catrn4

Hi, Sorry you weren't successful the first time around. I just took the AANP exam and passed this week. I took the Barkley live review in late April, then took his advice and studied with others on several occasions. I also had the Fitzgerald cds and Leik book. I studied the Barkley guide, reinforced with the streaming audio. Occasionally listened to Fitzgerald, but her format seemed to be mostly q & a. Worked better for me after having studied the rest. Also did the AANP practice test about a week prior to the actual exam. I felt well prepared. From what I understand, the 2 exams have a slightly different focus. If your program was heavy on non-clinical information, you should be fine with the ANCC. If not, you may have additional information- research, reimbursement, etc. -to try to retain as well. Think about what will work best for you. Good luck!

Just finished the Barkley FNP review in Tampa. Worth every penny! I will be sitting for boards next month, and have been studying the workbook and listening to the audio. Dr. Barkley offered very good tips for planning your study sessions and mastering the material. I feel more confident in my ability to pass after having attended the live course. For those looking to buy workbooks- doubt you will find many people willing to give up this valuable review tool. It is constructed so that it will be valuable for practice as well. Good luck!

From what I've been told in my current FNP program, we may be at risk if we accept certain positions in an acute care setting. I've seen many new grads accept positions within a hospital setting, or even ED. As an FNP, working in a fast track ED or urgent care setting is fine- working as a hospitalist is probably not, since our clinical hours are spent in primary care. A hospital can hire you, but chances are when push comes to shove, if there is a question about your education in a legal situation, you may be putting yourself at risk. Good luck!

Hi Jasmine, Congratulations! You sound like you know nursing is for you, so you should be up for it. All schools are different, but prepare for a lifestyle change. There will be many hours of studying, make sure you know your A & P well. Figure out your learning style- there are free online tests that can help you figure that out. Once you know, you can tailor your studying to match your style- if auditory, tape your notes; if visual, make drawings or cards etc. It can be difficult to get in the swing of things, but don't give up. Good luck!

Besides the money and prerequisites- the job itself is unique and from what I can tell, you either love the OR or hate it. There is very little patient interaction besides the preliminary interview. You will be responsible for starting large bore IV lines (not an easy 22), intubating the patient, monitoring them constantly during surgery, and timing it so the patient is sedated just long enough- don't want them waking up too soon- or waiting too long to come out of it. Some docs are great with the CRNAs, others are just plain ornery with everyone. And it's cold in the OR all the time So, yes- the $$ is good- but the responsibility is great! You need to be in it for the right reasons.

I agree with the other posts- I would definitely seek some med surg. experience first, since you are the only eyes seeing that patient and helping the provider determine the best course of treatment. Having said that, when I left the hospital for a home health job, I thought I'd lose all of my skills. Instead of losing my skills, many became sharper- definitely assessment and wound care, med teaching, etc. I am currently in school for my master's- graduating in May as FNP. I can honestly say that much of my home health experience prepared me for the primary care role better than my hospital experience. As for the insurance company job- make sure you know what your long term goals are- if you desire more of a clinical focus- this job probably won't be your best bet. If you're thinking office/ administrative, it may be beneficial. Good luck!