Opinion: RN Experience Should Precede NP Training

An opinion piece published by MedPage Today makes the case that aspiring nurse practitioners (NPs) should first work as registered nurses (RNs) before entering NP school. The author, who explicitly states they are not anti-NP, expresses concern that the profession has drifted from its roots by allowing students to advance without substantial bedside experience.

The argument centers on the idea that advanced practice requires a solid foundation in direct patient care. The author believes that RN experience provides essential clinical judgment, hands-on skills, and a deeper understanding of patient needs—qualities that cannot be fully taught in a classroom. Without this prerequisite, the piece warns, NPs may enter practice less prepared, which could ultimately harm patients and the profession's reputation.

The article does not present data or opposing views; it is a personal opinion. However, it raises a timely question about NP education standards, especially as the role of NPs expands in healthcare. The author's stance is clear: protect the profession by ensuring that NP candidates have proven themselves as RNs first.