NURSE PRACTITIONER 2.5 YEARS LATER | Regrets, Lessons and Advice for future NP | Fromcnatonp 

This video is my experience and mine alone, I do want to say I have no issue with online programs! I have issue with fast tract program because I do think they are putting you at a disadvantage of being a good provider for your patient. Take time to nurture your skills as a nurse before becoming a NP!

I completely understand the perspective. I've been an FNP for 12 years and am one who definitely does not regret it. I'm SO glad I went back to school after BSN. There are definitely negative aspects, but positive too and I have never been asked if I went to school online and have practiced all over the country as a military spouse. Just wanted to give another perspective to encourage others out there, go for it!

Great Video! I have had my battles finishing my NP, to professors trying to fail me, bad preceptors and just discouragement. not feeling supported, bullies and general mean people. But Im pushing through and finishing this May couldn't be any happier

Such an inspiration ✨️ im in lpn school now and work as a cna ( which i love) and you totally inspired me to go the full way and get my np. Ill look back to this and definitely big you up! God bless

AGREE! I am an FNP-C > 20 years, You have to have the background and intense clinical training. I have practiced in Internal, Occupational, Sport Medicine and Pain Medicine. You're the kind of NP I would love to be my Provider.

When they went with BSN Only, a lot of nurses became trapped. A nurse today can owe 60-100 grand for the 4 year degree. So now you are a bedside RN. You rapidly learn that eating tons of crap everyday is not your bag. What do you do? Leave nursing owing all that cash??? Get another degree in something else??? Not likely. So nurses run to NP school to get away from the bedside. The online industry is ready to profit from nurses misery.

Thank you for stating that you still have to look things up! I’ve been an RN for 15 years and now in graduate school to become an NP. There is so much to material to cover in class and I get nervous that I’ll forget something when I become an NP. I still look things up as an RN but forgot about that until you stated it in your video. I want to give a shout out to all the amazing NPs!! My primary care provider is an NP and she is amazing! I prefer NPs over MDs …but I may be a bit biased😏

That's why I was looking into PA so I will be able to specialize in anything at anytime.

I am a psych NP, no regrets for choosing that route but yes the difference in education is astounding. I did an Accelerated MSN program. I was a Respiratory Therapist for 5 years before getting my MSN. I didn't have a hard time finding a position after school I chose to travel as a psych RN before starting as a NP and I am glad I did. You are absolutely correct about knowing what interests you before choosing a specialty. I was fortunate as a RT working at the largest Level 1 trauma center and research/teaching hospital in my city I was exposed to every area. I knew I did not want to work in the hospital anymore and wanted an area that allowed me to work outpatient. Very good video!

Nice video 😍😍😘 your video is so cool, honestly AANP is such a difficult test man , really don’t know what to do but I’m never losing hope

I think this was an informative video. By the end of the summer I would have completed a direct entry program which I believe is what you are referring to as a fast track program. I will say that during the RN portion of my program a lot of the clinical instructors or other nurses on the unit HATED the fact we would become RNs and then transition right into FNP. I get it. RN practice is an important part of being a nurse practitioner. My school had a requirement that we work as RNs while completing FNP portion of the program. But I will say that that my school has produced some very highly regarded FNPs through the direct entry program. I will also say it is important to choose the route that aligns best with what you want to do. In my opinion FNP route isn’t the best if you know for sure you want to work in acute setting. I feel like the curriculum is geared towards outpatient settings. I also think the FNP curriculum definitely needs some standardization especially in clinical settings. A lot of schools especially online have their students begging providers for clinical placement. Also because it’s so hard to find placements schools dump you in any setting that will take you. The clinical training is quite embarrassing. Either way I know for sure that I will do everything I can to get into a residency program. It’s lower salary and still might feel like school but I feel like that is needed and would still feel that way even if I had years of nursing experience

This is great insight! I’ve been indecisive towards NP or PA for so long that I’ve been gearing towards med school at this point. Such a great video & thank you for sharing! 👏🏻

Thank you so much for your video!!! It’s very reassuring to see an NP who is so honest and respective of the differences in training between NP, nurses, and MD. I concur in the disservice we are doing to the public in granting additional capacities to people who haven’t had the same level of training as others. I only wish more people shared this view as well instead of insisting on fulfilling other roles that are not theirs to fulfill.

