What am I doing? I'm totally insane.

[Clodfobble]

Originally Posted by plthijinx

unintellectual? really?

I think he sees it as mostly bedpan-changing. He's got a little bit of old-school genteel misogynism leftover from his upbringing. Amusing but harmless.

Originally Posted by wolf

It is unusual to hear of someone who is not already an RN entering an RN-P program, but hey, if it's what you want to shoot for, go for it.

There's a specific program for it at the University of Texas, the "Alternate Entry MSN." Designed for people with a bachelor's in something else. There are 9 undergrad prereqs (some of which I already have, the rest I'll be knocking out over the next few semesters before applicaion time,) then a 2-year intensive program. At the end of year 1, you have your RN, but it's only valid in Texas, and they are very clear that you should not use this as an exit point from the program. At the end of year 2, you have your master's, and are qualified to take the NP certification exam. Roughly 80 spots in the program per year, out of 120-160 applicants. The prospect of which does frighten me, that I might get on this train and then not actually make it into the program next Fall, but I'm reasonably confident I'm going to be in the upper 50% of applicants.

Originally Posted by footfootfoot

Clod, I said become a doctor not because I don't regard NPs as highly (SIL is one) but because I think, given your experiences with shithole docs, you would be an asset to moms and dads who have been in your place, a little more power for you to change the world.

That's the beauty of the NP. I think in this state you have to have your caseload overseen by a doctor, but in our own clinic the majority of patients are seen by NPs exclusively, one doctor supervising, unless there are special circumstances. I will be able to be the exact asset that we are benefitting from right now. I haven't mentioned my plans to anyone at that office yet, but I know for sure I can get a recommendation letter for the program from our NP, and with any luck I'll have a job slot ready and waiting for me. And, if it turns out I can't handle all-autism-all-the-time, which I acknowledge may happen, the credentials are still transferrable to any other specialty.