How To Become A Nurse Practitioner

How To Become A Nurse Practitioner. In today’s video we will discuss the most common ways to become a nurse practitioner. There are multiple ways to become a nurse practitioner, depending on where you currently are in your education and career journey. In this video we will discuss going to NP school as a BSN prepared nurse, an ADN prepared nurse, a current high school student, someone looking for a career switch, as well as someone with an MSN already looking to change specialties.
00:00 Intro
01:30 What is required to become a Nurse Practitioner?
02:20 BSN to NP
05:00 Can you start NP school right after graduating from nursing school?
06:40 ADN to NP
08:20 Non Nursing Degree to NP.
10:25 High School Student to NP
11:15 MSN in a Non NP Concentration to NP
Nursing Licensure, Degree, and Certification Explained: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGealX96prpjjKs
MSN vs DNP for Nurse Practitioners: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2KodquYo8l4n9E
AANP Search Engine for Finding NP Schools: npprogramsearch.aanp.org/Search
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Hi! I’m Liz, a Family Nurse practitioner, former pediatric nurse and mom of two. My goal here is to share information about the nursing profession, and share life as a working mom along the way!
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I started this channel because I wanted other working moms, nurses, nurse practitioner students, nursing students, and whoever else to know that you CAN do school, life and work! I’d love to hear your stories of how you combine your personal interests with your family life! You are doing great things, and I hope you remember that!
Becoming a nurse practitioner can be very confusing due to the way nursing school is set up with so many different entry points. In this video I’ll attempt to simplify some of the different ways to become an NP for those looking into Nurse practitioner school.
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[@torimorgan9406]

I really appreciate this as a 17 year old aspiring nurse.

[@aulzinow]

Same here!

[@tequila5477]

@@aulzinow sameeee

[@sim_aware]

As frustrating as the process can be, keep your eye on the ball! #YouGotThis! Good luck!

[@torimorgan9406]

@@sim_aware Thank you!

[@marymicheal4317]

Passing ANCC/AANP exams is easy 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 Mrs Brenda Gomez

[@wildfastcar1001]

I want to become a NP and now I see what I have to do to get there. Thank you very much for all your dedication and knowledge.

[@tigerkenshi]

One of my favorite charge nurse once told me, “nursing is caring”. Practicing heart is more important before practicing the skill. Anybody can become a nurse and np with good grades and by earning degrees in school, but that doesn’t necessarily make them to become a good nurse. Think about not what but why do you want to become a nurse? Many people enter the field for very selfish reasons even though nursing is very selfless and humbling career. As of consequence, patients suffer. I have seen that many times. What patients want is empathetic and caring caregivers, not high degree nurses or nps, that are arrogant and only good in charting and giving/prescribing meds. Remember, you are there for the patients not patients there for you to achieve your dream.

[@sim_aware]

Thank you for all you do for your patients!

[@marcib6767]

I feel like both excellent technical nursing skills as well as a caring heart are important. A nurse who cares but doesn’t have good nursing skills can cause poor patient outcomes (whether one is an RN or an advanced practice nurse). I’m not sure it’s truly helpful to create a dichotomy between developing one’s nursing skills and having a caring heart - both are needed. Just my two cents.

[@jessicamahlow73]

I totally agree with you care giver/ emt n I have been caring for parents for 13 years. 10 years full time. I want to become a NP so I can provide better care to home / bed bound patients. So sad what I see n things I have to tell dads dr n also on momma angel journey. Breaks my heart 💔💯 to see the neglect of a dr that is a at home provider n yet does not EVER answer after hour calls. I want to hopefully change this. Makes me sad. 😢😫💔💯😭 I pray for direction 🙏 😔 😪

[@deecee901]

I just had awful experience as ER patient. The rudest nurse ever. Nothing like a nice nurse.

