I'm in the MSN-FNP..... any updated advice?!

I have just accepted the offer for MSN-FNP graduate program. I am excited and a little scared. I will be part-time status. The program is 28-months and really becoming 8-9 credit hours next Fall 2009. At that time, I will be part time at my job, but for now I will work full time with the credit hours being between 4-5 for the next three semesters. I am very excited.

Questions?

1. Can I become certified in adult health after FNP program? What does it entail as far as classes and tests?

2.What are some good resources to study for the FNP certification test? I would like to study while goint through the program.

3.What is the starting salary usually? I am in Virginia.

4.Give me two of you best positive and negatives about being an FNP. I think I know about autonomy, able to negotiate salary, vacation and so forth.

5. Tell me what you would have done differently if you had to do it all over again. (Just trying to not make any major mistakes )

6. Lastly, tell me what you have learned the most about being a NP.

Thank you. You don't have to answer all, anything you would like to share.

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

Qu 1 confuses me - from my understanding, FNP encompasses all age groups, so you'd already be certified for adults if you passed your FNP exam.

[BlessedOne]

Oh, I am sorry... I meant Acute Care Nurse Practioner.

[Spacklehead, MSN, NP]

I would imagine you would have to attend a school that has a post-masters certificate ACNP program after you become a FNP if you would like to also become certified as an ACNP.

[amberfnp]

Blessedone~

If you don't mind me asking, where are you in VA? I am in the Hampton Roads area and just started my first semester at the University of South Alabama~online~

[BlessedOne]

I am also in the Hampton Roads. I work in Sentara Norfolk General-Vascular. I will be starting ODU this August.

[amberfnp]

Blessedone~

Neat to "chat" with someone so close! I live in Carrollton/Isle of Wight. I'm currently the interim clinical coordinator for a plastic surgery group and work PRN at Mary Immaculate ED in Newport News. I'll be starting a new FT job at Sentara Port Warwick in a few weeks.

I was initially going to do ODU myself but life happened and I needed something a little less time consuming. Not that my school doesn't demand a lot of time, believe me, it does, but I don't have actual classroom time to attend to.

Well good luck to you. I'll look out for your posts on the board!

[JDCitizen]

Oh, I am sorry... I meant Acute Care Nurse Practioner.

Usually a post master certificate but sometimes could be a whole new degree. Depends on the school/state you will be going to. When I thought about it 3 years ago the school I was looking into wanted to see my syllabi from my masters program to determine what they were going to let me do..