LaeDeesNP

Hi rroo, I would leave it out. As you said, it's not very competitive; but also, you are already giving them your GPA from your major nursing courses from your BSN. In the working world, it's not recommended to put it in anymore anyways. There are always exceptions to that rule, but I don't think this is one. I don't think it will look at all suspicious to leave it out on your resume. Hope that helps. Good luck!

Hi all, I'm looking for information about how CEUs have been included in total compensation packages. We all know that they are necessary to maintain our respective certifications. I'd like to hear what everyone is getting from their employers, regardless of specialty but I'm particularly interested in those working in women's health. Thanks!

Yes, it's definitely possible to get a job in women's health as an FNP. In fact, some people would encourage you to go the FNP route instead of WHNP to broaden your horizons. I don't know where I stand on that topic yet, but I can tell you that I decided on WHNP (instead of adult or family) for one major personal reason and many professional reasons. I've always wanted to do women's health and the focused degree gives you a more in depth look at the issues relating to WH. BUT, an FNP program will touch on WH. Getting back to your original question, it'll again depend on the employer and their need/preferences whether they'll take an FNP over a WHNP or CNM for a women's health job. I can say this with certainty: I know FNPs who work in WH so it's certainly an option. I think family is a great choice for you if you know you want to keep your options open as you're interested in many different avenues. During your clinical rotations, voice your interests to your program coordinator and see if spending more time in WH (or with asthma or allergy specialists) is possible. You are your best advocate. :-)

I'm not an FNP (I'm a WHNP) but I figured I'd weigh in anyways... :-) I think the simple answer to your question is: no. The more complicated answer is: it would depend on the jobs you apply to once you graduate and are ready to work as an FNP. If your ultimate goal is to do primary care, I really don't think it will hurt you to leave the bedside for primary care in school. My degree is largely geared towards out-patient care and I left the bedside three years before going back to school. I worked in primary care prior to going back to graduate school. And, I have a WHNP job lined up. Primary care experience, even in the RN capacity, may benefit you in your future job search. Different jobs will prefer or require certain experience, but they can be all over the map. My opinion: you'll be fine if you move into primary care. You can always research NP jobs you'd like to have and see if it's mentioned in the posting. Or, "cold call" practices with FNPs on staff and talk to them about the requirements for their position. These ideas are just off the cuff. I hope some of it was helpful. :-)

Oh, well either way, good luck! I know the waiting process is excruciating and seems to pass very sloooooowly. :-) Think positively!

I didn't attend Vanderbilt however, I would think it's safe to assume that the Financial Aid office wouldn't bother processing and evaluating your packet if you hadn't been accepted. That's just my Congrats!

Just so you know, there are one-year Adult NP programs out there at very respectable universities. They are INTENSE and expensive, but worth it if you are concerned with years spent in school, out of work, or working part-time. Personally, I'm voting for finishing your BSN and going the NP route. Especially considering all of your years experience in nursing, already. Good luck with your decision!

I agree with Katherined. I remember, very clearly, being taught that pain is SUBJECTIVE. It is what a person says it is, for them, which is why we have multiple pain scales. Yes, there are objective s/s to measure, chart and follow BUT it is still subjective. As registered nurses, we have no right to deny pain medication if it is safe to administer following all of our medication and assessment rules. If I was suspicious (and I have been plenty of times) I would discuss my concerns with my charge nurse and the patient's physician. Maybe pain management consults are in order, and they have been ordered after voicing my concern. The point is, it is never our place to decide a person's pain report is false for whatever reason. That's neglectful patient care.

If you are a member of a professional organization, at times they have advertisements of nurse practitioner news (local, national meetings in various locations) in their publications. I would try LinkedIn.com to reach out to those in your area. Maybe put your address into GoogleMaps and "search nearby" for NP organizations (who knows how that will pan out, but it's an idea!). This website is also helpful, but hit-or-miss on getting the responses you desire. I am also a new NP (WHNP) and look forward to meeting with or networking in our profession. My husband and I are moving to the MD/DC area soon and I hope to find contacts in that area. Good luck to you!

Hi everyone! I posted this in the Advanced Practice section but wanted to also put it here as it may help the responses. I'm reaching out looking for any advice or leads on jobs in the northern VA, MD, or DC areas. My husband and I are relocating to the area in the next 2-3 months. I am a WHNP-BC with impressive academic accomplishments looking forward to using my experience and knowledge in the women's health community. If anyone has any leads or advice, I am open to it all! We are relocating from overseas so it has been challenging finding the jobs or contacts in the area. I will be forever indebted to you for the help! :bowingpur Thanks!

I've been told by professional resume advisers to include your GPA if it's 3.50 or above. That is, if you want to include it on your resume. I don't think it being left off your resume will make or break your chances of an interview.

Thank you for the reply. :) It was very helpful. We're aware that the cost of living in and around the DC area is high, so we're trying to find the best areas that would suit our needs. Thankfully, my husband's job should not be based out of DC so the commute may not affect us. We'll see where I find work, though! Thanks, also, for the websites. I've been looking and looking but not on those sites. I will definitely give them a try.

Also, if anyone knows of any WHNP job leads or contacts in the area, I'd be glad to hear them!

Hi all! I'm looking for advice regarding NP practice in the Virginia, Maryland, and DC areas. I am a WHNP looking for work and considering the area as my husband has a job offer there. I'm wondering what your opinions are of the separate areas in terms of NP practice, salaries, etc related to employment; as well as areas which may be nicer or better to live in considering cost, entertainment, family, etc. I know everyone has their own version of what's important to them in their personal lives, but I'm looking for all types of information so that we're able to make the best decision for our family. Due to our current situation, we're unable to visit the area until March so I'm reaching out as a means to research the area first. Any and all input is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Good Luck!!! Let us know how it goes! I'll get your celebration started *wine.