[@chima1140]

Love you Liz! Thanks for your continued guidance. I just got into a really good nursing program and am starting in January. Your blogs have helped me become more confident and knowledgeable in my nursing career journey. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@thanhvuvt]

I follow the first path to become a FNP. I have my BSN and RN, and I am on my first semester of the FNP program. I always watch your videos because they have a ton of information regarding to nursing. Thank you for posting videos.

[@sim_aware]

Excellent summary of the process! VERY cool seeing you are local for me (I am in Pittsboro). Thank you for all you do!

[@susannagrimsley3777]

I love your channel and instagram! you inspire me so much! I am a nursing student who eventually wants to become a Nurs Practitioner and when I started my educational journey I thought there was no way I could ever make it but you being so real and helpful really inspires me! and you're a mom while doing it?!?!? incredible

[@sim_aware]

#YouGotThis!

[@nataliamorin2616]

I also want to be a family NP and as a pre-nursing student, this information has helped tremendously. Thank you so much!

[@NurseLiz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sim_aware]

Good luck! #YouGotThis!

[@Jfaith06]

I first obtained my ASN then a couple of years later I went back for my BSN. When I completed my family in 2016 I really wanted to go back for my MSN and wanted to be an FNP but didn't think I was smart enough (struggled in undergrad). I decided to get my MSN/MBA (graduate in 2022), during my current program I have gained confidence and plan on applying for my CAS FNP when I graduate.

[@alberta6662]

Great info Liz. Thanks for sharing this insight into our profession. This was journey in the field of nursing in becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. I knew nothing about nursing in my early twenties and decided I wanted to change careers and become a nurse so I enrolled into a program thinking it was a RN program which turned out to be an LPN program so I completed that program and practice in varied roles as a licensed practical nurse for years. After raising my children I went back to school and earned my ASN after graduation and as passing my boards I started my ASN to BSN. Within eight months I earned my BSN. 2 years after working as an RN while working full-time I enrolled in a Family Nurse Practitioner program, which I graduated from this past May and passed my boards a day before my actual graduation. As Liz explained there various ways to become a Nurse Practitioner and this was mine.

[@NurseLiz]

Thank you so much for sharing! How is work going?

[@alberta6662]

I’m taking it one day at a time and although I get frustrated when I don’t feel 💯 confident about my decision I understand that there is a learning curve.

[@briannag.9486]

I totally love you! Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing information!

[@NurseLiz]

You are so welcome!

[@thisiistoriii]

I feel as though nurses don’t get the recognition that they deserve. I always get the question why not become a doctor instead of a NP. Like what is wrong with being a nurse? That’s why as an 18 year about to enter college in the fall I want to break all these stereotypes given about nurses and their academic success and prove that becoming a nurse is just as well rewarding and honorable as any other intense medical profession.

[@karinowens7750]

I really enjoy your videos and your honest, down to earth personality. I am a 48 year old aspiring nurse. I am in my first semester of an ADN program. I do have dreams of one day getting an NP license. I have already decided I will begin a RN to BSN program right away. I have a BS in accounting degree and had no idea there were programs to walk into a NP program without any type of nursing degree or education. Because of my age, that would have been nice. But honestly, I feel like (hopefully 😉) I’ll be better prepared going down this path. However, if I can find an RN to MSN or DNP program, I’d love to shave off time wherever I can. I’m trying to just enjoy the journey right now. Yesterday was our most difficult exam yet. 😝 I got an A! Yay! Thanks again for all your great videos.

[@sim_aware]

AWESOME! If you did a BS in accounting, #YouGotThis!

[@chocolickme5479]

I just graduated this morning and I’m so excited to start my path towards becoming an NP!

[@NurseLiz]

Congrats!

[@anglecke6543]

Congrats

[@SimpleFitNurse]

This is great video, especially since this can be so confusing for many people!