Hmmmm, thanks for your honesty. I have been a FNP for 9 years and I agree with you. My school was traditional classroom and I belief I got a very rounded education. The problem with nursing generally is that there is no standardization in the programs. Even though we have same governing bodies and licensure process. I have precepted FNPs in clinical before and their knowledge base is usually dependent on the quality of the program they are in. Seriously these days I discourage people from getting FNP, I’d rather they go for the psych NP, even though I can already predict that, that too will soon be over saturated. These conversations are important. Thanks for being a voice for nurses. Cheers.

I really enjoyed this video it was super informative thank you!!! I’m currently starting my MSN program and from there become an NP. I want to specialize in Neonatal Care. At first I wanted to become an FNP but while doing my research I found that there are many more specialties.

I’m an AGACNP. I did not go the online route because I really wanted the in class experience and I feel like that was the best route for me as I was an acute care nurse for 10 years prior. Now, I don’t regret going the acute care route however I do wish I had gone back right away for the FNP. Mostly because it’s much more difficult for me to get an urgent care or ED job because I’m not trained in pediatrics. But other than that I can do pretty much anything else Involving adult medicine. However, I believe that the NP should have the same variation on education as a PA does. It just makes more sense and leaves more options open.

Everybody can't possibly know everything! EVEN the physicians! So very true! And there's absolutely NOTHING wrong with that! The learning never ceases! I LOVED THIS VIDEO!!! THANK YOU for making it!!

I’m sorry that happened to you. I’ve been an NP for 8 years and I’ve never had anyone ask if I went to online school. I have had patients and staff ask what an NP is which is understandable and I don’t mind giving a brief description. Here and there I’ve had patients say they want to see a physician instead but it doesn’t happen often. One big issue is that many of us don’t introduce ourselves as NPs or correct the patient when they say doctors. The problem with this is that a lot of folks have received excellent care from NPs that they thought were doctors. Then when one of us actually clarifies we are an NP, they are like “what’s that?” All that being said… it’s sometimes better after a few years because after that they don’t feel like they have to train you and you can get a better job. I completely agree about nurses being haters. Not all but the disrespect is ridiculous I also believe that all NP schools should require at least 2 years nursing experience. They set people up for failure when they don’t

I appreciate the things you have said here. I decided to get my MSN in education and I continuously get asked why I didn’t go the NP route. I know in my heart that it’s not what I want so I keep standing strong in my decision. The advice on what others think is best for you will always be there I guess.

Schools like Chamberlain…Walden accept because of the money! That’s the bottom line….money. Thank you for sharing your perspective!❤️

Depends on where you attend. Too many NP programs just for the money. I attended a very strong program. Access to a top sim lab, teachers who are knowledgeable and authors of multiple work, all our clinical rotations were already arranged with multiple medical centers and preceptors. We all got job offers before we even finished our last semester because everyone knew the program produces top notch grads. Oh yeah and no one had less than 5 yr icu experience in the acute care program.

Passing the AANP test is when you study hard, if you can't study or you don't have time for your studies I'd advise you get yourself a help like Mr Riq

I had to speak with the Dean of my school & had ER/ICU/Trauma (>15 years) That's crazy to go to grad school without any exp.

Midlevels are going to be taking over eventually. New docs are fewer and fewer. Any school is what you make of it and how you learn. Whether it’s online or in person

I am just starting out the nursing education. Well currently I am a CNA/PCT in a hospital setting in a Telemetry unit. I was a Medical Assistant in a children’s Outpatient Clinic and I absolutely loved it there. I am at a Community College working on my ADN/RN. I will transfer to a BSN program and will specialize in pediatrics. The good thing about my hospital is that it is an educational hospital and I can definitely gain experience in pediatrics. Then I will work my MSN-FNP. I see tons of opportunities in my state.

I am a FNP and I used to be a CNA! I have no regrets. Do not let anyone make you feel bad. No its not easy! I don’t like bedside nursing so I am doing Aesthetic.

I agree the curriculum of pursuing FNP has been watered down resulting in diploma mill programs, lowering our profession. My program was not online. I need engagement of hands on and feedback. Oversaturation is becoming a problem in many areas, but I do not concern myself with what people say I know what I bring to the table. I take my job seriously, I stay on top of my education and use my resources. I am going on 4 years and do not regret my decision. You have to determine how your path is going. It is unfortunate a few bad apples attempt to ruin a great profession.

