone could help: I am majoring in Neuroscience and am a CNA. I originally wanted to become a scientist - work in labs and such - but since I began working with pateints I have learned that I want a career in nursing. I am a third year so I think switching my major at this point wouldnt be so great. I have been thinking of graduating with my bachelors then apply to a direct entry program for NP to later work in the field of neuro. Would this be recommended?
This may be a funny question..but can you hold a BSN license and a nurse practitioner license at the same time?.(you said it was required to take the NCLEX after the first portion of NP school so just wondering if I decided de I don't like the schedule/work of No job then could I just go right into working as an RN (if I keep my license current) I am an LPN of 23 years considering options for NP school..
Hey Liz, I'm taking my prerequisites right now, and next semester, I'm supposed to be taking Anatomy and Physiology 2, and I still need Microbiology. Would you recommend that i take these classes at the same time? I'm going to apply for the nursing program at the University of Memphis, to get my BSN, and to be a top tier candidate for admissions, it's recommended to have all of the prerequisites complete before applying
I am very interested in direct entry programs. Currently completing my MPH & I have experience managing a private caregiving agency where I regularly see clients/fill in for caregivers/directly oversee client affairs. My main concern is being cancelled by other nurses for being less experienced. I definitely recognize my lack of clinical experience but I have always been committed to improving health throughout my career. I have always seen the value of primary care and do not see myself working in another setting. Likewise, I completed all direct entry pre-reqs (not PA) and am not interested in PA school. Will my job prospects be limited by the anti-direct entry crowd? Will I be able to prove myself by working hard or will it never be enough to gain the majorities respect? (Thank you for being so open minded btw!). I just don’t think I can take bs from MDs and NPs. I also need to get out of school ASAP and won’t be able to financially justify taking more time for experience. This is getting ridiculous lol :)
Totally depends on the humans you end up working with! Most will give you the respect you deserve if you show up and have prepared yourself well. There are also lousy humans who will judge you no matter what. You can absolutely do it! Just be willing to do A LOT Of self education because programs teach you some stuff and expect you to fill in the giant gaps in education. Which is very doable, just a lot of work.
This is my situation. I have healthcare experience and a BS in Health Sciences. I want to enroll in direct entry program. I also have the same fear. Hopefully no hazing if I decide to go through with it
I've been a dialysis nurse for 10 years it's all I know. But now I'm cutting back hours to watch my kids and go to school for NP, possibly nephrology.. do I need more experience outside of dialysis?
I'm honestly not entirely sure what experience you get as a dialysis nurse, but it may be helpful to get something that's less specialized. But I also have no clue because dialysis is an area I'm truly not too too knowledgable about!
Hey Liz, I’m in my first semester of my ADN, is there anything I should pay really close attention to now to make NP easier down the road. I plan on getting 2 yrs medsurg unit experience before I apply.
And keep your cards close to the chest. It can be very offputting (at times) when a new grad says they are only on med surge for x amount of time and then going to NP school. :D
I have no college I was a MA for about 10 yrs wasted 22 yrs working for an Airline wish I could’ve stayed and continued nursing in mid 50’s am I late to start??
@@TallithatheBossLady I'm in Texas, one of the most restrictive practice states for NPs and NPs can own their own practice. You just have to have your collaborative agreement in place with the MD who will be overseeing your practice. You don't necessarily have to be under the MD's thumb constantly.
@@TallithatheBossLady no, not at all. But, the NP may have to pay that MD for the oversight of charts on a monthly basis. Fees may vary from doc to doc, state to state.
I’m a home health LPN currently working on my pre reqs for LPN to ASN. I’d like to do ASN to BSN and BSN to MSN. If I do MSN to DNP do I have to be an NP? I don’t think I wanna do NP. My mom did NP and my sister did PA.
Nurse Liz 👏 I have my summer class and then I can apply for the spring 2021 LPN to RN program. The application starts from August to October. The college will also apply my grades for this fall. Cross your fingers for me. Love the videos
I have almost 6 months worth of ICU experience, but I have quickly realized the ICU is not for me. I have about a year before I will start applying for NP school. I have thought about home health nursing because of the flexible schedule, the teaching and autonomy that comes with the job I feel would be beneficial during NP school but I don’t want to transfer out of the ICU if it will hurt my goal of going to NP school. Do you think home health is sufficient nursing experience for NP school?
HI! I can go to Nurse Practitioner school with 5 years experience as LPN and Bachelor degree in health science done? or I need to complete LPN to RN transition program and then register for NP Program? I need to know before register for LPN to RN because I think that is a lot of money wasted to get into NP program
hi! If you have a bachelors in something else there are some direct entry MSN programs that would utilize your bachelor degree from a different major. those programs give you your RN along the way. There are also some ADN to MSN programs. but that would require a bridge from LPN to ADN. Hope that makes sense!
As a current undergrad searching for these Direct-Entry MSN programs, are there a few programs or universities that can be recommended by those who know them well?
This website shows all of the accredited programs and you can search them by program type, degree, location, etc. : www.aacnnursing.org/Students/Find-a-Nursing-Program
totally up to you! Do you love your job?? if you love it stay! I know a few people who worked L&D and then went into family medicine as NP's. They had a harder transition than the rest of us, but now, a year later I'd say we're all struggling equally now.
I am watching this quite a while after it was posted but I have a question for anyone who has advice! I have a bs in exercise science and I am interested in a direct entry np program in my area. Does anyone have a recommendation on any way to get nursing experience when I don’t have any type of nursing degree?
Also to add, I wanted to go the PA route, but there are about 7 pre reqs that I do not have for PA school and I have not done any shadowing hours. Also the acceptance rate turns me away. Whereas for the NP direct entry program I would only need to take 2 pre reqs.
If you could get a job as a unit clerk that would give you somewhat of an idea of what nursing is like! Or volunteer, or get a job as a patient attendant. Also many many other types of jobs translate skills wise over to nursing! So you may not need job experience in it, you may just want to see if you could shadow or something to get a look at what its like
The only benefit of direct entry is getting Graduate loans. Once you get a Bachelor's, the well runs dry. I can't imagine doing both. Double the crying?
