emmycRN

Trauma, I first heard of the generalist exam at the NACNS conference. They were looking for CNS's to take the exam for CE credit. I'm not clear on what the advantages are with this. I'm definately going to look into it though becuase I'm considering doing a post-grad FNP. Sounds like this could be an alternative. Thanks for posting this!

I'm a new APN interested in GI. Are there any GI advanced practice nurses out there who can tell me about their role??? Would LOVE to hear from ya!!!

BTW everybody-I've encountered a snag. My fingerprint cards were rejected and returned to me. I know this sounds weird-but I have literally washed off my prints over the years. There are literally large white spaces in the middle of the pattern with NOTHING. The police officer who took my prints suggested I not wash my hands for 2 weeks so that they can "grow back". Whatever...can't do that for several reasons. Not even sure it would work. So, anybody have any idea of how I can prevent a delay in my licensure because of this problem.

JDcitizen, I gathered from your post you might not think it's a good idea to begin orientation before APN credentialing process is completed. My point of view is that I'm not going to have any more responsibility at this point than an RN in the clinic, and I won't be practicing out of my RN scope of practice. Therefore, it seems perfectly reasonable to begin the learning process now so that when I am credentialed I will already "know the ropes" and be ready to put on my APN hat.

To the previous poster: I had 2 job offers before I even finished my last semester, and I wasn't even looking!! So yes, if you get your resume out there you they're will likely be offers. I'm starting my position Monday. I'm in the beginning stages of pursuing licensure. I still have to recieve my transcripts in the mail and submit my app. for testing. My employer knows it will be a while until I'm actually licensed. They told me they would rather I get started right away so that by the time I'm licensed I will already have learned the ropes and be ready to start taking on more responsibility. I also had some offers while I was in school to do clinicals and then step into an APN position after graduation. I already had my clinicals lined up so I couldn't take advantage of this. Anyway, based on my experience I think you should get your resume out there ASAP! Also, talk to the CNO where you work. He/she might be able to help you find a good fit.

Thanks for sharing, Trauma! You've been very helpful.

Thank you, Trauma. Can you tell me more about what you did while shadowing?

I have another question for all APN's out there. I'm a new grad APN and I will start working in a clinic with a doc in june. It could be several months until I actually have my license. I'm to start in the clinic as an RN. How did the mentoring process go for you all as newbies. Did you shadow a doc or APN? How long? How did you make yourself useful during the learning process? I'm just concerned that I'll be in the way and the docs and PA will get tired of having me looking over their shoulder 24 hours a day for months on end. Also, as a new APN without a license, did you see patients on your own and then have the doc sign behind you or did you strictly shadow?

Thanks for the info. I do plan to test through ANCC. I'm glad to hear that, at least in your case, it didn't take the full 8 weeks. I'm so anxious to get my license and get to work. All of the paperwork for licensure, RX protocols, collaborative practice agreement, ect is REALLY stressing me out. I never once questioned my ability to get through school, but now that I'm through I'm wondering if I'll ever get through the licensing process.

Hello all advanced practice nurses! I will graduate in a couple of weeks and will be elligible to obtain APN licensure from my state board. My state (Arkansas) requires a certification exam. Here is what I understand about the timeline for licensure: 1) I will recieve permission to test through ANCC after they recieve my application and transcripts. This could take 8-10 weeks. 2) I then schedule and take exam. I'll know immediately if I passed 3) I then have to wait another 8-10 weeks for the BON to issue my licensure Okay, so if I understand this correctly I'm looking at up to 4 months between the time I graduate and the time I obtain my license. This is crazy!!!!! I already have a job lined up and they are wanting to know when I can start. They don't want me to start before I am licensed. I'm really worried that this opportunity will be history by the time I'm able to start working. So anyway, what I was wanting to know from you all is this: 1) How long did it take you to obtain licensure after graduation? 2) Did it take as long as ANCC and your BON estimated it would take?

I recently started a new job in a department where using lido is the policy. I can tell you that it makes a big difference because my patients always tell me it was the best IV stick they've ever had. I think it actually make the stick easier becuase if you have to "look" for the vein with the needle the patient doesn't feel a thing.

I chuckle at myself when I think back to how I imagined it would be to practice nursing. I had hardly set foot in a hospital before my first clinical day, and it was the biggest eye opener of my life. Like you, I had no idea until that first day what I was getting myself into. I just knew that I was strong in science, loved people, and wanted to do something good. And I too doubted my decision until very recently. I used to wonder why on earth I didn't choose to be a teacher, or a psychiatrist, or a social worker, or a massage therapist, or a ventriliquist....anything but a nurse!! But, after 8 years of practicing nursing I now consider my blind entry into the profession one of the best things I've ever done and don't regret it one bit. I can't even begin to explain this change in a discussion board posting, but I can tell you that I'm proud of the work I do, and proud of my fellow nurses. So hang in there! Nursing might just surprise you again.

I agree and have seen this in my community first hand. Every hospital in the area has had very low numbers for months and are having to make major cut backs including lay offs.

Severina, Congrats on your success at overcoming such major obstacles You should be very proud of yourself and your accomplishments. Unfortunately, I don't have any advice for you since I have been very fortunate and haven't had to face many hardships in this life. I just wanted to tell you how much I admire you and also ask you to share, if you can, more about your illness. I have always heard that DID is VERY rare and have never met anyone with this condition. So, if you feel comfortable please share more about what life is like for you.

Angelfire, Don't you think that full-time or part-time staff should get priority over PRN/agency? It's not appropriate, or even legal, for an employer to give shifts to a PRN/agency person over another employee because it would make it possible for employers to get around offering benefits like health insurance and retirement by staffing with a large proportion of people who they arent' required to pay benefits to. However, I do feel for you. I'm PRN and I was left off the schedule for Sept. since they had enough full and part time employees to cover all the shifts. I'm hoping people will be calling in and going on vacation frequently. As for your situation, maybe you could apply for PRN or agency positions at several facilities to increase the likelihood of getting hours.