RNbannanie

It is a tough exam. If they gave you any type of feedback on how you scored in the different sections, maybe focus on that. Test taking is also huge for this exam, I found that several questions had fluff in them that wasn't necessarily important to the answer but could definitely throw you off if you put too much weight in it. I do think the NAPNAP review focused on important diagnoses to know, how to identify them, and treatment strategies.

I just took the PNP-AC exam and passed on the first try. I did the Lippincott book/questions and the PNCB questions multiple times. I also took the NAPNAP acute care review course. The review course was provided by our school but you can also purchase the recorded review course on the NAPNAP CE website. I took my time and studied over 5-6 weeks. Not sure how helpful this is, but everyone I know who has passed pretty much followed the same route you did when it came to study materials. I'd invest in the review course since it was the only thing you haven't done thus far.

I highly recommend online programs with a strong brick and mortar school attached. I would also look for programs with live online classes. Several friends I have in other programs, their biggest complaint is that they are teaching themselves which is just wrong. As far as FNP vs PNP, think strongly about what you want to do. As a PICU RN, PNP will much better prepare you to work in pediatrics over FNP. If you're open to adults than FNP is fine. You could also consider a hybrid primary/acute pediatrics if you're looking for more flexibility in the pediatric realm. Most programs require you to find your own preceptor, so take an inventory of your network and likelihood that you can secure your own preceptor (can be harder for FNP because you need a wider variety of experiences). If that deters you than I would only look for schools that place you. That all being said, I'll be finishing up an online program in December for dual peds that I really liked. Happy to share the good, the bad, and the ugly if you want to PM me.

I don't know much about Rutgers program but I'm finishing up Drexel's DUal Peds primary and acute care program and have really liked it.

@jessaaro Have you heard back about your Drexel app? People heard back as late as May from my cohort. You can PM me for any details about the program. Your credentials seem perfect for the primary/acute. I know our track director is really picky about who she admits and having ICU is a must for her. Other acute care programs do not require ICU. I want to say we started with about 20-24 dual peds students, not sure if anyone dropped out. Good luck ?

I'm happy to answer any questions about Drexel's program, just PM me :). Since there is a lot of Duke talk on hear, I live minutes from Duke and UNC and still chose Drexel. Mostly because I've had friends in both their programs (which are excellent) and knew the preceptor factor wouldn't necessarily be better at either of them. Drexel allowed me to get both my Acute and Primary NP together and with their schools, I'd have to get either/or and then a post-masters certificate in the other. Finding preceptors is tough, but doable. A friend of mine in Duke's adult acute care had to find his own preceptors and is now going all the way to Baltimore for them (from NC), which he had to set up because they don't necessarily place students.

@TravelNurse110 I won't lie that finding your own preceptors is tough, but this is becoming pretty standard. Even schools that say they assist with finding preceptors aren't exactly seeking out quality experiences. For example, a very well known school by me places their students, but they can never find enough preceptors. So right now 2 students share the same preceptor for only a half-day once a week in an adolescent only clinic. SO they aren't even getting their newborn exams and young child wellness checks. Start making a list of all your colleagues who are now NPs and physicians you know personally. Start early and be persistent! Make a portfolio with your resume, background, and bio with a pic to hand out at practices. Join every professional association chapter that is local to you and use their boards to reach out for preceptors! It is true that the courses are sequential and offered once a year so you will have to sit out if you can't find a preceptor but that hasn't happened to anyone in my class.

I had 12 years of experience and a 3.6 GPA.. most people in my cohort have 3+ years experience but I’m not sure about others

I'm currently in my 2nd year of their dual peds primary/acute NP program. I'm married, have 2 kids, and work 40 hours per week and have been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA. It is all about carving out the time for school work where you can. In the first year, all the courses are unsynchronized and you can work at your own pace, but the courses are broken down into modules with set assignments and testing dates. In the first 1.5 years all NP programs take the same courses and it breaks out in the 2nd year by specialty. It is hard work, but doable. If you applied in January, you should hear back April/May timeframe.

I submitted my application in February/March is and heard back the 1st week of May. I started Fall 2018 and I have been really impressed with their online program. Finding your own clinical sites is a pain, I start clinical in the summer and it's been rough, but not for everyone. Happy to answer any questions about the program. I am in the Dual Peds program.

I am currently in Drexel's Dual Pediatric Primary and Acute Care NP program. I have been very pleased thus far. I am in the 3rd quarter of my first year and most of the course work is MSN material and papers. Every MSN student takes the same courses the first few quarters regardless of concentration. I have had great professors, their rubrics are straight forward and they grade by them. So it is pretty hard not to do well when they tell you exactly what they are looking for. I work full time, so it is a lot of work to keep up on, but doable. I also live in NC and plan to do all my clinical work here. They require 3 OC intensives that start your second year and clinicals don't start until the summer quarter of your second year. You will be responsible for finding your own clinical placements, which is the only downside of the program in my opinion.

I'm in my first year of the Pediatric Dual Primary and Acute Care NP program at Drexel. All NP students take the same courses for the first year so I can at least give you a review of that. I have been very happy with the program thus far! I was extremely nervous about online learning since I have been out of school for 13 years. Drexel's online platform is very well set up. So far my professors have been great and their rubrics have been very detailed as to exactly what they expect of your work in their class. They provide adequate resources for the materials and in my experience have graded exactly how they said they would in their rubrics. I found out I was accepted in May and had plenty of time to get all my FAFSA paperwork done before the fall quarter started. They run 4 10 week quarters instead of 2-3 semesters a year. Several of their quarters only have 1 class, which if you need financial aid, you need to take an elective to meet requirements, or your program advisor can rearrange your schedule, which I did and now I get this summer off woohoo!!! Most programs create a facebook group, which is a great way to get to know your classmates and support each other through the program.

I am in the first quarter of the Dual Peds primary/acute program. I grew up outside of Philadelphia but now live in NC. Many schools, even brick and mortar are requiring students to find their own preceptors. Drexel does have a clinical coordinator who helps with contacts and such, your hospital doesn't necessarily need an already existing contract to set up a clinical there. That being said you can't necessarily do clinicals at your place of work per drexel's policy if there is a conflict of interest. Example: I work in a PICU, i can do clinical in a specialty care clinic at the hospital but not the picu because patients would also see me there as the bedside RN and it can cause role confusion. I had a friend who lived in Arizona while doing the program so its possible. I believe we have some students in our cohort who live out west as well. So far, for being an online program I feel really informed about what is going on and my professors have been clear with whats required. It is A LOT of work though. I work full time and have young kids. So far I have been happy with Drexel :)

We should definitely start a FB group! I just made one for the pediatric programs starting this fall. Just search Drexel Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Students 2018 :)

Yes! I'm section 901 for NURS 500 and 903 for NURS 502. Do you live close to drexel or are you out of state? I grew up outside Philadelphia and at one point worked at CHOP but live in NC now. I know one previous co worker of mine who is also in our cohort :). Just looking to connect with people so we can help each other out through this process!!!