[@charlesparent8850]

Your videos are so helpful- 19 y/o 3rd semester BSN student

[@Takiasmommy]

I knew what I was going to be in elementary school 😁 I’ve always wanted to be a nurse and that is what I became. In high school I knew I eventually wanted my doctorate in nursing and that’s what I’m working on now. I love your videos!

[@NurseLiz]

That's so cool that you knew from such a young age!

[@hannahgrace5039]

I am 17. I graduated early and am in an ADN program right now and I didn’t know there were so many options available! Thank you for the amazing content. I’m so excited to see what the future will bring. My hope is to be an FNP and maybe even get my doctorate.

[@NurseLiz]

You got this!

[@hannahgrace5039]

@@NurseLiz Thank you so much!

[@richfortune1930]

lol 😊o😊o😊oo😊ooooooookkokkookk lol o

[@richfortune1930]

Oh

[@NurseEinthecut]

How’s your journey going?

[@marykatelong3074]

Liz you are awesome and so helpful! Thank you so much 😊. I graduated with by BS in Exercise Physiology in 2017, then Worked as a Medical Assistant for 3.5 years, and will be soon starting an 18month Direct Entry MSN program in January! After that I hope to find a post masters NP certificate program!

[@NurseLiz]

Awesome!

[@sim_aware]

#YouGotThis!

[@jocastanaresthewanderingnu7773]

OMG! How is it that I just found you? I found you when I was watching your shorts on RaDonda trial. You have a pretty cool personality. Excellent vibe!!!

[@sophiemcdoogal6691]

Hey Liz, I love your videos and have been a subscriber all through nursing school, and I was wondering if you could do a video on OR nursing as finding information on it is not as easy as other nursing fields. Thank you so much!

[@sushmitakaldan2236]

Hi Liz, thank you so much for this video. It was really helpful. And can you please make a video on FNP vs ACNP their roles, job options, work settings please?

[@Deidra.Andrews]

So, I graduated as a new grad nurse with my BSN in March of this year. Started an FNP program in June. & then started as a new grad RN in an acute Carr NEURO unit in July. 😅 I hope to obtain some experience in the NEURO ICU next year and get my Acute Care certification as a NP. Would love some more info on that process!

[@afm398]

I have a question that I can't find any information on. What do you know as a nurse graduate? Do you know about diseases? How to detect them? The medicine that is given for certain things etc.

[@NurseLiz]

The biggest thing you'll want to look for is an acute care adult NP program that takes a good chunk of your current courses!

[@sim_aware]

If you are loving life in the Neuro ICU, consider the ACNP program at Duke. Most of their ACNP faculty are Neuro ICU ACNPs. The other thing you should do is look at CRNA. I know it is pretty general but many CRNAs focus their careers with neurosurgeons. Good luck and thank you for all you do!

[@ebonyfriend2390]

This video just helped me sooo much I am almost done with my bsn, I want a msn in education but might want to become a pmhnp. I will look into certificates.

[@kaylasimpson4458]

Thank you thank you I have been looking for info on this.

[@NurseLiz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheFashionablyFit]

Your videos have given me a little bit of confidence as I've tried to mentally prepare myself for the events to come. I'll be starting Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP school this spring :O so thank you

[@NurseLiz]

You got this!

[@sim_aware]

VERY COOL! #YouGotThis!

[@Luke747gal]

I love your NP school tip videos. Based on your experience with advanced assessment can you do a video on what to focus on for extra materials to study and how to perform a head to toe assessment for the class. ( How to master this and pass the class)

[@zincman1995]

This was very good, thanks

[@KoolBoo101]

Currently in Nursing School. About to graduate and hopefully get into a NICU residency program. I was in elementary school yessn I'm one of those.. when I decided to become a nurse. This video really helps my Dean explained to me the same thing because I wanted to become an NNP but if I want to leave I would be stuck so she said I should go get my FNP and get a post-master certificate in NNP.

[@sim_aware]

#YouGotThis!

