Accepted to FNP program...now what?

Published

I found out last week that I have been accepted into my first (only) choice MSN-FNP program starting this fall. I realize this will be a tough program to get through, even though I'm taking the part time track, and would like to do whatever I can to best prepare myself.

I have already bought and have started reading "Clinical Pathophysiology Made Ridiculously Simple" to brush up on basic pathophysiology concepts. I have also read that Lehne's pharm book is worth reading as well (next on my list). Is there anything else you would recommend for me to prepare to excel in my program?

Thanks in advance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, telemetry.

I'm not sure if this will be required in your program already or not, but we had to get Tarascon's Pharmacopeia. It has been really helpful and if it's not already required, I would get it. Also, the Bates PocKet Guide to Examination and History Taking. The newest editions are very affordable on Amazon, especially if you have Prime (or student) and can get it without shipping.

Also, in your last summer before school...take a vacation! I know this isn't the type of response you were hoping for, but it'll be your last opportunity to really go anywhere sans school stress and will help you go into the Fall semester rejuvenated.

Congratulations! Where will you be going?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Are you working? Is it bedside? Full/Part time? Days/Nights? Congrats being accepted

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I'm not sure if this will be required in your program already or not, but we had to get Tarascon's Pharmacopeia. It has been really helpful and if it's not already required, I would get it. Also, the Bates PocKet Guide to Examination and History Taking. The newest editions are very affordable on Amazon, especially if you have Prime (or student) and can get it without shipping.

Also, in your last summer before school...take a vacation! I know this isn't the type of response you were hoping for, but it'll be your last opportunity to really go anywhere sans school stress and will help you go into the Fall semester rejuvenated.

Congratulations! Where will you be going?

I don't have a list of required texts yet. However, I will certainly look into the books you recommended.

I've had several people tell me to make sure I take time to spend with family, etc. so I'll certainly be doing some of that!!

I'll be going to Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, FL.

Thank you for your reply

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Are you working? Is it bedside? Full/Part time? Days/Nights? Congrats being accepted

Yes, I'm working!! Currently full time (3x12hr) days at the bedside on a tele unit. I'm exploring other employment options for a more fixed schedule (4x10hr) in an office setting which I think would promote better study habits. If that doesn't come to fruition I also may consider going to PRN and working only 2x12hr per week.

Thank you for your reply

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When I did the FNP program I went to a brick and mortar University. It was mid week one day a week. I needed to work full time for many reasons. I worked night 7p to 7a, 3 nights in a row. (never split up your work week) F,S,S night worked for me and I worked in the ICU. They loved it and didn't change my schedule. The week or two between quarters I planed it and took the weekend off. This worked out great, it didn't interfere with clinicals and the 160 hours I had to achieve each quarter. With school on Wednesday, my clinicals days was was limited to a Mon, Tue, Thur or Fri. You can never get your hours on the weekend because these places are closed and that's why I worked weekends. At time I would go without sleep be because going straight from work to clinicals or clinicals straight to work. This did not create a problem for me for I can go days if needed without sleep. This took trail and error but I learned very quick what worked and what didn't and found out this really worked. I didn't have much of a life but I had a very supportive husband and mentor. Remember your in a graduate program so you will not have a life, your in school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
When I did the FNP program I went to a brick and mortar University. It was mid week one day a week. I needed to work full time for many reasons. I worked night 7p to 7a, 3 nights in a row. (never split up your work week) F,S,S night worked for me and I worked in the ICU. They loved it and didn't change my schedule. The week or two between quarters I planed it and took the weekend off. This worked out great, it didn't interfere with clinicals and the 160 hours I had to achieve each quarter. With school on Wednesday, my clinicals days was was limited to a Mon, Tue, Thur or Fri. You can never get your hours on the weekend because these places are closed and that's why I worked weekends. At time I would go without sleep be because going straight from work to clinicals or clinicals straight to work. This did not create a problem for me for I can go days if needed without sleep. This took trail and error but I learned very quick what worked and what didn't and found out this really worked. I didn't have much of a life but I had a very supportive husband and mentor. Remember your in a graduate program so you will not have a life, your in school.

Thank you for your guidance. I too will be going to a brick and mortar school one day per week. We don't start clinical hours until the second year so that will help me to get my study habits in check before incorporating clinical hours into the mix. I'm very determined and worked full-time while doing my associates and bachelors so I'm no stranger to hard work. I know it can be done...and I'm committed to doing it well!! Thank you for your encouragement.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion