KimmbaFNP

Hi Stephanie, Did you ever sort this out and get your TX APRN license? I'm on month 7 waiting for TX BON to process/approve my APRN application and I've had to constantly follow-up as they keep stating they haven't received this or that, I then send the verification that they had received it and suddenly they do indeed have it (that's how I finally got my RN level approved in December 2021, despite applying and submitting ALL required paperwork/verifications for everything the beginning of September 2021.) I'm now trying to get them to follow through on my FNP, then whenever that gets done I can submit (separately, with another application fee) for my PMHNP. I've been shocked and disappointed by how slow and non-transparent & seemingly unorganized the process has been.

No problem. Just to update for anyone reading this going forward...I dropped the program. We're right now in the midst of the COVID-19 & shelter in place, & where I live we've been doing this over a month now. Unprecedented things like this can prompt a person to reassess everything & really figure out their priorities. I realized that I do not really need a DNP to achieve my goals. The high cost financially, time-wise, plus the added stress burden isn't really worth it for me (not saying it wouldn't be for you, it well may be). So I dropped the program & no longer intend to persue a DNP. The program is fine although a bit dry & tedious. There is some busy work that doesn't contribute to learning, specifically the discussion board, which they don't run like a true discussion board. Instead it's just a written assignment based on the book readings, requiring you cite sources in older version 6 APA style (uh, duh.. The required book readings, we're just repeating same sources again and again). The added pain is trying to find a way to make comments on your other fellow students submissions, (at least 3 different days per week) who answered the exact same questions you did.. . Outside of that the program is fine.

Hi Nursey10, I have no idea how it compares to WGU, but I can tell you my experience so far (I've just started the program): This info is for 2 classes right now (you actually do 3 classes per term, but two of the classes are 1/2 term in length and sequential, so you're actually only doing two at once in this term): 1. Strict deadlines for assignments, if late points off but will not be accepted at all if 3 or more days late. 2. You must login on 3 different days per week to post to discussions, & the 1st post has to be within the first few days of the week. (Per class) 3. The discussion postings are more like full-on assignments with APA style and required references and then feedback from fellow students. It's not actually "discussing" the topics. For example, this week there are 4 detailed questions that must be answered and in addition to the actual answers you also have to post how you anticipate (the answers you wrote) will impact you as a DNP, so it's a few pages worth of work as the questions are in depth, not simple one sentence answers. The rubric grades based on relevance and significance of contributions, so just posting a reply that is basic will bring your score down. 4. In addition to the discussion described above there is a quiz and a written assignment in one class plus another written assignment in the other class. 5. The readings (combined for both classes) for this week were 8 different chapters from 3 books and took me a few hours to read. 6. In addition, there are video lectures to watch as well. The instructor states that the quiz questions are from "the website" not the books - (I figure that means the videos - I haven't done the quiz yet). The discussion assignment was based off the readings. 7. We've been told to start working on the week 3 stuff as well, as we might not meet the deadlines for what is due that week if we don't. We also are supposed to be actively working on arranging our sites and securing a DNP in our state of licensure as our project mentor. FYI - this is week ONE of the program. ?

I had no responses, but I decided to go with Touro, so we'll see how it goes!

I was just accepted to the Touro Nevada DNP for a Spring 2020 start, as well as accepted to return and finish my PhD in psychology at a previous university (also a Spring start), and am really pressed to decide... I'm trying to make a well informed decision and would appreciate any assist from folks who've recently completed Touro's DNP (or who are in the thick of it.) The PhD will likely take at least 3 more years with the dissertation and 3x the cost, but I LOVE psych stuff so would be fun-ish, versus the Touro DNP which would be 1 year and done (provided I don't screw up of course). Old posts on here say the Touro program has changed - wondering what recent graduates think of it? Also, I'm super curious about the added 400ish hours towards the project - what do they count or not count? Can you do it in your own private practice or do I have to find an outside site? Does your local project mentor have to sign off on everything or do you have a lot of autonomy and trust from the faculty/Touro mentor? I totally groove on psych, but at the same time I need a doctorate sooner rather than later as I'm no longer competitive as teaching faculty because I don't have a doctorate degree. Thanks! Kim