[@omarullah8895]

Hi Liz! Another amazing video, as always. I have an important question: I was recently accepted to NP school, but have since been seriously re-considering my decision to go into medicine. From a young age, I have always wanted to alleviate the suffering of others and make deep, meaningful connections with my patients across their lives. This led me to wanting to become a primary care provider to serve the neediest by delivering healthcare to low-income and underserved patients. However, I have since become fearful that, by going into medicine with the sincere intention of helping underserved patients, I will ultimately become quite disillusioned and frustrated with the field, as the bureaucracy, mounting paper work, and growing restrictions, that healthcare providers face, makes it very difficult for them to deliver the high-quality healthcare patients deserve, especially for primary care providers working in low-income communities. The fear of potential frustration caused by the current practice environment is further compounded by my worries of assuming the staggering debt that healthcare providers take on when pursuing their education. I don’t want to be simultaneously disillusioned with my profession and stuck in the profession because of the debt I’m in. I’m now contemplating scrapping medicine and using my undergrad degree in public health to go into healthcare administration. I would like to work to improve healthcare policies in order to both increase access to care and make care more efficient and affordable for low-income patients. However, I think my dream of providing direct care to patients will always be there. Unfortunately, the current practice environment seems like it crushes the very essence of why we wanted to go into medicine in the first place - the patient care. Do you think I’m catastrophizing, or do you think these are real flaws with the current practice environment that decrease healthcare provider satisfaction? Additionally, do you think it’s worth it to go into medicine, with all of the obstacles providers face? Curious to hear your thoughts. I wish you all of the very best in achieving your dreams in life! Please take care and be well. :)

[@successfulnp8099]

Great information

[@emmakyte1386]

I am currently researching what I would like to next in my nursing career. I would say Im closest to Jim in this scenario. I went from CNA>TMA>ADN>BSN and am currently working as a med surg float travel nurse in Idaho. I feel like now is a good time to start working on an advanced nursing degree. Now I love teaching and could see myself working as a nurse instructor in a school some day so I originally felt MSN for Nurse Educator was the right path but now I am starting to wonder if MSN prepared NP might allow me to teach and/or continue to work with patients. I am still working on comparing pricing/time comparison of an MSN education vs MSN NP schools and what is the best fit. Would love your feedback and what you would do if you were in my nursing shoes (size 7 danskos :)) have a great day !

[@justinsims8547]

The only AG-ACNP program in my area is a doctoral program and is 3 years long (Portland, OR).. and is unholy competitive because of that. Will probably have to apply to out of state programs! Whatever we have to do to reach our goals I guess! Your videos are so informative, and I love that you are fast-paced as I tend to lose interest with my ADHD brain, but never with your videos! Cheers!

[@NurseLiz]

Good luck with everything!

[@kaprimoore7381]

Do you have like a help line or something? I have so many questions and you seem like the best person to talk to lol.

[@katieschwartz7730]

I was weird and decided I wanted to be a nurse when I was in like 1st grade....! 1 year almost down as an RN right now ADN and 1semester from my BSN 😊. Hope to be an NP down the road.

[@NurseLiz]

That's awesome though!!

[@sim_aware]

AWESOME! Good luck! #YouGotThis!

[@dave9944]

Hi. Enjoyed your video! I am an RN with a BSN, with 10 years experience (Neuro/Trauma, Hospice, Oncology, General Med/Surg). I know that I want to become an NP with a focus on Palliative Care and Hospice/End of Life. I'm having a hard time finding information about this specialized field. I don't think it's one of the more popular NP specialties, but hospice is what I have enjoyed the most. Curious on your take as far as which type of Masters/Specialty you think would be the most appropriate one for this field? I probably won't do a DNP, just a Masters. Thank you!

[@darcyk6499]

I'm not sure what the best way is to approach getting my fnp. I am currently in a ADN program. I already have a BA and MLA. Would that make doing an ADN to NP faster? Any ideas what the best approach would be?

