Got USAF HSPS, nervous about FNP role

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Specializes in FNP-C.

I apologize, I meant to post this post in this threat and not the other military thread since the APRN role is the focus here. Mods, please either move or delete the other post. Thanks and sorry again.

I got the USAF HSPS scholarship for one year and I finish my FNP program in August 2011. Thereafter, I'll take the AANP or ANCC test for licensing. I'm nervous about my independent role as an FNP. I've been told as a new grad, I'll have a mentor in a "unofficial" internship like training for 1 year, or 6 months per the MD's evaluation, and then I'll be on my own. Has anyone done this? I'm quite nervous also because I'm a 25 year old male who may get comments from civilian counterparts that most FNPs are female and a lot older than I am. I already got that comment during my FNP clinical rotations and I don't like that comment and I tend to ignore negative comments, which is good. I chose San Antonio, Texas at Wilford Hall as my first preference and I heard they're making it a urgent care center from a medical center and move the ER to Brook Army Medical Center. Nonethelss, I'm excited and I know I can do this, but still nervous of the role.

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Specializes in ICU, CV-Thoracic Sx, Internal Medicine.

Hey NW74. Congrats on the scholarship.

I don't think I've heard of an "unofficial internship" before but then again there's more than one way to skin a cat. Here's a few suggestions that may ease your transition into your new role:

1. Clarify your new position and make it an "OFFICAL" internship/preceptorship.

- Doing this allows for clear objectives to be set during this time period. Also, makes things easier on your preceptor/mentor.

2. Gather info on your patient population demographics. Military base? I'm thinking retired veterans, mostly male will be the bulk of your case load. Focus on the major ailments/disease/chronic conditions that this population deals with, DMII, IHD, Dyslipidemia, HTN, etc..

Get a good handle on how to treat these and you'll be just fine.

3. Don't mention age to your female counterparts. I'm not as young as you are but I've been told that I look 25. I've had no problems or noticed any criticism because of my age/appearance. Then again, I don't act like I'm 25. Keep your professionalism up at all times and I don't think you'll have any problems.

Congrats again and I wish you the best in your future role as a FNP.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, OR, FNP.

They don't use FNPs (or any NPs for that matter) in WHMC for fast track. You will be in the Fam Med Clinic at Kelly. San Antonio is the epicenter for DM II in America. If you see retirees/veterans, most PTs will be type II DM, hypertensive, obese, with dyslipids.

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Question: I've applied for HSPS to as I'm starting CRNA school in January. They told me today that I would be active duty for 45 days of the year while in school before I ever for COT. Any idea what I'd have to do in these 45 days? There no way I can leave school for a 45 day period or even one weekend a month. Did you experience this?

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