I think you will find that most programs do not arrange your FNP clinical sites for you. The advantage is that you're not stuck going somewhere you don't want to be and can try to establish clinicals at sites that are more of interest to you. Well written letters of introduction with a brief summary about yourself (intelligent, fast learner, enthusiastic, etc.), the program you're in, your goals and the requirements for a preceptor/clinical site (information such as "you can agree to precept for just one semester or the whole program and able to terminate with 1 weeks notice") work well for securing a good clinical site. In your closing paragraph ask for the opportunity to meet with him/her (personally address all letters - no form letters) so that they can determine if you'd be a good fit for their practice. Mail your letters (or better, hand deliver) to the sites you are interested in. I had no trouble finding clinical sites using this method. I HIGHLY recommend Sonoma State University's FNP program (CA). The core faculty and director are incredibly supportive and helpful and they work hard to create a nurturing environment (more along the lines of what nursing is supposed to be all about). I had to transfer mid-program and can also recommend Marquette University (Wisconsin) where I originally enrolled. However, they do not have Family, so you'd have to consider Adult, pedi, acute care or another NP option. UCSF's program is top rated, highly competitive but also has more of a "sink or swim" attitude (not so supportive) according to various graduates I know. I've heard both good and bad from Samuel Merritt Graduates. Most MSN students I've met who attended Univ. of San Francisco (I took several classes there with different cohorts) were very unhappy with the masters level programs there (worse than sink or swim, it's more of a "prove to us you're worthy to be here or else get out" type attitude from the 20+ folks I know who obtained their MSN's from there), however, their FNP is now a DNP and I don't know if students in the DNP feel as equally dissatisfied. (Perhaps others here have attended USF or the other programs and can weigh in on these perceptions?) In my opinion it is better to find a program that "fits" well with you and is supportive, as when it comes down to it you'll be hired based on whether they like you and most don't care what school you attended so long as you've got the training/degree/credential. All the best with finding the program that is right for you!

Heya! Wondering how many folks are using Typhon through their school to track clinical hours for their program? If so, does anyone know, does it list every time you go in and edit a record prior to it being "approved"? Or can you go in and change it as much as you want prior to it being approved w/o tracked changes for each thing you do? Asking because we're supposed to have each weeks hours in by a particular date and time, so I, having spaced one day and only having a bit of time till the deadline, entered in a bunch of guessed stuff just to have something posted by the deadline ( you get points off for late entry) then went in later and corrected it, which changed the total hours for those days, etc. Everything prior and after those changed records have been approved - those still show as pending, so I'm wondering if I'm in trouble. If anyone knows I'd appreciate the heads up so that I know if I should expect to be called on the carpet (eek!) Thanks!!!

Ok - I'm an RN AND a Registered Respiratory therapist. Here's the deal with instilling normal saline with suctioning (both ET tube and Trach - doesn't matter).... 1. A multitude of studies demonstrated that you DO NOT get all the saline back up. They quantified and measured it. May LOOK like you do, but you do not. 2. A couple of studies also demonstrated that it took a patient 2-4x as long for their PaO2 to return to baseline after suctioning with saline EVEN WHEN preoxygenated. They also had to transiently increase the oxygen to the patient for a much LONGER time period in order to get the PaO2 to return to baseline. In Cardiac patients many needed a higher FiO2 for an hour or more just to keep their PaO2 at the desired baseline after the insult from the saline. 3. As mentioned by a previous poster, utilization of saline dislodges microbes from the ventilator circuit and ET Tube or trach tube INTO the patient's lungs, increasing your chances of VAP (vent aquired pneumonia). Historically it was believed that the saline loosened secretions, or that it changed the surface tension of them so that the vacuum pulled the secretions up along with the saline that was sitting on top (which is all it does - do you really think it gets in there, blends around, and thins secretions in a matter of seconds? No - it just sits on top or does down the CLEAR airways, path of least resistance). It was also surmised that acting as an irritant it helped initiate a cough, which would then bring up more secretions. (this last point is the only one with any potential validity, however, you still have the downside of adversely impacting your patient's PaO2 and sending microbes down their tube) IF your patient is properly hydrated and their airway adequately humidified, the secretions should come up just fine. If they're still rattling around with rhonchi, etc. than likely they're too low to be suctioned up at that point and you need to wait for the cilia to help mobilize them further up the bronchial tree, or do something to make that happen (such as some form of CPT). Utilization of NS would be considered poor practice anywhere I've worked since at least 1996, (Large teaching hospitals/trauma centers) and this position is supported by many studies and EBM. Most progressive centers at least frown on the practice if they don't outright prohibit it. For the person who asked about instilling it into the nares of RSV kids - your nasopharynx isn't sterile and has a lot of buggies in there already, so the saline just shifts the microbes around a bit at most. If you did so much they aspirated, then yes, you'd have a problem. The belief with RSV (or other snotty little ones for the matter) is that a few drops will change the surface tension of the secretions so that when the saline is sucked up they go along with it - the same idea originally used for ET Tube & trach suctioning, but which has been shown to not be of benefit with an artificial airway. When I was a clinical educator I had all the articles/studies on this. However, I'm now in a FNP program & don't have all that readily at hand. However, I would expect that the education coordinator, clinical specialist, etc. for respiratory care or one of the ICU's would have it for those who work at large teaching hospitals.