[@bethaudet9007]

I am in my RN to BSN capstone. Next up, MSN and women's health nurse practitioner!

[@NurseLiz]

yessss! We need all the womens health NP's!

[@sim_aware]

Some of my favorite simulations have been with women's health NPs. Don't forget to enjoy the journey!

[@jordenpalinkas9532]

I will perhaps be starting an LPN program in a little over a year and I would like to know What about going from LPN to NP?

[@christines1924]

WOAAHHH!

[@therudimentroom]

I asked this in a different video, " I am going to be starting the ADN program Spring 2023 (working on my pre reqs at the moment). ULTIMATELY, I am planning to become an NP after a few years of RN experience, but do you know of/have any advice on this route? I can't really find much about people's experiences going ADN-NP specifically, despite there being ADN-NP programs out there. " Thank you for answering!

[@dukedumby]

first! great video :)

[@menukaprajapati9416]

Hi, thank you for this video. I was kind of confused what to do next. I guess you the best person to ask. I am a registered nurse with ADN degree. And my goal to be NP. I already have bachelors degree in healthcare administration which I got before getting into nursing college. So can I go NP directly with ADN degree as I already have Bachelor’s degree in health care administration? Thank you in advance

[@chantals44]

Can I start nurse practitioner school right after graduation with my bsn?

[@cuperc5]

Hi I love your video thanks for the information! Love that you want to help. I am from Costa Rica but was born in North Carolina and left when I was 6. Became a Medical Doctor in Dermatology took me like 12 years 🥹 now I live in Florida because my baby boy need therapy and want to become a Nurse Practitioner. Please what options you recommend 🙏🏻🙏🏻😘😘

[@alicelesneski973]

Hi Liz. Thank you for your videos. I’m a big fan. I am in the process of applying to ABSN program. I am interested in the path of going to become a NP/FNP after I graduate. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[@NurseLiz]

I'd encourage you to work for a while after your ABSN to make sure you know what path you want to take with your NP. Good luck with everything!

[@tazthornton5238]

I worked as a CNA rehabilitation facility 4 years. Have some credits for associate and bachelor's. Can I skip to NP?

[@josesantiago5449]

Does the school where you gradúate from your BSN matter or affect job or NP school aceptance ? Or as long as you pass nclex and school is acreditated you have the same posibilities as everyone ? I ask because i was diagnosed with Cancer and after being in a well known nursing school in Puerto Rico, because of treatment i am considering transfering to an online/ hybrid Nursing program -NUC online division- It has a Great curriculum im just worried if this affects me in any way as a nurse .

[@epicfamily7399]

Hello ma’am hope you are fine... I’m watching you first time ... I’ve a question my baby boy birth weight was 2.7kg now after 3 weeks he is now 3.7 kgs .... is this normal or he needs to gain more in this stage .... please help me to guide

[@thomascampbell4432]

I'm currently doing the pre-reqs for nursing school in the hopes of getting into a bsn program. I eventually want to be a dual certified FNP/AGACNP and get my RNFA certification

[@thomascampbell4432]

Also, would you recommend me get my MSN before I get my DNP?

[@NurseLiz]

totally up to you! If you know you want to get your DNP and don't mind the extra money and time involved up front, then go for it!

[@Zeldybear]

I’m in an ABSN program and have less than 10 months left, but who’s counting 😅 My school has an automatic entry option for BSN students to go into the MSN FNP program, but I will not be partaking in that because I want to get some nursing experience first and I don’t want to live in this state long term! Later I’ll go back and get my MSN or DNP but I’m in no big hurry. Thanks for another informative video!!

[@NurseLiz]

I'm sure I don't need to tell you how much I hate when schools incentivize it that way haha. But YAY FOR BEING UNDER A YEAR UNTIL YOU ARE DONE!

[@sim_aware]

That is an incredible opportunity! #YouGotThis!

