Are you looking for a career change? Ever considered becoming a nurse practitioner? The beauty of entry level NP programs is that you can! All you need is a bachelors degree in any field.
Vanderbilt’s accelerated nurse practitioner program has completely changed my life. It has not only given me the opportunity to make a career change into what I believe is the most wonderful career in world… But without this specialized program, I’m not sure I would have been able to pursue what I truly want to do for a living: become a healthcare provider and care for my community. Other opportunities such as medical school have always been on my radar. But the MD route would have taken me 7+ years to finally get out in the workforce and make a difference. As someone in my late twenties making a career change, the accelerated nurse practitioner route was a hell of a lot more attractive and feasible.
MY EBB AND FLOW
My career took some major twists and turns throughout my 20’s… maybe some of you can relate. At 19 I moved to California and pursued fashion – then acting – then nonprofit work. I didn’t start college until I was 21 and at 24 I received my BA in Anthropology from CU Boulder (after switching majors twice and taking 3 years off… which is PERFECTLY OK!!!). After graduating, I decided to become a personal trainer and one slippery slope later (completely intrigued by anatomy and physiology) I went back to school as a pre-med student. Well, about a year into my pre-med courses, I discovered the nurse practitioner role and realized this model of care was what I truly was seeking. Between the patient-centered holistic approach and the ability to provide quality care at a lower cost… my heart was sold.
THE BEAUTY IN OPPORTUNITY
Thanks to the most amazing graduate programs ever created (in my extremely biased opinion), direct entry or accelerated “entry level” MSN programs allow people like me who have a BA/BS in another field to become a nurse practitioner. No previous registered nurse (RN) license necessary. In two quick (and rigorous) years, I will become a registered nurse and a nurse practitioner. This program is allowing me to put all of my compassion, drive, and experience that has culminated over the last twenty-nine years toward a career that will benefit the well-being of others. My passion has long been directed toward helping others, but it’s now equip with intention and a skill set.
Most importantly, this program addresses the provider shortage the US is experiencing… This is due to the aging population (think: baby boomers), an increased in people with insurance (what up, Obama care), and our overall stellar medical abilities that are allowing people to live longer. Aspiring healthcare practitioners can now fast-track through prestigious nursing programs and graduate with the ability to provide quality, affordable healthcare. Now THAT, my friends, is badass.
SO, CONSIDER IT!
If you have ever secretly (or not so secretly) wished you had become a healthcare provider… You still can! There are SO many opportunities available for those eager to make a difference. The world needs more nurses, the US needs more providers, humanity needs more affordable healthcare – and that is exactly what nurse practitioners provide.
Sincerely, Angie
“Yes there are two paths you can go by but in the long run… There’s still time to change the road you’re on” – Led Zeppelin
My journey from Hollywood to Healthcare
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