Sabina79 Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 Has anyone done the transition (or thinking about it) from NP to MD? I'd love to hear your input. I've been thinking about it for a few years, throughout my masters, and now even more that I'm practicing. I've just started the prep work for (hopefully) 2010 admission. Thanks in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapers Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Nope, sorry not an NP . . . first year nursing though! So how does it work, in terms of becoming an NP in Canada? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabina79 Posted March 24, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 24, 2008 First, you need to complete a BScN or BN four year degree. Then you need to practice. Whatever area you choose, stick to it. You want to be as skilled as possible in a specific area. Most NP programs require a minimum number of practice hours, this varies a lot. To gain NP licensure, you will need to contact your licensing body for the qualifiers. The Canadian Nurses Association is currently developing a national examination. NP programs can be at a masters or PhD level (in the States you'll see doctorate in science of nursing - DSN). In Canada, you'll see MN or MSN with a focus in advanced practice nursing. Masters are a minimum 2 years full time, PhD can take up to 5 years particularly if there's a research component. Common specialty areas in Canada at this time are Family NP (all ages, community based), NICU NP, Adult (acute care) NP, PEDS (acute care) NP, and Womens' Health NP. Each area then has its own sub-specialties. Other areas of advanced practice nursing include education (to carry on to PhD level or function as a clinic nurse educator), research (this would naturally flow into a PhD), administration (managers, etc), and clinical nurse specialists (this is usually about a 50/50 split between administration/education and clinical care). NPs are usually split between 90% clinical care and 10% administration/education/research. The acceptance of nurse practitioners varies widely. I have worked in environments where I report everything to the physicians and areas where the physicians give me complete freedom with regards to assessment, investigations, diagnosis, and treatment. Its a great area to work in. I would recommend this route if you are the independent type who wants to take things to a more in depth level. You do give up the securities associated with being a registered nurse; I don't belong to a union, I negotiate my contracts/benefits/salary, and my liability is at a much higher level...but it's all good! Hope that helps, don't hesitate to send me a message if you have more questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapers Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 Thank-you, it certainly was helpful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonesRN Posted May 15, 2008 Report Share Posted May 15, 2008 Has anyone done the transition (or thinking about it) from NP to MD? I'd love to hear your input. I've been thinking about it for a few years, throughout my masters, and now even more that I'm practicing. I've just started the prep work for (hopefully) 2010 admission. Thanks in advance Yup, NP here. Just accepted into Mac today. I love working as an NP and I'm glad that I will have this background going into med. Don't give up sabina79. It is possible! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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