[@ThisIsRebs]

I recently had to re-enter my ADN program because I got a "D" in one of my classes. Are my chances of getting into an NP program gone?

[@sheebaseby2259]

Hi liz...I have done masters in nursing in india and i need to do dnp... Is it easy to do it as a international student

[@veiled_sakura]

Second! Aspiring nurse/possible NP way down the line here ^___^

[@sim_aware]

Good luck! #YouGotThis!

[@tiaw.9467]

Whew! 😅 that was all confusing. I graduated from LVN school in Aug. and I can’t even pass an exit test just to take the NCLEX (which I don’t think I will pass either) so I don’t think my dream to be a NP will ever happen. 😞 The schooling was very rough for me.

[@NurseLiz]

Nursing education is so much more complicated and needlessly difficult. Congratulations on your graduation!

[@JaeBeauty28]

I have my BS in Biology , I recently got accepted to a ABSN program and then from there I will go for NP.

[@NurseLiz]

congratulations on your acceptance!

[@JaeBeauty28]

@@NurseLiz Thank you 😄😄

[@shariparrilla7610]

Are they still going require nps to have a doctorate in the future

[@NurseLiz]

They haven't said they will require MSN prepared NP's to get their DNP's, but they continue to say they hope the DNP will be the entry level. They keep pushing the date back though

[@kaylasimpson4458]

Do nursing school grades factor in when applying to an NP program?

[@NurseLiz]

yep! Leadership roles as a nurse were also highly valued when I applied.

[@thlp6872]

@Nurse Liz - Just discovered your channel and excited to become a RN and eventual NP. How difficult is it to switch working in different specialties as an RN? Do you have the same abilities to switch among specialties as an NP? Is it realistic to be able to switch if desired? Part of the appeal is working among different populations (interested in PICU, NICU, Oncology, school nurse, etc) as a nurse. Similarly, I would like to do cancer research at some point? Is there a way to do this as a nurse? Do you have any videos discussing nursing research and switching specialities? Thanks 💜 in 💜advance. 💜

[@NurseLiz]

There's definitely more mobility as an RN. As an NP you target you education based on patient population and setting, so switching between would be much more difficult. I don't know much about researching as a nurse, but I'm assuming there would be opportunity. It's something that I'm sure varies location to location.

[@thlp6872]

@@NurseLiz Thank you. Will keep pushing forward 🙏.

[@jaylahking1896]

Do you recommend specializing in cardiac nursing before going back for NP? What are some other specialities that are good to work in before going back for NP?

[@notorioustia]

I’m interested in being a Cardiac NP also! I would like to work in a cardiology clinic/office.

[@NurseLiz]

I have a video about this! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqWcXnSPap5qpaM

[@chitragayen5875]

hello mam. i am chitra from india. plz help to how can i take my nurse practitioner career in abroad.

[@NurseLiz]

Since I've never worked abroad, I don't really know much about it. But if you do a little bit of searching online, I'm sure you'll be able to find some information!

[@meganlemp5877]

So helpful! You're wonderful. Gotta get lucky and get selected for my community college's nursing school lottery first lol *cries at recent rejection* #Ihate2020

[@NurseLiz]

You can do it!

[@sim_aware]

Don't give up! #YouGotThis!

[@madelinevazquez2212]

My name is Madeline and I got my bachelors degree in psychology and I want to go to no school ! What a coincidence 😳😍

[@tyfaniwilson6919]

Hands are distracting but good content 👌

[@Privacyemi]

☁️ 🛩️ ☁️ 🏢🏢🏘️

[@Privacyemi]

- - c💖

[@StellarReal-no4gm]

Hahaha

[@williamwhitworth4241]

I really appreciate this as a 29 year old aspiring nurse.

[@sim_aware]

Good luck! Thank you for the choice. It is not an easy road but remember #YouGotThis!

[@sheebaseby2259]

Hi liz...I have done masters in nursing in india and i need to do dnp... Is it easy to do it as a international student