ReeseW

Hello Fellow NI Nurses! After completing three semesters worth of NP coursework, I switched over to the informatics track. I lost my passion for bedside nursing. Unfortunately, I am losing $13K in NP coursework that cannot be transferred into the informatics track I hope I am making the wise choice in making this specialty switch now before becoming another NP that is disgruntled, regretful, and financially struggling with her degree. Those that are seasoned in informatics field, would you mind sharing your knowledge, advice, input on some questions? 1) Job outlook for Nursing Informaticists for near future and far future? (I'm graduating in Spring of 2015) 2) What is starting salary for new grads in large metro teaching hospitals? Other than hospitals, what other employers would I be able to work for? 4) How many years of experience should I get if I decide to travel and do consulting work? Work from home? Any words of support, encouragement, and shared experiences would greatly be appreciated!

Hello Fellow RN's I was wondering if anyone has gone through or is currently earning their Adult NP degree online? If so, would you recommend yours? I am a NY resident applying to the state schools as my primary choice since they are the most economically feasible option. If however, I am not accepted into their program for next year, I am willing to study at a private college. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated

I am trying to decide which career path to take for an NP degree. In comparing family vs. adult NP, I am considering the following factors: 1.) Salary difference for FNP vs. ANP? Is the pay better in a private practice or hospital setting? 2.) Which has a better outlook in terms of the job market? In other words, are there more FNP or ANP jobs out there? 3.) What are the greatest rewards you have gained in choosing NP as your career path? 4.) If I decide further down the line to advance myself to Doctorate level, would I have to start all over in terms of taking graduate level coursework or would I be able to enter a DNP program w/ credits earned from my NP degree? Thanks for your replies to these many thought-provoking questions!:up:

Thank you all. After discussing this concern to my ICU buddy earlier today, I think its best I consider doing NP instead of CRNA. I do not miss ICU and do not wish to jeopardize my health in order to go back for a master's degree.

I am currently a PACU nurse with 1 year experience of MICU under my belt. I initially planned on applying to CRNA school after two years of MICU. But upon herniating one of my discs @work, I could no longer perform the physical demands of ICU. That is why I am now in the PACU. Working alongside with many CRNA's @my hospital has re-inspired me to back to school to earn a CRNA degree. I have found a handful of schools on the east coast that accept applicants with a minimum of 1 year ICU. I plan on taking the CCRN and GRE exams prior to applying. My undergrad GPA from my accelerated BSN program is 3.4. Realistically, what are my chances of getting into CRNA school now that I am in PACU and having worked ICU last year for a year? Assuming I earn strong test scores from both the CCRN and GRE, should I bother applying to CRNA school? Thank you all for taking time to read and reply to this thread:rolleyes:

I'd like to start applying to family/adult health NP programs in NY. My questions regarding school & programs: 1.) should i consider a private over a public school in order to get the best education and clinical experience? 2.) can you recommend any schools in NY (city or long island) that carry a positive reputation? 3.) some schools require GRE's (i.e. Columbia & PACE), should i take it? warning: i'm a poor standardized test taker...kaplan would be my best friend. 4.) how competitive is it to get into NY schools? 5.) Lastly, what is the salary range for NP's in NY? thank u to anyone who takes the time in answering one or all of my questions!

thank u both for your responses and suggestions!

Hello fellow nurses! I'm in a bit of a dilemma and was hoping someone could lend me helpful advice/suggestions. Currently have 3 years of RN experience, 1 year of that is ICU. Initially came to ICU thinking i'd be applying to CRNA schools next year. The thought of a six-figure salary and high level of autonomy is what attracted me to the CRNA profession. But another part of me is overwhelmed with all the requirements to get into CRNA school, including high GRE scores & pre-reqs. I'm also questioning whether I'll be truly be happy with the nature of the work. Recently, I discovered a lot of my collegues are studying to become an NP. I started comparing the two specialties. For those who decided on pursuing a NP degree, can you answer the following: 1.) What is the average salary for acute care/adult NP (in NYC)? 2.) Is there a salary cap? 3.) Heard some time ago that the profession of NP will eventually become obsolete? Is this true? I thought there was a huge shortage of NP's nationwide? 4.) How competitive is it to get into NP programs, would be applying to NYC and Boston. Thank you for your time! -Helen

Dear fellow PICU nurses, I want to apply for PICU positions but seems like every hospital requires PICU experience ;( I'm a fairly new MICU nurse (7 months) and need a change of age population. I've worked with geriatric/adults all my nursing career (telemetry/oncology). What is the purpose of promoting how great it is for nurses to change specialties when most places require prior experience??? Any and all advice as to how to break into Peds would be appreciated!

I always ask for help from collegues and/or aids. Despite the help, I still have pains in my lower back. My plan is to apply to school in 2 years, so I'm hoping I make it till then. Plan on taking both GRE & CCRN next year. I'll do whatever it takes to get to become a CRNA, even if it means transferring into CTICU night position! Wish me luck! Thank you very much for your response & suggestions!