So I am about to be a senior biology major and I have been looking at Direct-Entry DNP programs. What are your thoughts on that route for people like me? I am really drawn to the nursing school model, while also getting to practice with more autonomy than an RN. I have been leaning DNP school over PA school because of this.
Boost up other areas of your resume with leadership skills, etc. You may need to re take some classes if it comes down to just a gpa issues, which isn't fun, but may be worth it if it gets you where you want to be.
@@theshinythings123 some one told me to just get an associates degree in nursing and then move up and get a bsn and then become a no by getting a masters. They said it’s like starting over and would make me more competitive academically.
I’m not in college yet but I am planning to be a trauma nurse practitioner. Would it be a good idea to get emt certified and get some experience in that field and would it be beneficial for the future or would it just be a waist of time?
I'd look on their job postings and see what they require! I haven't ever done this so I'm not sure. People seem to get adjunct positions first then later move to a more stable faculty position
![So You Want to Be a NURSE PRACTITIONER [Ep. 25]](/img/n.gif)
Thanks for sharing Liz! I just wish that so many traditional nurses didn't frown upon Direct Entry nursing programs. I'm currently in an ELMSN program, we get a BSN degree after our pre-licensure portion is complete. A lot of people take time off to work before we finish our NP portion. I just want to say that for those who doubt our ELMSN-NP programs, PAs go straight in so why can't we? Also, with having my bachelor's in a field outside nursing, yes I could've gone to PA school but I genuinely felt an appreciation and calling for nursing, specifically. I don't think that PA school would have been the right choice for me. I hope that helps someone! There are so many factors that go into making that decision, and its best left up to personal judgment.
Thats awesome that you get a BSN along the way! I've heard of a few people taking a break like you mentioned to get experience. And like you said its for sure a personal decision. I think the big thing about PA's going straight into it is how many more provider clinical hours they have. Best of luck with the rest of your program!
@The Danielle Denise which school are you in and how long is it in total. I am a couple of pre reqs away from applying and I am still second guessing myself about this topic. I am 30 and i know thats not old but I would want to start a family one day haha.
Pierre Mays Hello! My program is 1 and a half years long for our pre-licensure/BSN portion, and the official MSN can take up to 3-6 years depending on your specialty track. But it’s up to you to you and if you do it full time or part time.
Pierre Mays I’m on the same boat!!
The Danielle Denise what school is that?
I think this is completely different depending on the person. I know some NP’s who haven’t worked as a nurse for a day in their life that you wouldn’t even know unless they told you about it because they’re THAT good, and other NPs who’ve worked 5+ years as a nurse who are... questionable. But what the good ones with no prior nursing experience have in common is that they NEVER STOP LEARNING. They are ALWAYS studying and constantly looking thing up even after many years of NP experience.
Could you refer me to the NPs with no experience. I am currently in NP school with no experience and I would love to connect with others in this position and ask some questions’!
How is your experience been going straight to np without nursing experience?
@@kaylaaax10how did it go for you
When you said this is not a race I felt some anxiety lift of my chest 😂
So many people make it seem like one, I totally get why it would feel that way!
Me too lol I feel the same way cause of my age
😂😂😂 me 2.
i really appreciate you talking about how it's not a race.. I'm in nursing school and have always thought that i immediately wanted to jump to NP school as soon as I graduate and just get experience while in school.. I feel like in this millennial generation everyone is in such a hurry to get to their career goal that sometimes we kinda forget to just live slower.. thanks for your tips.. I will definitely keep it in mind
I agree I think everyone is all about reaching the finish line, but theres so so much to learn along the way! Best of luck with everything!
Such a hot topic! I loved how you voiced your opinion respectfully and with great insight. I’m a direct entry BSN to DNP student, and in my program and this comes up a lot in our class discussions! There are sooo many different pathways in nursing, and what works for one person may not be the best route for the next 💛 great vid!
Very true!
Hey babe, do you mind me asking which program you’re in? I am finishing up my bachelors in public health and leaning towards getting my bsn or straight into dnp
Liz you are spot on! I have been a nurse for 30 + years and am now in the psych np program. So many of the papers I write and projects are a result of so much experience. I in no way think you need that much, butcan you imagine being faced with a psychotic or manipulative patient and never dealt with that before?? I think the PA route is a great idea for those without nursing degree . Thanks for the video❤️
yes this!! You are going to be such an amazing psych np!
Exactly 💯
This is why I like ADN programs. You get your associates, work as a nurse for 2 years while you get your BSN, then another 3 while you get your NP. Basically atleast 5 years of RN experience.
I am currently in a Masters Entry program and my program is just over 2000 clinical hours. Most things you stated are applicable to my program: 1.5 year BSN (they award us the Bachelors too!), NCLEX, 2-3 year Masters/DNP with the choice of 7 specialties. However, it is a requirement for my school that you work as an RN while completing the Masters/DNP portion. I go to a private nursing school in California, one of the top 10 in the nation! Great video! :)
P.S. I'm not saying that to brag! I said that so Liz can identify which school it is by Googling without me actually saying the name. Y'all know how nursing school is! Lol
That sounds like an awesome program!
What school is that?
@@nairobiwatson9694very interested, does school name start with AP? Thanks
I am almost 98% sure I know which program you are talking about because I go to the same one haha. When you logged into your application, did you see "your decision is ready to view" with a yellow/gold envelope pic?
Thanks for another informative video for those trying to figure things out.
One of the benefits I believe for me personally in being a nurse prior to starting my FNP program was the ability to effectively communicate.
Being a nurse helped me build this skill in having to have crucial conversation with the patients I was afforded to care for on my unit.
Now that I am in clinical I am able to have conversations with my patients more comfortably because I have gained this skill from being a nurse first.
Each person have their own path and we wish them the best of luck but I wholeheartedly agree with you regarding the benefits of becoming a nurse first before pursuing an advance practice degree
Oh my gosh I can't agree more about the communication. I feel like that has been So improved by my years as a nurse.
I couldn’t imagine going through school without this skill.
The transition from registered nurse to advanced practice nurse is going to be stressful
enough without the added pressure of not having the communication piece. I’m not saying it can’t be done just not the route I would ever consider personally.
