Applying to Graduate NP Programs

[mssylmarie]

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Student Doctor Network, which of you have applied to graduate NP programs, and what advice do you have? I am a second degree accelerated BSN student (first degree in Chemistry) that would like to go with the best option for my graduate education in nursing, wanting to focus on Critical Care. I have heard the importance of work experience before graduate school... which I intend to do. I am trying to think ahead though. Is it best to go to the best NP school I can get into, or one where the clinicals are where I'd like to be employed? I appreciate any advice you all have!

 

[TheEarDoc]

I'm not a nurse practitioner, but I am in school to become one. My school is a blended program that has classes online and labs in classrooms and clinicals. I set up my own clinicals in the area but it's easy for me because the hospital I work at helps me arrange clinicals in our large health system.

Which school you attend doesn't matter much. It might land you an interview but when it comes to getting the job clinical time/experience and how you come across in the interview is what is going to get you the job.

My advice would be if you want to work for a certain hospital or organization then I'd recommend arranging your clinicals with that provider that way you get your foot in the door. The first job out of school is usually the hardest to land especially in fields like mid level providers. Places want experience and it takes time and money to help train people who don't have much experience.

I would do anything you can do to get your foot in the door at an organization and once you get a couple years of experience under your belt you can pretty much apply anywhere.

Good luck! From someone who holds two bachelors in health fields and a doctorate in audiology i know it can be a little overwhelming switching gears to a new career.