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Would you recommend going striaght to grad school to get your APN or working in the nursing field and going back to school? #Fall25

I am in my second year of nursing school and trying to decide if I should work and try to get it paid for by my job later or continue my education right away.

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Ann’s Answer

I completely agree with Karin's answer. Working in a hospital gives you valuable experience that you can't learn in a classroom. This experience will be very helpful when you go back to school to become a nurse practitioner. It will also benefit you when you start working as a nurse practitioner. Over the years, I have precepted many nurse practitioner students and could easily see the difference between those with nursing experience and those with just school experience. Gaining nursing experience will greatly benefit you in the long term.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Ciera
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Robin’s Answer

It's a good idea to work as a nurse before returning to school for your nurse practitioner degree. This experience will help you become a great nurse practitioner. Learn the healthcare terms and as many procedures as possible. The more experience you have, the better prepared you'll be.
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Martin’s Answer

Many nurse practitioners have moved directly from undergraduate to graduate programs without working as registered nurses. I think working as an RN is a valuable learning experience that can't be matched by the limited clinical time in school.
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Karin’s Answer

Hi Ciera,

I would recommend getting practical experience as a nurse before going on to your graduate degree. You still have a lot to learn when you graduate from nursing school, and you'll only gain confidence in your work after a while.

Getting experience "on the floor" is going to tie theoretical knowledge and practical experience together before you take on the next chunk of learning. You'll be a better nurse and a better APN for it.

I hope this helps! All the best to you!

KP
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your perspective. Ciera
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome! Karin P.
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