OMG! I'm a junior in my BSN program and I have been binge watching your videos and struggling with this question. This was helpful because it does seem like everyone has a different opinion on the topic. I asked an NP with 5 years of prior ICU experience and she said as long as you work hard in school you don't need the experience before you apply. However, I liked what you said about working for a little bit to find a specialty you really like. I know 100% I want to be a provider, the more I'm in my clinicals the more I realize nursing just isn't my passion. And then I get the question, "why don't you just go to medical school?" and things get even more complicated!
I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet, but thank you for sharing your opinion, it helps us students out a lot!
Lots to consider for sure!
i think you should get it done an over with DNP. all the way once you settle down your not going to want to go back
I love your videos and your honesty. My situation is a bit different because I have three degrees (zero in nursing, though that was my original path) and I don’t have much available to get undergraduates loans. However I am pretty firm on wanting to work in neonatology or OB/GYN which is more lead by NPs/MSNs. I am completing courses to apply to PA school but learned about going MSN/NP direct entry. I’ve been in the medical field for 20 years in different capacities and am a surgical tech/assist. It’s such a hard decision, but finances are pushing me toward PA. Wish I had just gone for nursing like I was in the beginning, but I digress. Thanks so much for your input and videos! ❤
Thank you for this video! I just hit my one year of nursing experience with my ADN. I’ve been a full-time student ever since I started my job. So, I will be done with my BSN in December. Also, I got accepted into a FNP program for spring 2020. I’ve gotten a lot of negative feedback on not having enough experience before entering the program. And it definitely had me questioning my decisions.
You know what’s best for you ❤️
I had a similar experience! I wanted to be a neonatal nurse practitioner while in nursing school. I thought I would become a NICU nurse when I graduate. I later changed my mind and wanted to be an L&D nurse and then a midwife lol I ended up getting a neuro med/surg job after graduating (it was brutal!!!) Left that job after a year lol Ive been a pediatric ICU nurse for 2 years and am now in my second year of FNP school. You really do change your mind a million times based on your nursing experience after school! Experience helps you find your niche.
I think some nurses look down on this path because in a way they never wanted to do the job as a nurse and wanted an "easier" path to something similar to a PA. For the most part you don't need as many hours of clinical experience and upper level prereqs like organic chemistry that PA school requires. I'm finishing my microbiology major (found out I don't like being a lab scientist) and going into nursing because I'm not sure I want to be a doctor and this path gives me flexibility in case I do want that later on and can go to NP school.
I completely agree.. there have been NPs that have told me that being a provider and a nurse is so different that theres a huge learning curve.. i completely agree about what you said about NP being that easier route as the upper level science courses are killer compared to the nursing classes.
Hey! Rush University (Chicago) has a MSN program for Non-Nurses that requires 1300 clinical hours which is a bit higher than the 700-1000 hours that other schools are requiring. Also thanks for the explanation- this was so helpful!!
This is so helpful! Thank you!
MSN as a NP (?) for NON-nurses...this sounds like a disaster.
@@kpete27 I worked with a clinical nurse manager many years ago. She had a Non-Nursing BA and went into an MSN program, I think in Maryland. This MSN tried ICU. The nursing staff threatened that it was her or them. She was dangerous. She then became the nurse manager in my unit L&D, PP, and Newborn nursery. Yes, she had a BA. The hospital administration figured that a manager could go anywhere. The MSN never worked as a nurse a day in her life except for the few clinical hours needed for her MSN (her words). She was a disaster in both units.
I have been a nurse for a very long time. Maybe too long. I am retired. I do believe in further education. But I also believe in experience.
An old madame of a notorious bordello in Philly was asked if she ever worked as a call girl. She answered, "You can't be an artist and not get your fingers in the paint."
Love how well thought out this video is! I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking on the provider role with less than 2-3 years experience. Loved how you mentioned going to PA school instead. I feel like to be an advanced practice nurse, you should have to be an RN for a bit first.
For reference: I’ve been a nurse for 1.5 years.
PA school is so demonized by nurses, which I dont get! It's a great option.
Nurse Liz I think it has to deal with the pay and the title.
@@NurseLiz Wow is it? I feel like it's more catered for people with a biology background because you get all the prereqs through the degree and go that route instead of medical school. I'm a microbiology major and a lot of my classmates want to do this.
Thank you for making this video! I’ve been going in circles figuring out if I want to further my education after nursing school but wasn’t sure about not having any experience. This helped so much!
I'm so glad it was helpful!
Thank you Liz ❤ I really needed to hear this today! I hope you have a wonderful day!
I am a COTA student (almost done with OTA school) and am thinking about going into NP Direct Entry school myself...and why not? PA school is similar and they don't have to have those requirements. Thank you Direct Entry NP programs!
PA school has quite a few more clinical hours! That makes a huge difference in my opinion
I have been thinking a lot about preventative medicine as well! A majority of the patients I see on my preceptorship have preventable problems, aka like you said "having their toes fallen off" because it's SO TRUE. Especially the toes!
preventative medicine is huge!
@@NurseLiz I want to take care of them in between
It’s not a race, for me it’s taken 30 years. Slow and steady. I have been thinking of ideas for my capstone research project for the DNP program I start next September. This might be a great and interesting topic to research. I have a DNP, NP mentor, I’m going to run it by him and see what he thinks. Lastly, I agree that nursing experience should be required for advanced practice. Nursing education is scattered and I feel there should be more continuity with nursing education.
It is so so scattered and I completely agree it needs more continuity!
Speaking to the "Recommendations" section - as a DNP, FNP who taught in a BSN program for almost 8 yrs, I 100% agree with your opinion and recommendations. Needs to be more research, definitely. I am worried about those going right back to school w/ no experience.
I'm doing a dual degree (AGPCNP/WHNP) at Vanderbilt University and they're requiring about 1200 clinical hours. I applied to NP school soon after I graduated nursing school, about 4 months after. I started school when I had just over a year of experience and when I start clinicals this spring, I'll have 2.5 years of experience. Not quite piggy-backing but it's been manageable at this point!