I just listen to your podcast about your journey becoming a nurse and it has really motivated me. I’m a cca in a nursing home, I hope to share my journey like you did. Big up ✊🏾

Thing is this though my nurse sister.....if we are doing this for the glory of God and truly care about our patients - humanity, we should not care how we are seen or perceived. Just care and Godspeed! People who experience our care, mind body and spirit? THEY (and God) are the only ones that matter. Be agape loving and proud, and all will be better because our focus is priority.

You’ll learn on the job. MDs do this as well. I myself try not to care too much about outside perspective looking in. I do me.

100% agreed with you. Thank you for your posting. It has to be really rigorous in NP training and education as well as better to have nurse experiences if you came from nursing before being an NP.

I watched because I’m a year and 8 months in and I’m hitting a WALL. The insecurity and anxiety are so hard sometimes. I’m primary care but I work with the uninsured. Everyone telling me I’m doing so great but the imposter syndrome is kinda killing me. Love that you said you feel like a baby np. I do too.

Believe me ,what ever you do never give up, finally I've become a NP on my 3rd attempt , I can’t believe I almost gave up after not making it for the 2nd time ,fortunately for me I was recommended to a tutor by my friends

I am doing FNP at Nova and trust me, the program is nooooot easy. So, I am very happy for that.

I am sorry you had to experience that. I am finishing up np school in mental health. I started as an FNP student originally. I worked too many years with adults and in telemetry. I wish you the very, very best. Congrats on working your way from CNA to NP, applause.

I just failed the nurse practitioner exam. 😭😭😓 l cannot begin to articulate the level of embarrassment and heartache I'm feeling. 😢I'm confident that I'll be a good nurse. I just need to get past this, move on and persevere

Dont mind people, be proud of you and do your best to help patients that is what matters💕

I agree with especially what you say in the schooling part. A lot of nurses I graduated with went to NP school almost immediately. I’d work with them in the ED for a month and they wouldn’t have a clue as to what was happening in their patients. Hell 4 years into ED and now flight, I still feel confused sometimes. They definitely need to be more rigorous in school applications. Like PA school where applicants need 2,000 hours of experience

2020 showed us that many people are going to complete the majority of their education online! I'm in a hybrid program where we do our clinicals obviously in person, the majority of instruction and lectures online, but we do in-person instruction for "hands-on" type pass off of skills that we are doing in clinic. So I never know how to answer the question of is my program online. Yes, no, and some of it, but not the part that counts (seeing patients!), LOL

I beg to disagree that becoming an NP is an easier route compare to PA. First, you have to have a Bachelor degree, pass a state board exam/FNP certification (RN/APRN), and have at least two years experience as an RN to become an NP. Where you go to school doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, it’s all about the individual knowledge, talent, problem solving/communication skills, and most of all attitude that matter. It’s an advice I got from a highly respected ER doctor. I got my FNP degree online with 27 years under my belt as an ER RN and was able to pass my FNP(BC) certification two months after my graduation. The only difference between me and those who went to Ivy League Schools is that I don’t have 6 figure student loan. LOL ;D I am also happy and satisfied with my job. Thank you.

This FNP agrees with you 100%. It's embarrassing. A few years ago I stopped taking students from those schools. Nowadays I don't take students at all unless and until the SONs 1. start vetting preceptors, and 2. provide compensation.

I was an NP for 20 yrs. I enjoyed about 20% of it, hated 80% so I quit & let my license lapse. I was generally treated with respect so my experience was different than this. What I couldn't stand was being worked to death & crazy demanding patients

You are working my dream job! Thanks for this information. It was very helpful!

Is NP an oversaturated market??? I have heard that is kinda hard to find a job.

It is your confidence, skills, and personhood that dictate how people think of you. I have seen RNs and NPs in hospitals and clinics that doctors look up to and respect. People can talk and talk but prove them wrong with how you are as a provider. The beauty about being an np is that there are so many avenues out there and unfortunately, not everyone knows what they want to do until they are years in to their practice. But once you’ve discovered this, there are ways to get where you want to be.