I know it's a long shot to seek on this board, but it's worth a try, right? Seeking an MD, DO, NP or PA preceptor in the North Bay or close in San Francisco beginning February. Must be a primary care site. My professor doesn't want me to return to my previous site because of inappropriately odd behavior from the physician, so now I'm scrambling to find a new site last minute. Know someone who's up for precepting? Please send an email my way. Thanks!

IF you get to the point where you're so frustrated you plan to drop, do a LOA instead. That way if you get out there and don't find what you seek or regret it, you can still return w/o having to reapply and w/o any hard feelings or bad impressions. Just figure out what their criteria is for an LOA and make sure your reason fits the requirements.

I realize this is an old thread, but for anyone who may pull it up because of the University of San Francisco (USF) to Sonoma State (SSU) comparison I really want to add my two bits. I've attended BOTH schools. I would steer anyone towards Sonoma state over USF. The Nursing dept at Sonoma state is made up of wonderful individuals who truly want each student to succeed and are super supportive. Not so with USF. Unfortunately, USF has more of a sink-or-swim, like it or leave it attitude. I found the quality of instruction at USF to be poor compared to SSU. The Director has purged good instructors who do not have doctorates and brings in individuals with doctorates whether or not they have teaching ability. My OB instructor actually said "Back in the 1960's when women would use midwives, a practice that you don't find anymore"!!! Seriously?? Found out she hadn't worked in Ob for many years and obviously wasn't current with the times. Instruction consisted of students taking turns reading sections from the text aloud to the class, or her reading the text to us while writing parts of it on the board. Terrible! We, as a class, complained. We, as a class, were labeled as "whiners" and the issue was not addressed. Complaints are routinely not addressed, instead a cohort will be labeled "whiners" or "complainers" if they bring concerns to the administration (this occured to our cohort and the one previous to ours as well). There is also no consideration for students what so ever - Do you live in Petaluma? Tough luck if your clinical site is in the South Bay. Do you live in Mountain View? Tough luck if your clinical site is in Richmond. No switching allowed. This was the experience of the last two cohorts of the management & leadership focused Masters Entry Option (MEO) MSN cohorts. USF now only offers the CNL at the Masters level with the Management & leadership as a doctorate, or an FNP doctorate. I also had a course with the first CNL cohort at the Santa Rosa branch of USF and they also experienced the same issues, although the staff at the Santa Rosa branch tries harder to please. I had transferred in from Marquette University in Wisconsin, another Jesuit University like USF. I had a good experience at Marquette and was expecting a similar level of quality from USF. I was shocked and appalled by the difference. Sonoma state is completely different - fully supportive, with good quality instruction. They listen and try to work with you - they realize we have lives outside of school, many of us with kids, families, jobs, etc. They actually treat you with the respect and caring that we're taught as nurses to have for others. It was like leaving a nightmare forest of darkness and despair and entering the peace, beauty and bliss of Shangra-la when I transferred to SSU from USF. I left USF mid-program (after completing all pre-licensure courses and passing my NCLEX) and switched to the Sonoma State FNP program. I was also accepted to UCSF, (it was actually a professor from UCSF who suggested I transfer out of USF) but elected to go with SSU because it is a reverse commute from where I live, so less traffic, plus SSU has easy parking, compared to NO parking provided at UCSF (seriously! you have to park in the neighborhoods around the university or ride a bus) something to consider if you're thinking about UCSF. If you have a choice, go with SSU or UCSF over USF - I'd say anywhere else over USF as my experience and that of my cohort was so very, very poor. USF has a factory feel - push them in, push them out, "what's your number, not your name". Not at all what I had come to expect from a private university (I already had a graduate degree from a private university when I entered USF, plus Marquette and my undergrad degree, so I have many good schools from which to compare. I did not have unreasonable expectations.) Stay away, very far away from USF. I would say to only attend there if you have no other option, and then prepare yourself for mediocre to poor instruction, no support, extreme frustration and much disappointment. (If you have super low expectations going in then maybe it wont seem so bad.)