I’m planning on taking the same route! What unit did you start off in as a new grad and do you feel like the specialty you chose impacted your experience in np school?
@@naomiparks9209 I worked on cardiac/stepdown as a new grad. I also did charge for a year which was a great experience as well. I'm not working anymore because I'm in clinical full time now. I don't think my inpatient specialty impacted NP school, except for feeling more comfortable with cardiac content lol. But either way, the work exposure was invaluable. I will say, the NP role is so different from the RN role, you may as well just jump right in and start that NP degree because more years as an RN doesn't mean you have less to learn when you get to NP school. I see experienced nurses struggle with difficult content just as much as nurses with 2-ish years of bedside.
I like what you said about taking your time when making the decision to go back to school. I feel a pressure from my parents and society to go back before I’m 30 and I don’t even know what degree or speciality I want to go back for. I want to work on as many floors as I want without the stress. Thankss!
there were so so many people in my program who were in their forties and up. Definitely NO rush
Has anyone taken the NP exam recently? I'm feeling a bit anxious about it.
Honestly, some people have a natural talent for test-taking, while others might struggle despite their hard work. I didn’t study extensively but managed to pass, while I know many who dedicated countless hours and didn’t achieve the same outcome. The key is to stay calm and confident during the exam. Creating personal mnemonics and phrases, just like Mr. Tony always advises, can really enhance retention. I developed unique sayings that clicked with me to help remember the material.
@Marcus6t Sometimes hard work alone doesn't cut it; you have to back it up with smart strategies. It seems like your cousin really understood that. Congratulations to her! 🎉🎊🙌
@Julius-d1g I'm so sorry to hear you failed. I've heard a lot about Tony too, but I don't have his contact info.
@Cleopatra-b6r Yes, that's right!
Passed both AANP and ANCC board exam working with him.
I am a firefighter paramedic with aspirations to become an NP. I am in the beginning stages of doing a paramedic to RN bridge program and then plan to get a BSN then ultimately NP. At this point I don’t plan on gaining much nursing experience prior because I will be going to school part time while continuing my full time firefighter paramedic career. By the time I would be ready for NP school I will have almost 15 years of paramedic experience. I know there are differences in nursing and prehospital EMS but I hope the EMS experience is helpful as I am considering working in Urgent Care or the ED as an NP.
I know it's really early to get good data on this, but I am also curious what we will find out about the influence of floor nursing experience of an NP on care quality, patient outcomes, and vitality of the NP career. More and more people are becoming interested in ABSN, direct-entry masters programs, and going straight into NP school after nursing school. I'm finishing up a 15-month ABSN program, and I feel I'm not getting enough clinical experience to feel confident enough, even though we're doing clinical hours at least 12 hours every week. It makes me wary about these fast-paced programs.
I"ll be totally honest. Nursing school clinicals are the worst. They arent set up well for learning because there is little continuity, and a large portion of the learning is placed on nurses who are stressed and can't educate because they are flustered already. I felt the exact same way when i graduated from nursing school. I learned the most at my first job.
I would be very concerned as well
Thank you SO much for making this video! I was just going to ask you this on IG. Good stuff!
glad it was helpful!
You just completely helped me make up my mind, thank you!!
Loved the video! I am in a grad entry masters program and I love it! It definitely depends on what you want to do in nursing and what your goals are going into that profession. For me, I knew I wanted to go into the provider role and I decided on the np route. I have clinical experience (patient care associate, pharmacy tech, etc.) that I felt gave me more insight in the health field. Although it was not nursing experience, I find myself being prepared in collaborating with other health professionals, understanding what most medications are used for, how to earn patient trust, and many other valuable things. My program is solidifying the foundation that I want to build from in terms of becoming the best fnp that I can be for not only myself but my future patients! When I hear that some nurses spite others who choose this pathway it is very disheartening. Not everyone is trying to rush to the end! Some of us choose these programs because this might truly be our calling! For others they may have different needs that can be met with these programs, or maybe bedside nursing was not their calling. Everyone has their own reason or purpose for choosing this path.
Starting my direct entry program this upcomingJanuary and loved everything you said. I feel the exact same way, in that, I want to provide the absolute best care and support to my future patients❤.
700-1000 placement/clinical hours seems like a teeny amount if there's no previous healthcare experience.
My BSN (woohoo, got the offer a couple of weeks ago!), has 880 placement hours!
Pretty much all the unis I've looked at here in Aus require 5 years prior FULL-TIME experience before they'll accept you for a NP program.
I think thats such a good rule to have in place, lots of other countries have that as well. Congratulations on your acceptance!!
EXCELLENT system in Australia - the US should consider this as well.
I absolutely think you should have nursing experience before going for your NP. I have been a nurse for almost 17 years and almost done with my FNP degree and it has been invaluable in my program and especially with clinicals! Thank you for sharing this.
I agree! When It came to clinical it was definitely so so helpful
Do you think 1 year of experience is okay
@@afm398 it definitely is a start but needs to be more. The more experience you have, the easier it will be in the NP program as you will understand more. It just makes sense to have more experience before becoming an advanced practice nurse.
@@kizzmecwby197 ugh I just want to start and get it over with especially because I plan to open an aesthetics clinic. Do you think it's okay to go into np school with one year. It just might be a little more challenging which I don't mind.
@@afm398 and this is one of the problems with the profession is this attitude. I’m sorry to be blunt, but the hurry up and get it over attitude is what will let you hurt people or kill people. You have to realize that you can physically harm people in this profession and kill people. It isn’t something that you hurry up and get it over with.
Thanks for this video! I graduated in May with my BSN and already have people telling me to go to NP school now... I have told them I want to get experience first and that I don't even know what route I want to go. Also these people aren't in the medical field so I don't think they fully understand.
Definitely take your time! If thats even the route you want to go. I think a lot of people have started to see NP as the end goal, when in reality being a nurse is a great end goal.
