Going Back to Nursing School for Your MSN FNP: What You’ll Need to Know
Back-to-school time for your children is predictable; they know what to expect and so do you, as you begin checking off the items on each child’s school supplies list. But what about your back-to-school time? You know the demand for nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, and BSNs to MSNs (Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Master of Science in Nursing) for much-needed leadership roles is becoming more desperate every year.
In order for you to help bridge the primary care gap, you’d have to go back to school, and this time would be nothing like the days of eating ramen noodles in your dorm. This time, you have roles and responsibilities that can’t be put on hold.
Back-to-School Basics for Adults
The MSN FNP (Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner) degree requires you have experience in nursing. However, it can be intimidating if you have been out of school for a number of years and don’t quite remember how it all works. Here are some additional things you need to know as a returning adult student:
- Multitask (and know where Wi-Fi is located). On breaks while you work, when you’re waiting in the car for the kids, when visiting your family . . . travel with your laptop and know how to access Wi-Fi hotspots so you can grab a moment to organize or study.
- You will need new study skills. You used to be able to burn the midnight oil and study until 3:00 a.m., but that’s no longer possible! You’ll need to study before work, after the kids are home from school, and sometimes with a television blaring in the background. And remember: Kids learn what they live. Seeing you working toward a better career can motivate them later.
- You’re not alone. There were 8.1 million adult learners 25 years or older enrolled in colleges/universities in 2016. There are flexible options for returning students that include online classes.
Pursuing Your MSN: Worth the Investment?
Most MSN programs take more than 2 years to complete and require students to have a bachelor’s degree and working experience as registered nurses. If needed, there are RN to BSN programs to bridge educational gaps. (The American Nurses Association’ goal is 80% of all nurses hold a BSN by 2020.) Advantages of earning your MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner include:
- If, for whatever reason, you change your mind about becoming a professional family nurse practitioner, there are many career options available to MSNs that are equally in-demand and financially rewarding.
- Specialists and specialty fields are becoming more requested by healthcare organizations. When you’re on the FNP track, you’ll acquire a specific set of skills that are needed when serving as a physician assistant in patient care.
- You can take pride in completing what is a challenging and demanding educational program for students of any age.
You Can DO THIS
Going back to school for your MSN FNP not only helps you and your career, it can help our country during a time when we are at historical crossroads in U.S. patient care. We are redefining healthcare industry standards every day! If you earn your MSN you could be able to:
- Diagnose and treat illness
- Order diagnostic tests
- Perform patient exams
- Prescribe drugs
…in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Emergency/Urgent care
- Hospitals
- Industrial settings/occupational health
- Provider offices
- Public health departments
Are you interested in turning your BSN into an MSN? If you want to earn a Master of Science in Nursing Degree, ECPI University can help. With accelerated classes, offered online, you could graduate in as little as 22 months. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Master of Science in Nursing
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