Nurse Practioners are very knowledgeable .. They take very difficult classes. Respiratory Therapists are treated the same way sometimes not by all when compared to other health care programs such as nursing. There are some folks who are under the delusion that it's a easier program . There are many difficult classes such as gross anatomy of the lungs . People should not judge unless they have been there . The RT exam is one of the most difficult to pass in healthcare. I do understand how you feel you don't owe anyone an explanation you worked hard for your degree. Good luck ... Prayers...

Now that you brought it up, everyone asked me if my program is online!

It’s our business because we deserve to know.

There are not a lot of in-person schools these days for graduate school.

NPs have no place but handling the most simple cases in the ED.

Whew hearing that some receive acceptance letters in a few hours 😬 is so cringe. I waited 5 long months. My program was 98% online. I definitely appreciated the few days on campus. I just wish the clinical hours were doubled and that we learned more about billing. I’m torn in the same way as you. I absolutely love the job itself, hate the politics.

Who cares what people think! All nurses at any level are valuable. Let it roll off your shoulders and focus on your purpose to save lives 💪

Thank you so much for your video. I've been a nurse for 20 years and I am almost finished with my BSN. I've been trying to figure out if I want to do MSN nursing administration or Psych NP. Still not sure, but I love teaching new nurses, there just isn't much money in it.

Hi there. I am also a FNP since 2004. I enjoyed working in this position. With that being said I totally agree with you. I wish I would have gone straight to medical school.

I always ask if the person went online just to get their experience, not to question credentials. A nurse is a nurse no matter how you went to school. I want to do NP and have never taken an online course, so I always ask people to see how they studied, worked, lived life with online programs. As it is my BSN program will be online and I'm not sure how to balance that, so I just ask for people's ideas on how to study, how to be more productive. Thanks for addressing this though.

I agree with you about the online programs and the lack of rigor in the NP programs

Finally I'm first🤗great video as always

Thank you for this video. Am 1 year into my MSN oncology and palliative care specialty. Planning to relocate to US as a USRN in 2 or 3 years. I am worried about transition from my country (Kenya) to US... Hope everything will work out for the best.

I heard so much negativity mostly from doctors I work with from the time I started online school till now. I felt I was constantly defending myself and the role of np. There are some np and yes this includes ones that went to “online school” that are a lot better than some tenured doctors. It’s all about experience..I 100 agree they should have a minimum of years as a rn before acceptance in a np program. It makes me feel bad when I hear all the comments, it tears my confidence, makes me feel worthless. Shame on them! They cannot wrap the concept of team work! They don’t want to baby sit is what they think. We are contributors and offer a lot no matter what school we went to! We empathize and provide better bedside care be because were nurses. Like it or not we are here to stay!

I totally agree with your comments. Some one told me hospitals are not hiring NPs that graduated from online programs. It does not matter what program you attended.

Great video like always!!

Wow, this is so the truth regarding NP education online. I got my BSN in 1984 (Old Dominion University) and went into a MSN program (CUNY) (1995-96 time frame - 10 years practical hands on experience before I started the NP program was invaluable. I'm a GNP now but I stopped clinical practice years ago and became an educator instead. I teach in a RN/BSN program online, been doing this since 2012 - there is no way you can gain enough knowledge about NP practice from an online program - you will end up killing someone through malpractice. It takes many years of hands on practice under the mentorship of of other NP's or Physicians. I'm so thankful I went through a 8 month nurse internship when I started practice and that was very helpful but the 4 years I worked as an hospital based EMT/ER Trauma experiences while i was a student were much more helpful gaining bedside hands on care and evaluating the patients. My MSN program also required 600 clinical hours to graduate - Hunter College, Hunter Bellevue School of Nurse, City University of New York / CUNY.

Yeah it’s crazy that nursing school is SOOO hard to get into but the higher level of nursing education (besides CRNA school) is like “yep anyone is accepted”

100%. I’ve been a FNP for 6 years now. While I’ve had some friends do the online schools (and seem competent) if I were the hiring person I’d definitely give preference to brick and mortar schools. Also just 10 years ago FNP WAS the most marketable. They could do almost anything really. My state board at least is cracking down on this, though, and making sure outpatients certifications do not work in the hospital setting at all. And the vast number of FNP’s now make the job market so difficult. Even as a NP with work experience so much is who you know.

