Biggest lessons from NP school
I graduated as a family nurse practitioner back in 2018. I always knew I wanted to be a nurse practitioner so my plan was to work for a year or 2 and then apply for nurse practitioner school.
I actually followed through and did just that. I worked full time nights as a nurse while in school part time so here are my biggest lessons from that experience:
1. Try to get a few years of experience under your belt as a nurse before you go to nurse practitioner school. In addition to getting clinical experience, here’s another benefit that people don’t talk about that much - many hospitals that have tuition reimbursement require that you’ve been working with them for at least a year. I had been working at the hospital for a year so I was able to get tuition reimbursement to pay for nurse practitioner school and it helped sooo much! I didn’t need to take out any loans.
2. When applying for school, try to find one that has set up good clinical sites for you to do your rotations! I did not have the best clinical placements so if I were to do this again, I’d prioritize that! This is so important too because sometimes these clinicals are good exposure to future job opportunities at those clinics.
Nurse practitioner school can be a whirlwind! If you’re applying, what questions have been top of mind?
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As an aspiring nurse practitioner, understanding the importance of foundational nursing experience is vital. Many successful nurse practitioners emphasize that having a few years in clinical settings before attending NP school can provide you not only with essential skills but also with financial benefits such as tuition reimbursement offered by many healthcare employers. Additionally, the choice of NP school matters greatly; selecting one with strong partnerships for clinical rotations can offer a significant advantage in gaining practical experience and exposure to future job opportunities. Conducting research on the programs, their placements, and feedback from alumni can guide your decision. Seeking mentorship from experienced NPs can also offer personalized advice and insight into navigating the challenging yet rewarding journey of NP education. Moreover, considering aspects like flexibility in scheduling and resources provided by schools can ease the transition into this advanced clinical role. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can make the most of your NP school experience and launch a successful career in healthcare.
Oh my gosh, I love your graduation photo