Are you a recent graduate thinking about returning to school to get a masters and become an APRN? Are you wanting to take that “next step” in your career? If so, ISAPN can help! Read on for our five tips about transitioning from an RN to an APRN.

1. Ask for Help
   The journey of transitioning from an RN to an APRN is a complex one and there are plenty of tough decisions that you will have to make as you navigate the process. As such, it is important that you ask for help from people who have done it before! Do you have a mentor from your time at nursing school or from working as an RN? Another option is to look at ISAPN’s mentorship program for our members. You will find a mentor who can help you every step of the way!
   
   
2. Consider Working as an RN a Little Longer
   While we understand that you may be in a hurry to take that next step in your career, it is important to build up some experience as an RN before pursuing a masters degree and becoming an APRN. While it is fairly common for someone to work as an RN for several years before becoming an APRN, it is not just important from an experience standpoint. You want to ensure that a career as an APRN is right for you -- and working as an RN for a while is a good way to do so! 
    
3. Weigh the Pros and Cons
   Weighing the pros and cons is important prior to any big career move and becoming an APRN is no exception! Although APRNs are paid more, enjoy increased flexibility and generally have a prosperous job outlook, there are definitely trade-offs. Are you prepared for the increased responsibility, stress, and additional time/cost that comes with obtaining the degree?
   
   
4. Select What Type of APRN You’d Like to Become
   So you’ve done it. You’ve decided to become an APRN. The next step is deciding what type of APRN you’d like to become. According to registerednursing.org, there are four different types of APRNs, each of which has slightly different responsibilities. These are:
   • Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
   • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
   • Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
   • Nurse Practitioner (NP)
   
   
5. Choose an APRN Program that is right for you
   Once you’ve decided what kind of APRN you would like to be, you now have to select the master’s degree program that is right for you! There are all kinds of factors that will go into making this decision, from the type of APRN you want to become, to the types of patients you’d like to work with, to the location where you would like to get your degree.
   
   Regardless of what you decide, even considering returning to school to become an APRN is a big deal! As a professional society for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, many of our members have done this before. Feel free to contact us if you have any question