It seems like a lot of perspectives on this topic assume that direct-entry NPs do not have experience. I think that a distinction has to be made between direct-entry route for someone with no clinical experience vs. someone with clinical experience (besides RN experience). For someone who has no patient care experience and wants to enter into a direct entry MSN, yes, I'd agree that getting RN experience first is the best choice because, as you mentioned, caring for patients at the bedside exposes us to irreplaceable knowledge about how to recognize complications, educate/advocate for patients and make clinical decisions. But, I don't think that is comparable to everyone considering the direct-entry route. I earned a bachelor's of science degree in another discipline and have 10,000 hours of patient care experience across 4 specialties. I think that taking another year to work as an RN isn't necessary. Obviously PA would be an option for me, but going that route would mean that I wouldn't be able to continue working while in school or take advantage of tuition assistance. Plus, time away from connections I've already made at my current employer, where I'd be better positioned to transition into my role after graduation.
I think that before making a concrete decision about whether RN experience is necessary, individuals should be evaluated holistically, and with consideration to all of the experiences they bring to the table that would qualify them to be prepared, competent providers.
Thanks for all you do Liz, I love your videos.
I have waited to hear about this topic!!
I would have LOVED to stay as a staff nurse in a hospital longer than I did. I was there for 1.5 years and I learned so much. The nurses that have been there longer are often more astute at picking up patient changes and knowing what to do quicker than starting residents. But these joints didn't allow me to stay in bedside nursing longer, lol.
Oh my goodness my daughter has her Bachelor’s however NOT in nursing, now she is taking courses to fulfill requirements to get INTO an NP School. I am tired of paying for school and my patience is running thinner than Swiss watch.
As someone who didn't have any experience going into NP school, and anxious about this insecurity, a faculty member told me this -- Yes, you don't have experience as a nurse, but here's what you do have and why we admitted you: You have 3 years of MA experience, 3 years of clinical coordinator and EKG experience, 2 years of public health experience where you not only taught diabetes and hypertension courses, you also were involved in health policy. And, even though you're a bit crazy...you're working PRN as an outpatient nurse. I realized at that moment that I did have clinical experience.
That said, I will say that what an NP does, and if you go to a reputable school, I honestly believe that my RN experience actually would make the transition into an NP a bit more difficult. Many of my classmates mentioned that they're use to following orders given to them while as an NP student, they're learning how to diagnose and give orders/plans of care. I do find that does make a difference. The only thing I'd say a nurse with experience has over me is time management skills and if one decides to go into a specialty, then they are way more experienced and more qualified then me.
That experience will definitely be awesome! I would consider that clinical experience, just of a differnent sort like you said.
what school did you go to? :)
I obtained a 4 yr BSN degree then DNP, FNP 15 yrs later (I waited too long, but no one can ever take away any of the experience I gained). I, too, recommend 2-3 yrs of experience, as it is an "advanced" nursing practice degree.
My university (Saint Louis University) is the only school in my state that has an accelerated MSN program for people who never got a BSN first. It's amazing. I'm finishing my undergrad in Criminology and Criminal Justice then I'll be heading to the MSN program. I also have an associates in Applied Science which helps because I'm already a healthcare professional too. In order for us to obtain the NP, it's just a post-masters certificate rather than an entire degree.
Thats a cool path!
@@NurseLiz I'm already binge watching your channel 🤩
I have 13 years of nursing experience, float pool nursing primarily. I definitely believe the clinical nurse experience is imperative. The skills I have learned and the foundation that has been built helps me understand things better. Not to say others should do it my way. But I definitely would have struggled in my program more if I didn't have that experience, but that is just my personal experience.
I'm not a nurse but I am in the medical field. I love watching your videos!
Thank you!!
I’ve been a nurse for 11yrs and just recently finished my FNP. I’m so glad I did not do this when I was a younger nurse. I wouldn’t have been ready, not as a person and not as a nurse.
I worry that by diminishing the time required to apply for a graduate program, we diminish the quality of our care, perceived and actual. In some ways, the perceived quality is more important because how we are perceived by physicians can dictate how we can practice.
I agree. It makes me nervous. I feel like nursing needs to make up its mind about what its going to allow, stick with it, and move forward.
Exactly
I’m a 43 yr old MBA that spent 4 YEARS! getting my first masters degree. I know you’re not a big fan of direct entry (DE), but I’m NOT doing that traditional route again.
That said, can you help me find DE programs that will prep me to sit for FNP credentialing? I’m finding DE MSN programs, but almost all only prep you to sit for the NCLEX. What DE programs prep for FNP? Thank you, and love your vids. Very helpful!
I don't know any specifically, but when you're searching online, I'd just suggest being very specific and searching for DE nurse practitioner programs.
i think that clinical hours are key. RN clinical hours are invaluable. nursing (and Medicine) are taught on the floor/unit. a lot of the schooling is a weedout process imho. i see the actual procedures done (MD/PA/NP/RN) and that's where you really learn stuff. "on hands"/clinical and patient assessment/Dx is where the "magic" is! so going to NP school (what i also plan on doing after my BSN) WITHOUT nursing experience seems kind of like going for your Master's in Engineering without any engineering courses/experience. i guess you can if you get in but it's not going to be pretty. >.
that was so well put!
Would homehealth experience along 2 years and tcu experience count
Thank you Liz!!!! This video is just right for me, which I did ask you in your previous video.
so glad it was helpful!
Nurse Liz Could you make a video about the compensations of NP, FNP, like holiday pay, free medical insurance, etc? Just curious :)
You have the best tips! Thanks for your consistency! ❤️😁
So glad they've been helpful!
Been waiting for this video!!!!!! You totally helped me decide to work at the bedside a few years before going for NP! I’m starting my MSN Entry to Nursing Programs this January. It’s 22 months and I’ll get my RN and MSN. I plan on working bedside for a while and exploring the different fields. After a while I plan on going for my DNP-FNP. But I feel like part of me might love just being an RN for a while so who knows!!!! Thanks again Liz!
Best of luck with everything!!
When did you get your MSN ?
New to your channel but it has been sooooo incredibly helpful! Thank you!
