Clay,

The coursework can be challenging but not absolutely impossible to complete. There are lots of reading to do because there is so much material to learn in a short period of time. You'll have to learn to devote your time to studying the content and juggle that between having a job as a nurse.

I'm satisfised with my job right now. No job is perfect as people always say. There are trade-offs just like with any other job. In my job's case, I have to do rotating shifts and that's what gets difficult at times.

Compensation is alright in my case. ICU NP's have the highest compensation as far as NP's in the hospital I work for.

Autonomy? I think I get a good amount. But that goes with 5 years of experience. After a while, attendings tend to trust you more and let you do more things on your own. Our group has always been able to independently manage post-op open heart patients including ordering drips, vent changes and extubations, as well as further ICU care after post-op day 1.

Gilly

greetings,

i noticed you work in inpatient acute care. im applying for ACNP and would love to pick your brain a little. how challenging did you find the coursework? what unit do you work? job satisfactioN? do you feel as though you're compensated well for the amt of work youre required to do? what kind of autonomy do you have? well, thanks a lot. i'm sure i can think of some more questions. lol!

--clay