What needs to be done after graduation?

sandnnw, BSN, MSN, EMT-B, APRN · Mar 23, 2009

TAKE THE EXAM! If you leave that state...

Start working on a portfolio. Include everything, including reference letters and keep all your applications/transcripts/diploma/cards/info in it. Your school should help you with this during the last semester. Work on a resume/CV, have it ready and keep in your car or e-mail to send immediately.

Apply for DEA first, once you have your state license number. NPI after that. DEA is for narcotics, not such a big deal, your supervising doc can help you w/that. NPI for medicare, again, not important if you work for a doc, he'll bill thru his number. But if you leave him/her...

Insurance might be paid by your supervisor or company. Depends upon where you work.

Are you sure your state does NOT require a cert exam?

Trauma Columnist · Mar 23, 2009

This is my take:

1. Take the exam. Your life situation can change.

2. Get a job.

3. Many practices have credentialling clerks that take care of all credentialling matters. (Big plus).

4. DEA number is needed if you are prescribing.

5. NPI IS needed so that you can bill on your own. I work in nephrology and those pts that the doc doesn't see need to be billed via my NPI number. Important to obtain.

David NP-C · Mar 23, 2009

If you are taking the AANP exam the deadline for the AANP summer testing period is 3/30. After that there is a $50 additional late fee until the late deadline in April. (http://aanpcertification.org/). After graduation all you will need to submit is a final transcript to complete your application.

David

Sheri FNP-C · Mar 23, 2009

Thanks everyone. I live in NY and I am 100% sure they do not require the certification exam. Actually I don't know any NPs that have taken it. I have already sent in my application to the AANP.

I am less than 2 months from graduation and there has been minimal information from my program. They have given us the information for applying for NY State Certification (different from national certification) but that is about it.

I wonder if I should go ahead and get my DEA/NPI or wait until I find a job. The market is so saturated in my area that it could be months or gulp....years

cruisin_woodward · Mar 24, 2009

Ok, I am new to this...for RN it is the same exam from state to state right? I can't remember. Why would APN be different? Are other APNs (like CRNAs) different state to state? This whole process just seems so unorganized. Different exams, different certifying agencies? Are all accredited schools accredited from the same agency? I am so confused!

core0 · Mar 25, 2009

Ok, I am new to this...for RN it is the same exam from state to state right? I can't remember. Why would APN be different? Are other APNs (like CRNAs) different state to state? This whole process just seems so unorganized. Different exams, different certifying agencies? Are all accredited schools accredited from the same agency? I am so confused!

There is no NP accrediting agency. The schools are accredited as nursing schools by the same programs that accredit nursing programs. There is no specific accreditation for NP or CNS programs. CNM and CRNA programs on the other hand have specific accrediting bodies that accredit the programs and ensure content. They also have a single certification program.

For NP and CNS programs each state decides which certification they will accept. This is usually in state regulation but is sometimes written into the nurse practice acts. In general most states accept all certifications for PNP, FNP, ANP and NNP. Some states do not accept AACN cert for ACNP. Also some states may not accept other certifications such as GNP or Oncology NP.

David Carpenter, PA-C

cruisin_woodward · Mar 25, 2009

There is no NP accrediting agency. The schools are accredited as nursing schools by the same programs that accredit nursing programs. There is no specific accreditation for NP or CNS programs. CNM and CRNA programs on the other hand have specific accrediting bodies that accredit the programs and ensure content. They also have a single certification program.
For NP and CNS programs each state decides which certification they will accept. This is usually in state regulation but is sometimes written into the nurse practice acts. In general most states accept all certifications for PNP, FNP, ANP and NNP. Some states do not accept AACN cert for ACNP. Also some states may not accept other certifications such as GNP or Oncology NP.
David Carpenter, PA-C

that just seems absolutely ridiculous to me!! How can you assure that someone has the proper education and training? Wow!! There really needs to be some changes...I feel like someone (to be blunt) has their "head up their butt" or something! I always thought since there are so many nurses, this would be more universal! Obviously others have voiced a concern about this...I can't be the only one?!

physasst · Mar 25, 2009

that just seems absolutely ridiculous to me!! How can you assure that someone has the proper education and training? Wow!! There really needs to be some changes...I feel like someone (to be blunt) has their "head up their butt" or something! I always thought since there are so many nurses, this would be more universal! Obviously others have voiced a concern about this...I can't be the only one?!

Amen, sister, amen. You are preaching to the choir here.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Mar 25, 2009

Are you sure your state does NOT require a cert exam?

Per the Feb 2008 version of the Pearson Report, the following states do not require national certification for NP's: CO, IN, KS, NV, NY, ND, OR. Although these states do not require passing national certification examinations for NP's, their respective BON's have specific requirements for being able to use the state's official NP title including educational requirements.

that just seems absolutely ridiculous to me!! How can you assure that someone has the proper education and training? Wow!! There really needs to be some changes...I feel like someone (to be blunt) has their "head up their butt" or something! I always thought since there are so many nurses, this would be more universal! Obviously others have voiced a concern about this...I can't be the only one?!

Welcome to your future NP profession! There are some talk about standardizing things for APN's specifically NP's. The Concensus Model released late last year, for instance, is a document endorsed by ANA, NCSBN, AANP, and other APN organizations that is alluding to a future vision of standardizing NP licensure, accredittation, certification, and education. Hopefully, things will change.

As a fellow Michigander, it would benefit you to know that Michigan only requires national certification when you initially apply for you Michigan Nurse Specialty Certification as a Certified Nurse Practitioner (yes, that's the official title in the Mitten State). For future renewals, you can let ANCC lapse as long as you have CEU's although I would not recommend that. And by the way, the only ACNP certification recognized in Michigan is ANCC's.

I wonder if I should go ahead and get my DEA/NPI or wait until I find a job. The market is so saturated in my area that it could be months or gulp....years

Depending on the state you live in, you may be able to apply for NPI and DEA on your own. My state requires a "Delegation of Prescriptive Authority for Controlled Substances" document from a physician before you get issued a DEA Number. The NPI number requires a practice location.

To apply for NPI: https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/Welcome.do

To apply for DEA: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/

I would agree with TraumaRUs, once you get hired, the practice manager usually arranges for these. DEA for instance cost around $400 (?) so why not let someone else pay for it.