In Québec, its pretty different. NP need to have 3600 hours on nursing experience and around 1500 of those hours need to be in the specific practice you apply for. I was like you, I totally changed my mind on what i wanted to do. During my nurse technician program, i wanted all the critical and urgent care placement, i was only seeing myself at an hospital with really intense cases. But as i worked and did my bachelor, i realized i loved patient education and prevention of diseases, working with families etc. With all this I now want to be a NP in primary care :) im applying for next fall.
i feel like i want to go to NP school right after nursing school because the committee that dictates our education requirements continue to push for all NP’s getting a DNP by 2025 and i do not want to have my doctoral
I was an experienced labor and delivery nurse at a large hospital who worked with a CNM group. There was one CNM who seemed to not have the level of knowledge and judgment that the other CNMs possessed, she seemed uncomfortable in her role, and it made me very uneasy as I was not confident in her and that is not a feeling any staff nurse wants to have when working with a provider. I found out later that she had no labor and delivery experience, or any nursing experience, as she went to nursing school then directly into midwifery school. I am a big proponent of getting nursing experience before going on to become a provider of care. I hope this young woman eventually caught up with her peers but honestly, the lack of nursing experience in this particular case was glaring.
Midwife is pretty specific too. I wonder why she didn't do labor and delivery beforehand.
I’ve been a nurse for 13 years (almost all in ICU) and have just started an MSN program for forensic nursing. I have never wanted to be a nurse practitioner but always wanted to continue my education. Nothing quite struck me until forensic nursing came up. From the perspective of the longtime bedside nurse, it can be incredibly frustrating to watch new grads come to the unit, get their 1-2 years of experience, then leave for NP school one after another. Their attitude is frequently that they have already learned everything there is to know about the ICU and are now inherently better than those nurses who choose to stay at the bedside for a longer amount of time. I have always thought that nursing experience is crucial to advanced practice, but feel that even more so since starting my program. We take all the same patho/pharm/assessment classes as the NP students and I feel extremely prepared based on my bedside nursing experience.
Sorry if this got a little ranty.
So glad you found something you love!! I feel like SO often people don't even think of alternative nursing jobs, they just look at NP. when in reality there are SO many cool options for nurses, as you've found!
Thank you for your wonderful video! I wanna ask you a few questions if you don't mind me asking.
1. Do I need to get a BSN degree to work as a nurse (either RN or NP) though I have an MSN degree? I mean, is it recommended? I'm wondering if it is common and okay to work as a nurse without a BSN degree when I have an MSN.
2. If you recommend finishing a BSN and working as an RN for more experience before I choose my future career, what about starting a direct entry MSN program and taking an absence of leave for 1-2 years to work as a full-time RN before I choose my specialty?
3. Is there any chance that I can apply for the direct entry MSN program when I already graduated but haven't finished the prerequisite courses? I wonder if I can finish the prerequisite courses in a community college and then apply for the program.
I totally was gonna do this but the place I want to work told me I need a BSN or need to be in progress of one when I’m hired after getting my ASN RN plus I have a BS in psych already.
Now I’m totally lost about going straight to DNP school
@@pinknikkij what is it you ultimately want to do?
Lady T women’s health NP is the goal but I still have a year left for my asn
@@pinknikkij well my advice (just my opinion) is get into a program that will give you MSN/DNP. This way in case "life happens," you can at least sit for your NP boards along the way to your DNP. If that place is the only place who can offer you employment when you graduate, work there while they pay for your BSN (hint hint 😁), this way you'll have some experience under your belt when you go for your WHNP.
Lady T good advice
So I have my bsn. Working on a cardiac tele unit now for six months. By the time I start school I will have had one full year. I plan on continuing to work. Are the classes going to be extra challenging for me because I don’t have the same first hand experience at seeing what providers order and why they order it for patients ? Everything is super fresh in my brain still like patho and pharm and that’s why I want to go
I would chose the PA route honestly. I would feel much better with the training they give and it's only 2 years full time... But unfortunately we don't have any PA schools here in O'ahu :( The good thing is that NPs here have full autonomy
Mikayla, did you go to UH GEPN program? Would love to get your perspective if so.
I'm a licensed social worker with a clinical counseling background and I am torn about a DE psych NP program and a generalist RN program. The RN program would save me $$ but it would take longer to gain the qualifications to integrate the social work aspect
what did you decide on?
Great vid.
Professionally I don't see the point. (going directly to NP)
If the goal is to immediately work as mid level, then study to be a PA (a more rounded medical education)
If you went into the trouble of getting your RN degree and license, then WORK as an RN
I cannot begin to express the knowledge gap between school and practice (even just a couple of years)
No, having prior XP does not mean you'll be a great or even good provider
Yes, you can be a direct entry NP and be a great provider, but your at a disadvantage
Where I live (Dearborn, Michigan ) there is an “over saturation” of NPs, Where a lot of NPs are not finding jobs. Do you feel this to be true everywhere? Or is this just a thing where I live?
As a fellow Michigan resident is this for a special type of np's or all in np's in general
@@portiaanderson1638 the people that have told me they cannot find jobs were FNPs, and I really don't know if it is all of Michigan or just my area
@@ayahaz3634 ok thanks i personally was looking into becoming a Psy. NP lol so I was curious
It definitely depends on where you live. Some areas are paying to relocate you, while others are harder to find a job in. The dearborn area is definitely challenging. If you are willing to relocate to the west side of the state, TONS of my friends got jobs super quickly out there. Even up near lansing they got them quickly.
I am thinking this way it is longer but incrementally difficult which will be easier to adapt and leaves a safety net if it doesn't workout. I'm thinking to bridge into an RN diploma program that way I can work and school and after that pass test and find work really anywhere its just temporary but finish up classes for a AS in biology for transfer and if you wonder why not an ADN its really because I can't see a reason it would do me any good outside nursing and who knows what will happen so as an RN start working on a bachelors in biology or genetics if offered and finish that. Now if I don't make it in any of my options I have a degree that from what I know will help me more and honestly gave a much better understanding of the body than a BSN. I can try for a PA program which from what I gather teaches from the medical model and if I'm going to be making decisions about prescriptions is a safer way to make sure I make the right choice or find a NP or DNP program that used the medical model I heard UC Davis does and I'm sure others do. I don't know if the direct entry programs will accept a applicant without a BSN even if licensed but worse case scenario I have to go get BSN I already have a BS and am an RN so the time won't be so short and why I'm not just thinking PA is autonomy that a NP has in California. I have these steps this way so I can work as far into it as I can, I know I won't be able to if I got in either program but its easier to explain as an adult who changed careers in his 30's why I'm unemployed. It also lets me fall back on a better job than I have now if my big dreams don't work
I have a BS in Biology for 3 years now. I've been trying to get into a PA program but my GPA is too low. So I figured maybe I go the nursing route and then become an NP. Honestly, I really don't want to be a nurse. I want to be either a PA or an NP. I've been in the medical field as an ED tech for over 17 years. I'm tired of being a tech. I've worked so hard to get my BS degree that now I'm stuck as a tech doing the same thing. I would like to go to the next level of my career. People tell me to go for an ADN and work as a nurse in the ED but I really don't want to work as a nurse in the ED or any department. I'm not young (55) and I don't want to continue working my butt off to make ends meet. If I were an NP or PA I would work on a specialty either Ortho or Cardiac. What would you recommend?
I am a nurse in a functional medicine/ preventative clinic. I am worried I will not have the "acute care" experience before going to NP school. However, I am working with NPs every day. I see their thought process and I have great critical thinking skills. I cannot say I have the emergency care skills but I want to be an FNP, so I'm not sure it'd benefit me anyways. Any thoughts?!
I think, given the current situation we are in post-Covid, this is GREAT preparation - especially if you want to practice in this vein when you get done! (Which I would recommend - a huge demand now and in the future.
i just graduated from high school and got into Johns Hopkins University but their undergraduate programs don't offer nursing major. So I decided to major in chemistry and will be choosing my courses soon. Any advices on how to go from there?
you could do an accelerated BSN program. Or ADN and bridge to BSN. Or entry level masters. I have videos on all of those!
PA or Med school because your courses will fulfill the prereqs for both.
Honestly be careful with chemistry as your major if you don't plan on becoming a chemist and if you need a high gpa for any grad school including PA and MD. This is just from what I've seen from other people and from the classes I took for my chemistry minor I needed with my microbiology major.
So much thankful for you, I was looking for a video talking about this but never found a good one. thank you for the great information, I always know that I can depend on you.
If anyone could help:
I am majoring in Neuroscience and am a CNA. I originally wanted to become a scientist - work in labs and such - but since I began working with pateints I have learned that I want a career in nursing. I am a third year so I think switching my major at this point wouldnt be so great. I have been thinking of graduating with my bachelors then apply to a direct entry program for NP to later work in the field of neuro. Would this be recommended?
Thank you. Your hair and brows are pretty btw.
This may be a funny question..but can you hold a BSN license and a nurse practitioner license at the same time?.(you said it was required to take the NCLEX after the first portion of NP school so just wondering if I decided de I don't like the schedule/work of No job then could I just go right into working as an RN (if I keep my license current)
I am an LPN of 23 years considering options for NP school..
Also consider pathologist assistant as an alternative
How do a FNP, get their hands on training by doing a online program? I know that they can do alot of things such as doctor's...
Most have on campus days where you have skills labs. If the school doesn’t have those I would avoid it at all costs
I’m interested thanks for the info
Hey Liz, I'm taking my prerequisites right now, and next semester, I'm supposed to be taking Anatomy and Physiology 2, and I still need Microbiology. Would you recommend that i take these classes at the same time? I'm going to apply for the nursing program at the University of Memphis, to get my BSN, and to be a top tier candidate for admissions, it's recommended to have all of the prerequisites complete before applying
I think it depends on the school, but you can always email the school admissions and ask what the prefer!
@@NurseLiz Alright, thank you for responding. I love your channel
I am very interested in direct entry programs. Currently completing my MPH & I have experience managing a private caregiving agency where I regularly see clients/fill in for caregivers/directly oversee client affairs. My main concern is being cancelled by other nurses for being less experienced. I definitely recognize my lack of clinical experience but I have always been committed to improving health throughout my career. I have always seen the value of primary care and do not see myself working in another setting. Likewise, I completed all direct entry pre-reqs (not PA) and am not interested in PA school. Will my job prospects be limited by the anti-direct entry crowd? Will I be able to prove myself by working hard or will it never be enough to gain the majorities respect? (Thank you for being so open minded btw!). I just don’t think I can take bs from MDs and NPs. I also need to get out of school ASAP and won’t be able to financially justify taking more time for experience. This is getting ridiculous lol :)
Totally depends on the humans you end up working with! Most will give you the respect you deserve if you show up and have prepared yourself well. There are also lousy humans who will judge you no matter what. You can absolutely do it! Just be willing to do A LOT Of self education because programs teach you some stuff and expect you to fill in the giant gaps in education. Which is very doable, just a lot of work.
what school are you going to now? :)
If you are good at your job people shouldn't care.
This is my situation. I have healthcare experience and a BS in Health Sciences. I want to enroll in direct entry program. I also have the same fear. Hopefully no hazing if I decide to go through with it
I've been a dialysis nurse for 10 years it's all I know. But now I'm cutting back hours to watch my kids and go to school for NP, possibly nephrology.. do I need more experience outside of dialysis?
I'm honestly not entirely sure what experience you get as a dialysis nurse, but it may be helpful to get something that's less specialized. But I also have no clue because dialysis is an area I'm truly not too too knowledgable about!
Thank you so much I like to listen to your voice thank you a lot for doing this video
Hey Liz, I’m in my first semester of my ADN, is there anything I should pay really close attention to now to make NP easier down the road. I plan on getting 2 yrs medsurg unit experience before I apply.
nope! when you become a nurse i would focus on gretting as many leadership opportunities as possible though!
And keep your cards close to the chest. It can be very offputting (at times) when a new grad says they are only on med surge for x amount of time and then going to NP school. :D
I have no college I was a MA for about 10 yrs wasted 22 yrs working for an Airline wish I could’ve stayed and continued nursing in mid 50’s am I late to start??
Thank you nurse liz
The thing about PA is I hear they can’t ever work without being under a MD whereas NP you can own your own clinic. Thoughts?