Most MSN programs are online all clinical in person you learn most from hands on real life clinical studies

I remember when I worked in NYC. Every nurse I worked with wanted to be an FN and NP. I did not understand the appeal. 60% of the nurses I worked with were either already NP/FNPs, or going to school for it.

I became graduated FNP school in 2020 after being an ER nurse for 9 years and regretted it shortly after and started on my post masters in psychiatry in 2021... I hate the NP work horse mentality of many primary care practices and yes they low balled the heck out of us in Florida, and thanks to the pandemic it made finding a job that much harder. However i found telehealth which provided flexibility i craved and needed for my post masters. Since I'm now a new grad PMHNP finding jobs is far easier... and now primary care offices are calling me left and right ( but now you really can't afford me)

I am a nurse with 1.5 years of experience, but bedside is not for me. I just started an online fnp program that is not fast tracked, and I had to do 2 interviews to get into. I did a lot of research on what graduates thought about the programs and since they had good things to say and recommended the school I went with it. I want to be an FNP because I think it is diverse where you can see the whole life span. For when ill eventually have children in the future to when my parents get old and I would want the knowledge if anything happens. I am not sure if I want to stay in the hospital or do clinic based NP so this gives me choices down the line. I have been seeing videos like this recently and its made me rethink my decision, but I needed to leave bedside soon. Either way I value the knowledge and cost of an NP program.

Idk I would like a clinic setting, better hours , off holidays , more family time and less trauma and drama from cc

I like the informed information you provided

Hi, thank you for the advice really learn alot, so in my case I want to become a PMHNP, but I wanted to to FNP first so after watching your video I think I have to go straight for PMHNP. Thank you

You don’t like the negative connotations that’s people have for you as a NO that makes you dislike it 40% ignore those haters and keep it trucking

I just stumbled up this video. I never understood the whole RN-NP programs. I don’t agree with them. I think in order to become a NP, one needs to have a certain number of years experience. I’m doing a post masters certificate NP program. Been a nurse in many areas. It was definitely time for a change. Thanks for the insight.

I think it really depends where you are located. Nurse practitioners in our area are highly respected and get paid just as much as MDs.

I’ve had nothing but the highest respect for N.P.’s if anything I think they made the right choice instead of having no life because your a doctor that’s permanently busy except for a few weeks a year till they retire. N.P.’ are smart in more ways than one 👍👍

Can’t you just get a certificate for acute care since you already have a masters

tbh NP jobs aren’t easy, but i rather go from Bedside nurse to a physician.

I wish they had more online Lpn to rn fast track programs it’s so difficult (at least in New Jersey)

I love this video. Very informative and true. Thank you

I remember being told by instructors in my BSN program that nurses (as a whole) have been historically negligent at representing nurses and nursing as a profession. I have seen this over and over. I argue that a large part of this is due to the fact that the entry degree for a RN is an associate degree - whereas most other "professional" positions (like physical therapy for example) requires at least a bachelor degree. Therefore, the idea is that in many ways, RNs are still looked at as simply physician helpers - which is so wrong, but I can understand it. Also, many people in the general public don't understand the difference between a RN with an associate degree, and a NP who is Masters prepared. There was talk as long ago as the early 1980s that the minimum entry to be a RN would "soon" be a bachelor degree. Obviously that hasn't happened yet 🙄

I have not had good experiences with NP's. They come out of school and are expected to know nearly as much as the physician. As you said, you are always learning. Well I've been an RN for 40 yrs. Practiced in the hospital for 24 yrs and am very used to being heard when I report something. Last job was as a hospice nurse so I had a lot of autonomy. Now nearly all the doctors use NP's to care for a majority of their work and a new NP is totally intimidated by my experience level so I prefer seeing the doctor. My health issues are so involved that a GP doesn't even like to care for me so NP's are not appropriate in my case. It has taken me awhile (moved away from my home of 52 yrs) to find the appropriate care providers. You will achieve your end goals after you practice another 5-10 yrs. I wasn't that knowledgeable in 2.5 yrs either!! Keep learning as much as you can. Ask for help from other professionals. Good Luck!!

