Calling all student NPs...how are you doing?

Nursing Students NP Students

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There seem to be lots of posts from people trying to get into NP programs, or people who are already NPs, so I can only assume that all the actual students are just too busy studying to post! How are you all doing? How far along are you? Are you enjoying your program? Are you overwhelmed? What class are you doing right now? How far do you have left to go?

I'm coming to the end of my second year as an acute adult NP. I absolutely cannot wait to get to summer break. I've pulled straight As so far so I am satisfied with my performance but I have to admit to feeling very tired and a bit disillusioned. I feel like life is passing me by and all I do is study. I'm too exhausted to do anything else because I work full time and I have found the last two semesters really stressful. I'm coming to the end of my pharmacology class which has been challenging to say the least, but I've actually enjoyed it because it's been a lot of hard science which makes it really interesting to me.

Next semester I am hoping to do my final didactic classes (Health Policy...blech!) before beginning clinical next January but I'm having some anxiety about it because it will mean I will either have to go part time or leave my job to allow me to do 2 days of clinical a week. As I am the only bread winner in my family this is causing me some stress. I am also going through a difficult menopause which is draining the life out of me and I am wondering if going to NP school this close to 50 was such a good idea. I struggle with short term memory because of it and it scares me when I can't remember things. Some days I think I should just stay in my cozy desk job and forget about running around in a white coat, but I've spent all this money! Seriously though, I miss the clinical environment and am very much looking forward to the clinical portion and hoping I won't have to work with an ogre of a doctor. I'm praying for a cool preceptor and a really nice experience. I'd love to hear how other students are faring! Summer is coming!!

I will be done with my AGPCNP program in 4 weeks and I'm finally feeling like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I underestimated how hard and stressful this program would be. I can't wait to have a life again and actually be able to spend time with my family. I am also looking forward to having a M-F schedule with the rest of my family and not having to work the weekend ICU shifts that have gotten me through school and clinicals! I do feel very underprepared for boards and for practice in general... I have a great job lined up in a busy internal medicine practice with an incredible physician who loves to teach - no pressure :shy: Good luck to everyone!

I graduate in three weeks! I have to say, I don't think I've had a life for the past six months. I feel like I have missed so much. I have missed field trips with my kids, time with my family, and so much more...but it's a fair trade for all of the time I will get back by having a "normal schedule." I did two clinicals together, so I have been doing clinicals five days a week since December 1st, plus working every other weekend in the ER...plus I have four kids (two of which are twins which turned one in March...the first year with twins + grad school...just call me crazy!). But...I am on track to graduate with a 4.0 and have a job lined up that I am SO excited about as the primary provider in a rural health clinic, providing care to those who have limited access to care, which is something I am passionate about. I am also excited about getting involved with the state NP organization and working to improve health policy for nurse practitioners....basically I am on fire for this profession, and ready to graduate so I can call myself "one" of the group! No matter how hard it is, it is doable! Wish me luck as I prepare for boards, and I will do the same for you that are getting ready to graduate! For those of you in the midst of your program, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is a bright one! :)

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