In some states
@@TallithatheBossLady I'm in Texas, one of the most restrictive practice states for NPs and NPs can own their own practice. You just have to have your collaborative agreement in place with the MD who will be overseeing your practice. You don't necessarily have to be under the MD's thumb constantly.
Ohhh. So when u say collaboration, you mean the MD will be a co-owner?
@@TallithatheBossLady no, not at all. But, the NP may have to pay that MD for the oversight of charts on a monthly basis. Fees may vary from doc to doc, state to state.
@@ladyt618 oh wow i had no idea. Thanks for the info. Are u a nurse as well?
I’m a home health LPN currently working on my pre reqs for LPN to ASN. I’d like to do ASN to BSN and BSN to MSN. If I do MSN to DNP do I have to be an NP? I don’t think I wanna do NP. My mom did NP and my sister did PA.
nope! There are lots of different concentrations!
Nurse Liz 👏 I have my summer class and then I can apply for the spring 2021 LPN to RN program. The application starts from August to October. The college will also apply my grades for this fall. Cross your fingers for me. Love the videos
Do you have a list of schools that we can look up that fits what you are talking.
I want to use np as a backdoor into crna start off as a icu np
This makes no sense. Why not just got into crna school
Where did you work when you started out as a nurse?
My first job was on a med-surg floor in a large hospital!
Do you feel your perspective has changed for new BSN grads during this covid period?
If you go in to be a PMHNP can you switch to an FNP or would you have to go back to go back to school?
Can you get into a nursing school with an associates in health science?
Don’t talk so fast! I’m trying to take notes. Ha. Your videos are great :)
I have almost 6 months worth of ICU experience, but I have quickly realized the ICU is not for me. I have about a year before I will start applying for NP school. I have thought about home health nursing because of the flexible schedule, the teaching and autonomy that comes with the job I feel would be beneficial during NP school but I don’t want to transfer out of the ICU if it will hurt my goal of going to NP school. Do you think home health is sufficient nursing experience for NP school?
I think that would be totally fine! You'll gain so much skill in education and seeing what real world medicine looks like!
what if you are already very close to earning an non-nursing bachelors and an ADN. Is there anyway to skip the BSN and go from ADN to MSN (NP)?
I've heard of programs that do that. I'm not super familiar with them and don't know of any, but I've heard they are out there!
Do NP mostly deal with Medicaid patients?
Depends on where you work and what kind of insurance they take.
HI! I can go to Nurse Practitioner school with 5 years experience as LPN and Bachelor degree in health science done? or I need to complete LPN to RN transition program and then register for NP Program? I need to know before register for LPN to RN because I think that is a lot of money wasted to get into NP program
hi! If you have a bachelors in something else there are some direct entry MSN programs that would utilize your bachelor degree from a different major. those programs give you your RN along the way. There are also some ADN to MSN programs. but that would require a bridge from LPN to ADN. Hope that makes sense!
Thank you.🙏🏽❤️
Of course!
As a current undergrad searching for these Direct-Entry MSN programs, are there a few programs or universities that can be recommended by those who know them well?
Great video nurse Liz!
thanks! Hopefully people can have some input here for ya!
This website shows all of the accredited programs and you can search them by program type, degree, location, etc. : www.aacnnursing.org/Students/Find-a-Nursing-Program
I’m a labor and delivery nurse, and I got into FNP school. Do you recommend I switch to medsurg or icu for the 3 years I will be in school?
totally up to you! Do you love your job?? if you love it stay! I know a few people who worked L&D and then went into family medicine as NP's. They had a harder transition than the rest of us, but now, a year later I'd say we're all struggling equally now.
I am watching this quite a while after it was posted but I have a question for anyone who has advice! I have a bs in exercise science and I am interested in a direct entry np program in my area. Does anyone have a recommendation on any way to get nursing experience when I don’t have any type of nursing degree?
Also to add, I wanted to go the PA route, but there are about 7 pre reqs that I do not have for PA school and I have not done any shadowing hours. Also the acceptance rate turns me away. Whereas for the NP direct entry program I would only need to take 2 pre reqs.
If you could get a job as a unit clerk that would give you somewhat of an idea of what nursing is like! Or volunteer, or get a job as a patient attendant. Also many many other types of jobs translate skills wise over to nursing! So you may not need job experience in it, you may just want to see if you could shadow or something to get a look at what its like
The only benefit of direct entry is getting Graduate loans. Once you get a Bachelor's, the well runs dry.
I can't imagine doing both. Double the crying?
So I am about to be a senior biology major and I have been looking at Direct-Entry DNP programs. What are your thoughts on that route for people like me? I am really drawn to the nursing school model, while also getting to practice with more autonomy than an RN. I have been leaning DNP school over PA school because of this.
Please update us on what you did! I have a BS in Health Sciences and I'm looking at Direct Entry nursing program
@@Asia_23 hi!!! So i am starting a direct entry program at UVM this fall! Definitely look into their programs! They have dnp and cnl programs!!
I have a low gpa in a non nursing degree. And want to be a np. What should I do?
Boost up other areas of your resume with leadership skills, etc. You may need to re take some classes if it comes down to just a gpa issues, which isn't fun, but may be worth it if it gets you where you want to be.
Nurse Liz thank you for your advice.
Get to a 3.0gpa by taking science classes at community college. That's usually good enough to show the programs that you can now get good grades.
@@theshinythings123 some one told me to just get an associates degree in nursing and then move up and get a bsn and then become a no by getting a masters. They said it’s like starting over and would make me more competitive academically.
I’m not in college yet but I am planning to be a trauma nurse practitioner. Would it be a good idea to get emt certified and get some experience in that field and would it be beneficial for the future or would it just be a waist of time?
I'm not sure, sorry! I don't have any experience in trauma
What about faculty jobs in college or university? How to get faculty jobs like assistant lecturer or professor?
I'd look on their job postings and see what they require! I haven't ever done this so I'm not sure. People seem to get adjunct positions first then later move to a more stable faculty position
@@NurseLiz thanks.... so you mean that can't get faculty job as entry level( 1st job) after MSN degree.
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