Jpiittmann97

Congrats on passing the FNP exam! I absolutely love working in oncology. It takes a lot of interest and purpose to succeed and not feel burnt out, as (in my experience) I have many tough hospice conversations and unfortunately lose patients too often. I think, even after a few years of practice, I still have days of imposter syndrome. There are a lot of things I'm sure I still don't know. Before I started my job in oncology, I bought the essentials in advance practice cancer care bundle through ONS. I thought it gave me a pretty good base knowledge. That and the chemotherapy prescribing course through APSHO are pretty good knowledge builders but, of course, are a little pricey (but give CE). I definitely think making sure you have a good orientation period with the doctors and other APPs you'll be working closely with is really helpful. Mine are still amazing with teaching me things. Also, getting into a routine (in terms of running appts, what to ask/assess for, and in what order), checking orders, and reading on things as you see them/hear of them are great ways to manage time and learn. Good luck and feel free to ask more questions if you have them! I am happy to help if I can!

In case anyone comes looking for the same information I was, I passed my AOCNP exam 9/6/23. I will say, I tend to be a good test taker/don't have test anxiety, which helps. The way I studied was to read through the Advanced Oncology Nursing Certification Review and Resource Manual, do the questions in the back of that book and read through the rationales of questions I got wrong. I also did multiple practice exams on ONCC itself. One tip is if you retake the exams through ONCC in the 14-day window, you will get a few new questions each time. I know there isn't an exact score to get to have a good idea you will pass, but in case it is helpful, I was getting 70s-80s on the exams through ONCC. Overall, I feel like the test definitely covers mostly general knowledge that oncology NPs should have. There were definitely questions I had no idea and guessed but I did not find that the questions were trying to trick you. The test outline on ONCC is also helpful, as it breaks down the percentage of topics and gives a very broad idea of what to study. Prior to deciding to take the AOCNP, I also went through APSHO's chemo prescribing course. This gave a good breakdown of things also, but I don't think you have to use this for review specifically. It is helpful if you are newer to Oncology for a good base knowledge. Good luck to anyone taking the test!! Feel free to reach out if you want, I am happy to help if I can!

Hi everyone, I am wondering if there's anyone who has advice on the AOCNP exam. Anything like grades recommended for practice exams prior to registering, advice on study tips/resources, etc. I have been in oncology for just over a year and have been starting to study some and take courses that help my practice overall but would like advice from those who have recently taken this or have any ideas about it. Thanks!

Hi everyone, I am a newer NP and am changing jobs for the first time. I am trying to change my NPI information to the new employer, but I am unsure if I need to request as an authorized official or something else? Does anyone have experience in what to choose for requesting access? I don't see an option for employee/staff. Thank you!!

Hi, I was wondering if anyone who's a FNP has been trained in procedures by the doctor they work with. Any procedures, like biopsies, paracentesis, etc. Thank you!

Hi! My best advice is to read as much of the material as you can and use the study guides provided. The study guide may be a little more generalized but they give the info you'll need for the tests. It is tough, but you'll be OK if you focus on the study guides. Good luck!

Yes, that is the order. The school gives you a list of previously used preceptors, which is helpful if you're in the areas with previous students, unfortunately I haven't found a lot of use. CSU is super hard to find info on though, which is why I initially came here. So I try to keep it updated with responses because I didn't have a lot of info either. You need 45 hrs for health assessment and diagnostic/clinical reasoning, 135 hours for other semesters (45 in OB/GYN and 90 in Peds) and 270 hours for your practicum (specialize for 100 hrs if wanted and 20 hrs for review are counted). Hope this helps!!

I am PRN at work and work Friday/Saturday and do clinicals mon-wed usually. This is a lot, but I get done with clinicals faster and have time to focus solely on the didactic portion with tests after. It all depends on your situation. I don't have kids or other similar responsibilities to worry about. There aren't tons of assignments, but enough to have you doing something throughout the week. I have found the tests are generally straightforward and they give study guides that I highly recommend you use. It is a lot of self-motivated learning and a lot of reading from textbooks/some supplemental stuff they give. Another tip I have is to create a FB page or another way to communicate with students in your cohort. It is so helpful to have them as resources and support!

Hi! I am currently in the geriatric semester. You are able to use a family practice and only see people 55 and older. I did not find any problems finding a preceptor there, but the pediatric and OB/GYN rotation has been hard (I live in Florida, so we have a lot of elderly and not so many children I guess LOL). I still haven't found a pediatrician. The general setup is having didactic and clinical together. My first semester I only had didactic classes without clinicals and after that the clinicals started. I think it all depends on when you start the program too. So far I have had a positive experience and have 2 semesters after this one. If you have any other questions, I'll try to answer. Good luck and congratulations!!

Hey! I'm in Florida, so I can't help you there, but so far I've enjoyed the program. The hardest part is finding a preceptor, but that's with many of the schools. I would recommend the program so far, I'm 2 semesters in and starting my 3rd soon. I haven't had any issues with the school or instructors so far. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. I'll answer the best I can!

Hi, the tests that I've had so far have been proctored. You can use a website or get a local proctor (like a local college, etc) approved before the test. At CSU the tests seem to be worth a pretty good chunk of your grade. The classes I've taken have given a one day time frame (like Thursday from 9 am-3 pm). I believe there's others in a different class that gives you the whole day to take the test, but only one day. Other than that there are no times set that you have to be logged in. I had one class that I was partnered with one other person for the whole class and all assignments. Discussion boards are definitely part of the assignments. Only advice I have is to find preceptors and decide when you want to start clinicals (go part time or full). I am full time and work part time hours. Also, make sure you're prepared to study as it is a lot of reading to learn the content! Good luck. If you have any other questions let me know!

Hi Madison, I just finished my second semester (first clinical semester) with CSU. So far, I like the program. It is definitely a self teaching setup but I don't mind it. From my experience, the instructors are typically good at responding pretty quickly to emails. You have to find your own preceptors which can be challenging depending on where you live. If you have any questions, feel free to ask away!

I would join a Facebook group to stay connected as well! I also want to go FT if I can.

I am also online PT in fl!

I received my acceptance letter! Glad to see others are in here.