Improving NP Education

Nursing Students NP Students

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Any NPs (specifically FNPs) here that ever thought about ways they can improve their program's curriculum? I know NP programs vary from school to school and state to state.

If I had to suggest, I think increasing the required clinical hours is one think schools of nursing should implement. What are your thoughts?

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UCLA FNP Class of 2016

Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
It's really frustrating how the DNP is associated with FLUFF classes. I really hope we are able to improve the curriculum substantially once it's required to go into APRN practice.

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UCLA FNP Class of 2016

Equally frustrating how students early in their education spread hearsay. Makes it an uphill battle.

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Specializes in Family Nursing & Psychiatry.
Equally frustrating how students early in their education spread hearsay. Makes it an uphill battle.

True.

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UCLA FNP Class of 2016

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Specializes in Med/surg, Tele, educator, FNP.

I had a course on reading X-rays, reading EKGs, suturing and stapling. So not sure why other schools don't, it is very helpful.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
I had a course on reading X-rays, reading EKGs, suturing and stapling. So not sure why other schools don't, it is very helpful.

Me too.

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Specializes in Neurosurgery, Neurology.

In looking at many course descriptions at various NP programs (usually ACNP though), and have found many that specifically state that they include things like EKG interpretation, suturing, intubation, lines, imaging interpretation, etc. So, while some schools may or may not have that, it isn't uncommon.

I wonder if the actual NPs could comment on whether having an advanced anatomy course would be beneficial. As I mentioned, PA schools all seem to include a gross anatomy graduate course, so I'm curious to know the NP view of such a course (noting that I have seen a handful of ACNP programs that have an advanced anatomy course, though it seems more common in CRNA programs).

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Specializes in Med/surg, Tele, educator, FNP.

I think my pre nursing anatomy course was pretty thorough. We also had a cadaver, a pig, a sheep, and a few other dissections. I don't think a gross anatomy course at graduate level would be greatly helpful, but I do think an advanced physiology course would be helpful. Not pathophysiology, but an actual advanced physiology class would be helpful in touching base again with all the chemistry that goes on. I think both an advanced anatomy and physiology class would be beneficial maybe together? I don't think adding education to the NP courses would be bad, I do think they need to remove all the fluff courses that they add which seem pretty useless.

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Specializes in Internal Medicine.

I go to a large public university FNP school online (graduate in 3 months), and would have loved in-depth anatomy and less theory BS. I also would have loved a short class that just covers very basic things like getting your license, getting your DEA#/prescriptive authority, applying for the state board, and the process to starting a private practice. Basically everyday real world things that are critical but often overlooked. I'm lucky I'm savvy enough to do all of these things, but I fear for some of my classmates.

Other than that, I have enjoyed it. Picking my own preceptors was a huge advantage because I got to be with people I already knew and respected, which just enhanced my experience. We learned suturing in an on campus visit and I chose a preceptor in an urgent care center. I can suture blindfolded now, in addition to ingrown toe nail removal, punch biopsy, and cyst removal. At graduation we are required to have 720 hours of clinical experience, which is well above the recommended minimum to sit for boards, and that to me is about as beneficial as it gets.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

I took a gross anatomy class prior to starting graduate school. I found the class fascinating, in fact, I wouldn't mind taking it again now knowing what I know I think it would be very academically interesting.

I am not sure it added all that much to my clinical practice, in all honesty, though it is hard to tell in retrospect. I know some fantastic NPs that have never taken gross anatomy.

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I'm not sure a gross anatomy course would be all that useful, very interesting of course, and good for those that want the extra insight, but just not necessary. We need to improve A&P on undergraduate level, where students are actually learning the material in the class and labs instead of just getting by for the exams. Overall, I think fellowships for NP's should be expanded as part of the NP education - in all specialities.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.

I would also love a class about what to do after graduation. Through research I have figured it out and bookmarked pages/downloaded needed PDFs so I already have my plan of action but just yesterday something was mentioned in class about certifying with ANCC or AANP. A classmate (who is set to graduate in December too) didn't realize there were 2 certifying bodies. I have already completed my application for AANP and the only thing they need is my final transcript after graduation saying "degree conferred."

My program also had an afternoon about suturing, punch biopsy, etc. on a pigs foot but with "training" tools I couldn't even get the needle through the skin without it bending. When I finally got to suture a real person it was nothing. I did practice my knotting and such at home and I think the knots and maneuvering with the needle drivers are the main points that need practice (I got something similar from the fishing section at walmart and got curved seeing needles. They were huge but it let me manipulate the tools and practice the knotting).

As for the advanced A&P class at the graduate level I would have enjoyed it. With the class being a BSN prereq I did learn a lot but don't remember much. After working for a while now I think I would UNDERSTAND it more vs. memorizing points. I think the understanding is what would help me UNDERSTAND more of the patho and how meds work and affect the body.

I will admit I'm a science geek though so pretty much any science class is fine by me.

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My school had classes on suturing, EKG, x-ray reading, etc., although I don't think I learned anything from them. Practicing suturing on rubber (or whatever it was) for 1 hour is not helpful. But at least I know the difference between dissolvable and non-dissolvable sutures which I didn't before. We also had a class on "what to do when you get out" regarding license application, DEA application, resume writing and all that.

We did not have a class on gross anatomy which I would have loved. The more anatomy the better.

It seems that NP schools have a fair amount of discretion in the content of some of these courses.

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I would really appreciate recommendations for websites to learn basic chest X-ray, other X-ray and 12 lead ECG interpretation. Thanks! Julia

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