mkurek

Thanks pinoyNP! Any other thoughts out there?

Hello Everyone, I am from Canada, and recently graduated with my BSN and I am currently working in an ER dept. I have always wanted to pursue FNP and I am considering completing it in the US as I can begin the program sooner than whats required in Canada and begin the new role. My thoughts were to work in the ER for a year, move to the US and work for 8 months until the Fall of 2008 and then begin graduate school full time. I have researched many schools and have began pursuing the advisors and such for additional information but I was also wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the transition back to Canada after completing my FNP. I would like to work in the US for a year or so once I graduate but eventually would come back to Canada and I have some questions on the difficulty of doing this given the different medications, lab value units, healthcare system, etc. Another reason for me wanting to complete my FNP in the US is I would like to travel, and from what I have researched I feel the US NP programs are definetely more established and would perhaps give better preparation for the advanced role, but thats just my thoughts. Anys information, ideas, or opinions would be greatly appreciated! Melissa

Thanks for the advice. It definetly makes sense to get the great experience in ICU and then go to OB afterwards. My doubts stem around my unfamiliarness with ICU nursing given that I havent had any experience within school and the 6 month orientation involves a 18 month contract that worries me if I dont like that area. Also, my pursuing FNP is on my agenda after a few years of experience, so relatively short term goal.

I am currently in my last semester of my Nursing degree program and I have a dilemma. I worked in Day surgery over the summer as an Undergraduate Nurse, and I had an interest in pursuing ICU after graduation. Long story short, I met with a PCM of the ICU at my hospital and was offered a job after graduation that involves 6 months of orientation. I was really excited and definetly wanted to do this, but I let them know that I still didnt know where my final practicum would be and that I wanted to wait till Sept/Oct to fully decide. Now, I found out my final practicum is in Labor and Delivery (what I wanted!!). Now, to jump back abit my overall career goal is to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, with a strong interest in Womens Health. In terms of best career move, or advice... should I try to pursue employment in L&D after graduation given this is highly likely because I have done my final practicum in this area. Or should I continue with ICU. I have no experience in this area, nor do I know if I will even like this area, but its definetly a great orientation and would be a huge learning curve that I do enjoy. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!! Melissa

I am currently in my last semester of my Nursing degree program and I have a dilemma. I worked in Day surgery over the summer as an Undergraduate Nurse, and I had an interest in pursuing ICU after graduation. Long story short, I met with a PCM of the ICU at my hospital and was offered a job after graduation that involves 6 months of orientation. I was really excited and definetly wanted to do this, but I let them know that I still didnt know where my final practicum would be and that I wanted to wait till Sept/Oct to fully decide. Now, I found out my final practicum is in Labor and Delivery (what I wanted!!). Now, to jump back abit my overall career goal is to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, with a strong interest in Womens Health. In terms of best career move, or advice... should I try to pursue employment in L&D after graduation given this is highly likely because I have done my final practicum in this area. Or should I continue with ICU. I have no experience in this area, nor do I know if I will even like this area, but its definetly a great orientation and would be a huge learning curve that I do enjoy. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!! Melissa