Probably some silly questions, but....

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Specializes in Critical Care, Orthopedics, Hospitalists.

I have a few questions that are probably silly, but I don't know the answers, so!

After you graduate and take boards (are they called boards at this level), what do you have to do next?

You get your certification, hopefully a job. Do most NP's get a DEA number? What all does this entail? Is there anything else you have to do after you graduate?

Thank ya!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Hi Christen - not silly at all. I wish I had thought to ask questions BEFORE! The DEA is something that your practice/hospital should pay for. It is based on where you work and what you usually write scripts for.

You graduate, get the authorization to test schedule your test, take your test, get immediate results, get your license and hopefully (fingers crossed) get a job. At least in my area, they won't hire you unless you can show you have passed boards.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Orthopedics, Hospitalists.

Thanks for the reply!

With the DEA number, what do you have to do to get one? Also, what is this "NPI" (?) I've seen people post about?

I appreciate the clarification!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

NPI is National Provider Number. You need it to bill Medicare and Medicaid.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Orthopedics, Hospitalists.

Ohhhh! There's so much more to being a NP than just patient care, isn't there? I wonder if we'll cover any of this in my ANP classes or if I just learn it as I go...

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

All this stuff: DEA/NPI, negotiating a contract - nothing was covered in my APN courses. Of course, I did the CNS as a post-MSN certificate so maybe that is why. However, I always advise students and new grads to join your state's APN organization - they are very helpful.

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