This is what I am doing and why....(all info specific to CA, other states may differ regarding licensure and scope of practice) I am getting my doctorate in psychology (PhD) but will practice under a psych NP license. 1. In California you need 3000 hours of fieldwork (clinical internships) before you can sit for the psychologist license. HOWEVER, only 1500 of those hours can be obtained while in school, the other 1500 must be completed AFTER graduation. You must have a doctorate to sit the psychologists licensing exam, so either a PhD or PsyD. Either way, you will be in school for quite some time and then have to do additional FREE work after graduation, so there's quite some time before you will start bringing in money. There are a few paid positions and assistantships, but they are very few and far between and very competitive. 2. Psychologists cannot prescribe or even make recommendations on pharmaceuticals/med management. 3. A psych NP can prescribe and all clinical hours are obtained while in the program. An NP can also do nutritional and wellness counseling. If a psychologist does this w/o having additional, verifiable training, such as completing a nutrition program, they are in violation. So essentially, an NP has a larger scope of practice than a psychologist. However, the psychology programs have a significantly stronger focus and training on therapy. By completing my psychology PhD I will obtain the in depth counseling/therapy skills that isn't in place in the NP program, yet have the larger scope of practice offered by NP licensure. The PhD in psychology gives me the degree and credibility that clients seek, yet with the added bonus ob being able to do med management, nutritional counseling, etc. - all within my scope of practice so no gray areas or risk of licensure issues. I had already begun a FNP program, so I'm completing that and will do a post-grad certificate for the psych NP. And I've been in my PhD program concurrently. Depending on the doctorate program you CAN do them concurrently if you're not working FT also. Otherwise you'd need to arrange it differently. I'd suggest doing the NP first, so you could get out there and start working, and work on the PhD while working as a psych NP. Just something to consider............

Sonoma state - has a basic MSN, CNL and FNP program w/no GRE req'd

FYI - I took the exam on the 7th & didn't find out until last Friday, the 23rd. My school hadn't sent in the coversheet with my transcripts, so that was the hold up. You might want to make sure that all the little things like that were taken care of, otherwise it will definitely delay your results. I received my RN wallet card yesterday, so I'm guessing they mailed that out the same Friday my name was posted on the BRN site. So far most everyone in my class was stopped @ 75 questions and all who were stopped there have passed. We all had many questions relating to prioritizing & delegating care, if that helps anyone at all...

I'm getting the impression that a lot of it depends on whether or not they have a "complete" file on you or not. I just found out my Univ. didn't send the required BRN coversheet with the transcripts, so now I'm waiting for that to happen

Does anyone know of anyone who had the NCLEX shut off at 75 and they failed??? Or does the program essentially go on and give you more questions if you're close to failing. I realize that if you 100% bomb it you could do the 75 and fail, but does that really happen? I would think that most who fail, do so but are pretty close so the machine kept offering questions. What % of flunking would make the machine shut off at 75 questions vs. keep going to give someone a better opportunity to pass? There's a bunch of us in CA wondering this, as CA doesn't participate in the 48 hour "unofficial" results that the NCLEX offers, so you can wait a month or more for results just depending, which is very frustrating....

If you're in SF, why aren't you applying to the UCSF, USF, State or Samuel Merrit advanced entry programs? I was part of the 2007 Marquette cohort - I highly recommend it. My husband had a job transfer 10 months into the program and the dean of Marquette actually made the personal effort to contact USF (another Jesuit U) and ask them to allow me to txf into their masters entry program. Marquette is very supportive & has a great program. Unfortunately, the program @ USF I txf into isn't an NP program, so I'm having to switch again, but at least it prevented me from losing my 30+ credits & I was still able to sit the NCLEX (although 1 semester later than I would've otherwise, but it's better than having to start over from square one, )! Your credentials sound just like someone who would've been in my cohort. I don't know what the GPA was for everyone, but mine was a 3.7. I will say they put A LOT of stock in the essay you write. I met with the representative for the program before I was accepted and she indicated that the essay is where they really decide & especially so if it's between you and someone with a higher GPA. They don't go fully on GPA, as there's more to nursing than "book smarts". As a matter of fact, there was a gal who had been @ Bastyr Naturopathic College in Seattle. They don't give letter grades or GPA's - they do pass fail. They worked something out so that Bastyr gave them an "estimated" GPA to work with. Obviously if GPA was the primary driver she'd have never been accepted, but she was. They seem to really want people who have good upbeat personalities & who will have a positive impact as an APN. Best success with it! K

Well I finally pulled something together and sent the whole thing off - Yay! At least I don't have to think about it anymore. Thanks!!!!

