How do you feel?

Hi umbdude, BSN, RN Pro ,

I completely agree with you - I guess to some extent, no matter how prepared a healthcare provider may think they are, there is still a lot of uncertainty.

I also think you hit the nail on the standards of our programs; what exactly is the standard? (rhetorical question) There really are no standards, according to my research. I have interviewed two NP programs so far, and BOTH have no proctored exams; I was completely shocked. I cannot understand how we are to evaluate who knows the material versus those who may not understand the material. I really wish there was a way Nursing programs in this nation would set a standard that is agreed upon. I am kind of sad because I want a rigorous program that tests me, and pushes me to my limits; I want to be a great Advanced Practice Provider. I really would love to stick with nursing, I am so proud of my career choice - and I think more people who are invested in nursing and healthcare and truly want to learn more about treating people, should become nurse practitioners and change the image portrayed to society. I had girls in my class who just wanted to be nurse practitioner because they said it was easy, and that "anybody could do it." This is what they disseminate throughout their friends and family members, that nursing is easy and anybody could do it.

I loved this "At the end of the day, there are many outstanding NPs (just look at some on this forum). They all went through NP programs and learn on their own with help and experience. If they could do it, why can't you? Regardless, look for an NP program that provides preceptors. These programs generally ensure that the preceptors are actually doing their job of teaching the important materials."

You are 100% right! You all inspire me. And you have a good point, I really want preceptors assigned through the program. Thank you for your in depth response!

Good luck finding a program that provides preceptors. My experience and from what I read.

Yeah, that unfortunately is a sad truth many NP students face. I think it is ridiculous that we need to find preceptors on our own.

Hi TangoDeux ,

Wow, awesome post; thank you for your extensive reply. I definitely will take your advice and make sure the programs I apply to have a preceptor agreement established for students. You are absolutely right, and being the hands on learner I am, I would hope that any clinical rotation I have is one that is staffed by professors/preceptors who are vetted properly; as you stated. Thank you!

I did my NP program some 15 to 20 years ago at a well regarded campus school. We had some exams, which were definitely proctored, but many of the courses were graded by a paper, or a class presentation. I definitely remember exams in pharmacology and physiology, and maybe another course or two.

There was a practicum exam in health assessment with a partner. It wasn't really that difficult, just a long routine to memorize.

There were some local clinical placements, but since I lived 100 miles away (yes we used to drive 2 hours to attend classes), I had to find my own.

I almost consider that part of my education, because as an NP, you have to have some balls, for lack of a better word. Asking strangers you don't know to precept you takes some balls!

In working with a non-vetted preceptor who turned out to be crazy, if you will pardon the language, I lost an entire year. Yep, the nightmare you may have heard about.

I consider that experience absolutely essential to my education.

Just a few thoughts!

This same professor asked me to give a talk to the undergraduate RN students on the last day of their Psych class. I came in and told of my experience working in forensics with very mentally ill men, and going to court as an expert witness for the state. In our state, a court order is required to treat mentally ill inmates over their objection. This was one of the best parts of the job, and I saw a number of dramatic recoveries.

The professor and the students couldn't believe I was doing all this independently. Apparently there is a notion out there that Psych NPs only refill scripts for folks who have already been diagnosed by physicians.

Not so.

I have interviewed two NP programs so far, and BOTH have no proctored exams; I was completely shocked.

Absolutely awful. Embarrassing.

@ Oldmahubbard

Your scenario sounds like quite the roller coaster! Your dedication and perseverance brought you to where you are today; your experiences have made you wise and knowledgeable.

Thank you for sharing!

@ Jules A ,

Hello,

Thank you for your response. I definitely agree with you - I will be looking investigating the experience of the faculty wherever I apply. I also agree with what you mentioned about picking mentors carefully, we absolutely mirror who guide us. Thank you!

@Dodongo ,

Quite frankly, I do not even know how this is legal! lol. Very embarrassing; something must be done to change and standardize NP programs nationally.

@ mrcleanscrubs:

Recommend reaching out to the program directors for an informational interview, and ask them what they (and the specialty faculties) are working on and what experiences they have. I did that for all 3 programs I applied to and it made a significant difference when I had to choose which one to attend. I got a much better sense of quality of the program after doing that.

@ mrcleanscrubs:

Recommend reaching out to the program directors for an informational interview, and ask them what they (and the specialty faculties) are working on and what experiences they have. I did that for all 3 programs I applied to and it made a significant difference when I had to choose which one to attend. I got a much better sense of quality of the program after doing that.

That is a great idea, thank you for that awesome recommendation. I will definitely be reaching out to program directors and clinical faculty to assess the faculty individually as well as assess the quality of the education provided in the program. Thank you!