Thanks Anurseuk for your vote of confidence and support. You're right 4 mos. is not long...guess i'm anxious and frustrated that I haven't had any really complex cases yet. On my days off, I spend time researching things I need more understanding on, i.e. hemodynamic monitoring and vents. When I get focus on the negatives, its hard for me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm getting a great orientation as we speak...everyone from preceptors, respiratory, and nurse manager has been helpful with showing me the ropes. Thanks again for your reply. How long have you been in ccu?

Its a 20 bed unit. Once in awhile I hang vasopressors, work with orally intubated patients. They use us as an overflow unit, so we get pts. of all kinds including resp,medical, surgical. Once in awhile I get a true cardiac case.

I'm a brand new CCU nurse, going on 4 months now. Prior to moving into ICU I did BMT/oncology/telemetry. My ultimate goal is to gain 2 years ICU experience then become a CRNA. But I don't know if I can tolerate the painful physical intensity of CCU any longer My dilemma is this: CCU utilizes more physical work than mental. Chronically ill OBESE patients are constantly having diarrhea and multiple decub. ulcers requiring lots of dressing changes. Since its ICU, the nurse is responsible for cleaning and turning patients themselves (rarely have aide available). I am so angry and depressed that I spend more time breaking my back (already have one herniated disc) than I do using my critical thinking for the job. I don't know how much longer I can take this!!! I'm kicking myself in the rear because I turned down a night shift position in CTICU---where there is less physical labor and more mental work. Unfortunately can't function well doing nights Are there any words of encouragement/suggestions/pearls of wisdom that ICU nurses would like to offer to a discouraged 28 yr. old CCU nurse??

thx so much for your vote of confidence. i've decided to not extend my orientation & just bite the bullet of flying on my own next week. nursing is not a solo job. i will force myself to ask others to help me when i am drowning. wish me luck!

thx for suggestions. thought about obtaining my CCRN since it can only help me in the long run. will look into joining aacn...thx for your support

the worst days include prepping patient for CT scan then having to go off floor w/ the pt. also when md's are throwing orders at me left and right for both my patients. it makes if difficult to get stat meds or blood when my unit doesn't have a tubing system...which means i have to run down myself to pharmacy or lab myself ;( c'est la vie...this is my most challenging job yet! thx bunglez for your quick reply & support!

thx! i'm very single now, just relocated from philly to ny. i still want to travel the world and eventually buy my own condo. thank for reminding me that I am not too late to go for my CRNA!

Thank you all for your warm words of encouragement. I will keep my eye on the prize! I plan on applying 2-3 yrs. from now after working CCU/ICU. Good luck to everyone!

I'm a brand new CCU nurse. I've just about completed my 2 month orientation at a Long Island community hospital. It took me 2.5 years to finally get to critical care nursing. I worked both BMT and med-surg nursing prior to CCU. Lately, I've been feeling so discouraged, frustrated, and stressed on the job. After taking on many complex patient assignments with my preceptor, I realize how much I lack in knowledge with critical care nursing. I get so overwhelmed and physically exhausted, I have to ask myself, "When will I feel good about what I do?" My overall plan is to be a nurse anesthetist in 2-3 years. My question for all seasoned ICU/CCU nurses: what can I do to manage my stress better at work? I've been told it takes about a year to get fully comfortable as a CCU nurse. If this is the case, how do I push & encourage myself this year to feel more competent and confident in my job?

I'm a brand new CCU nurse. I've just about completed my 2 month orientation at a Long Island community hospital. It took me 2.5 years to finally get to critical care nursing. I worked both BMT and med-surg nursing prior to CCU. Lately, I've been feeling so discouraged, frustrated, and stressed on the job. After taking on many complex patient assignments with my preceptor, I realize how much I lack in knowledge with critical care nursing. I get so overwhelmed and physically exhausted, I have to ask myself, "When will I feel good about what I do?" My overall plan is to be a nurse anesthetist in 2-3 years. My question for all seasoned ICU/CCU nurses: what can I do to manage my stress better at work? I've been told it takes about a year to get fully comfortable as a CCU nurse. If this is the case, how do I push & encourage myself this year to feel more competent and confident in my job?

Thank you to all who have taken time to reply to my question! Thank you texasneurorn for the website references! Glad to be a part of this online community

I'm a newbie in the ICU & was wondering if anyone can explain to me the rationale behind maintaining a stroke patient's b/p on the high side? My preceptor informed me that my patient's systolic b/p should be maintained >150. My fear was that too high of a b/p could cause another stroke for this patient! Any good websites that may have the answer? Thanks for your time!

awesome website. i'm an rn of two years and would like to go to cali this summer. i'm looking for bone marrow transplant &/or oncology positions. will look into Aureus.

where in cali are you located? are you satisfied w/ the pay? what hospital do you recommend out there?

thanks for your input. i have just put up a thread regarding my interest for ICU nursing in cali. hopefully will get some helpful responses. ideally would like to get a good paying job, not so expensive apt. rental, and relatively close commute to work. wish me luck!