Even right now medical students are having trouble getting residency I was going to to psych Np but like you said I have to do something I see myself doing that lines up with me that’s why I’m doing FNP because that environment is where I want to be. As far as the negative comments I dealt with that during my lpn days before I became a RN I always checked people I said if you think it’s easy trying then come tell me, I believe for NP’s to stand their ground and be a little cocky what they don’t think you know show them you know it I won’t let anybody disrespect me credentials period I worked hard to earn it and they will respect it

I listened to everything you said and the reasons you regret being an NP ain’t no reasons at all! You do you and don’t discourage others. If you regret it, stop practicing! I went through the fast track program and I’m an excellent nurse. If you can do the fast track program, do it! Everyone learns differently. Whether online or not, you still have to put in the clinical hours which are definitely not online! Please say something else and bring down this video

Your narrative is robust and engaging; similar to a book that was robust and engaging in its delivery. "Your Body Your Temple" by Sophia Wintergreen

Something it doesn't matter how hard you study you also need to pray to God for success

I just got my FNP, i got it because it is flexible, but yes if you want to be in acute care working in a hospital it is the wrong degree. I came from a degree mill - chamberlain university. They say they have preceptorship assistance which in reality is them giving you the white pages and saying call around. If the state or federal laws make these programs create relationships with current practitioners to precept students then the enrollment would go way down. From 2nd year to 3rd year at the big get together skill weekends it went from probably 1200 students down to 400. My guess is most people in FNP school don’t get preceptorships. Now if someone asks me if I went to school online the easy answer is “yes, but I started march of 2020. All the college classes went to online at this time for about 2 years.” Unless people graduated pre 2020 many of their classes will have been online. I am currently getting my state licenses and going to apply for dermatology offices. I think the FNP role is a meat grinder otherwise. It will chew you up and spit you out, cog in the wheel. I saw my preceptors being ground to death, no life working their asses off all day and I live in a slow rural environment. I bet in a city they are getting murdered with work in the office. 20 patients a day is busy in a family practice. I have heard of people seeing 35-40. That is insane, you would be doing your documentation at night and every day your off and checking your tasks at night and days off. Screw that I did not work my ass of to get here to then work my ass off non stop for the man. I think as an FNP with some patience you can find a job that fits your lifestyle and doesn’t ruin/ consume your life completely.

I think pa receives better schooling and training

I always look fwd to watching your videos! You said you regretted FNP, but what would be your reasoning for wanting to go the acute NP route instead? And what’s your view (pros/cons) with going the FNP route?

You will be successful in any decision you make. Good luck

Midwifery (NP) is awesome!!

Depends on the city,but there's a nursing shortage everywhere

i applied to an RN to BSN program that goes into MSN after .. they still have pretty high standards as far as GPA and projects to complete to be accepted.. I'll be 3 years in as an RN before I start NP school 😊 i'm so excited. i am still trying to figure out what type of NP; I think I want to do emergency medicine or critical care tbh

But also when you have FNP you can always get post grad certificates and you can get a Q care certificate or emergency practice

My dream is to be a NP for developmental disabilities this was informative

Well depending ,where you are working, what state?!.There are 18 states in USA where a NP is equal MD.You do not have to work with the MD .You can do prescription ,including NARCO.One of the state, where we live and my wife is a PHD,DNP, is Arizona.Here you will get a lot of respect ,from people and patience .They trust NP more, then MD, here in Arizona.They know ,you were doing real nursing ,before you became NP.My wife, is doing teaching in University, but she use to be DNP in the hospital and everybody call her DOCTOR.Then she took a PHD, with more academic doctoral, for profesor at University.So if they do not respect you move on! In SouthWest people do not go to school, a lot.So here a BSN makes $75/hr.In California BSN makes $125/hr.

I absolutely agree! Some of these schools are just diploma mills. There is no standards for these schools whatsoever. Love this video

I wanted to do a fast track NP program because I didn't realize until after my psych degree that I wanted to do it, but I'm looking at in person programs. How do you feel about that? Also, a lot of the NP programs (fast track) require a lot of pre recs and a bachelors in something like bio or psych.

NP should have been like PA school. It would have gave more credibility to advanced nurses.

Are direct entry nursing programs to get your masters in nursing considered a fast track program?

I agree with you. It’s a shame that one can become an NP online… I do not see NPs as a patient because I cannot trust her/his education…