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Discussion

Help! Drowning in NP program!

Help! Drowning in NP program!

I have been working on becoming a primary health care NP for 2 yrs as a part time student (half way through now!). But I am having serious doubts about my ability to finish this program, and my ability to successfully take on the role of an NP. I feel so overwhelmed by how much I still don't know, and I wonder if I'll ever feel comfortable integrating all the knowledge (ie pharmacology, physiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis...). I am seriously considering transferring to the generalist stream (this is a masters program where I am), but wondering if this is just an easy way out. Anyone else feel like this as they studied to be an NP? :confused:

Featured Replies

Definitely! Hang in there. There is nothing like driving away from school on that last day everthing handed in, presentations done, projects completed. Then the studying for the exam begins. Yes I remember it all so well. You can can get throught this!! Eight months after getting out out school- FNP i just got my license in 2 states-looking cautiously for a job.

  • Experts

lalage - hi there and welcome. Give yourself a break and breathe. It does come together in the end. Getting out and practicing helps immensely. I graduated 8 months ago from an adult health CNS and am only now feeling even a little comfortable in dialysis.

  • Guides

You're definitely not alone as far as feeling this way. Many NP students face the same fears. I know I did. Remember the novice vs expert concept in nursing? that's exactly what that is. You are approaching a new role and you are overwhelmed with all the information you need to know. Trust me, I was questioning myself too. After a semester of pharmacology, I was scared I wouldn't know which class of antihypertensives to start a patient on with all the choices I have and with all the compelling indications described in JNC! And I haven't even began clinicals at the time.

It is also interesting that a study recently published in the Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners found that most newly-graduated NP's feel inadequately prepared or half-baked after completion of their respective programs. A proposed remedy for this which has been gaining popularity among NP groups is joining a mentorship program where you are paired with an experienced NP in your area who will guide you in growing as a new NP. Of course, there is still much room for improvement in our NP curricula but that has been thoroughly discussed in other threads here.

I also hope that when you are done, you find a practice that will support your own needs for learning as a new NP. Some of us are lucky enough to have been allowed a period of orientation to the role before being plunged into independent practice.

  • Experts

I belong to the IL Society of Advanced Practice Nurses and they have a mentorship program. Maybe your state does too?

I'm also halfway through and I feeling stymied and from day one doubts about how good I'll be. My classmates, who are very skilled nurses and super smart also feel the same way. I'm sticking with it, I hope you do as well. I know that this is what I was ment to do. I also have the same question about HTN meds and which to start with and why. Part of this week end will be spent trying to figure this out. I think it will have something to do with if it is primary or secondary. Anyways hang in there, we will do fine.

  • Experts

I was talking with a family practice doc yesterday (who graduated a year or so ago) about AV blocks and she said she needed to get her EKG book out and start studying it, lol! So don't worry too much!

I graduate this May and I feel the same way. I sure hope the review course and studying for the exam will help bring things together for me. Hang in there.

Luanne

I'm glad I'm not the only NP student who feels this way. I was sitting in my Advanced Pharm class the other day thinking exactly the same thing....How will I ever put all of this together? I haven't even started my clinicals yet either though, so I know I should just try to be patient. :)

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