Ok, Good to know - Thanks!!!!!

How am I diverse? - I think your interpretation of the question is right. That makes more sense than the way I was reading it. Ok, now I needa sit and think for a bit what makes me different I suppose........... THANKS!!!!!!

Of course!!!!!

Ok, so I've been in healthcare for 18+ years (no - I'm not an old bag, I got into the field young...) Originally I was a critical care focused Respiratory Therapist (RCP) and only recently switched over to nursing and am working on obtaining NP certification. Men have a HUGE advantage as nurses in a hospital! Here is what I've seen over the years: 1. Men get promotions faster (Yay for you!) - so that will be a great advantage for you. 2. Men are seen as more knowledgeable by patients, fellow staff, physicians, etc. - so even as a new grad, you've got an advantage. Use it - act like you're super confident and capable and with the combo you'll be Mr. expert nurse w/in 6 months! 3. If you're single and straight you've set yourself up as a big-fish in the hospital dating pond! (If you're not straight it depends on where you work on if you have an advantage or not...) Most people end up dating within the hospital (hey, I KNOW this from my experience! a couple male nurses, a few male respiratory therapists, a few doc's...). The Doc's have a certian novelty appeal, but once a gal is burned by one (which is the norm...) they swear off doc's and your competition has lessened dramatically right there. You're also seen as sensitive and caring because you're a nurse. As long as you're also viewed as smart & CONFIDENT!!!!! you'll be considered very appealing to the massive number of female nurses, RCP's and other allied health chicks in the hospital! 4. There is a reason soap opera's are usually set in hospitals! As a male, you are virtually assured that you won't get sucked into the drama, politics, cat-fights, etc. that naturally occur with so many females around. This usually also applies if you're gay, but not always - if you're a drama queen yourself, well, then you'll be right in there with the rest of the gals.... 5. Because you DON'T get sucked into the politics, most everyone LIKES you - you don't have hidden enemies planning sneak attacks on your reputation or job - super lucky you! This also helps you with the promotion thing I mentioned earlier... The only drawback, really, to being a male nurse is the peri-care issues and females who don't want a male caregiver. But so what?!?!?! This happens with us gals also - not as commonly, but it does. ONE BIG DANGER!!!! - There are some male nurses, RCP's etc. who get reputations for being lazy - DON'T let that happen to you! Once you've got the label, you're screwed and all the nasty stuff that gals can do will start happening to you (plotting to get you fired, excluding you from important stuff, etc.). Until you're reputation is secured work extra hard & earn the respect of the other nurses, physicians AND respiratory therapists (RCP's will get'cha - watch out!!). Once you're loved and admired you can sit back a bit more and not work quite so hard. BUT - if you're caught sleeping in the dirty utility closet even after becoming the "cool guy" you're doomed.... If you REALLY want to be a hot item and you're from the UK, Canada, etc. - come work in the states! You get all of the above, plus the added "exotic" benefit of being from abroad! So, sit back, don't stress, and look forward to the time when you become the respected, admired, "hottie" male nurse that all the females really dig (straight or gay - we'll still dig ya. Only difference is whether or not we're going to try and set you up with our gay friend or girlfriend...) Have fun!!!!

I've heard that you can find out if you've passed by checking the license verification section on the BRN website - how soon after taking the exam are you likely to see yourself listed there if you've passed? Anyone know??? What if an outside agency needed to verify if you'd passed - will they tell them or do they have to wait too???

Many schools/programs are eliminating the need for the GRE - not just nursing. I have an MBA from Marylhurst University in Oregon (listed as a top school in the US News evaluations) and I never sat the GRE exam. They also felt it was a poor indicator of success - like most standardized tests are. IMO, schools that still require it are the same schools that are slow to adapt and have less vibrant, "old school" type programs. I for one do not learn well sitting in a classroom having an instructor read their powerpoint slides to me - what a waste. I can read on my own, give me an online program any day. If you need info spoon-fed, do a brick and mortar. If you find that style irritating and are independent and highly self motivated, you'll do well in an online program. (Gross generalization - there are always exceptions of course...) Just like with anything, there are good schools/instructors and bad schools/instructors both online and in-person, but if you're doing online courses, at least you don't have to waste your time listening to the bad ones drone on for hours on end when you'd rather be at home reading the material on your own.

If considering MSN programs also, look at sinclair school of nursing Missouri - low tuition, great Dean (was my Dean @ Marquette and would only go to a great program, so for me her presence is proof enough...) the NM MIND program is good, but you have to go there once per semester.