PediASL

several times after introducing myself as the nurse practitioner, patients, when addressing me will still call me 'doctor' to get my attention. When corrected, often I'm told that they feel they need a title and that calling me by my first name feels like they are not respecting me as a professional...... Interesting...

Has anyone submitted an editorial on the subject? for example, in response to DNP article by Mundinger. (no i have not yet, either) I feel the need to express these opinions (anti dnp) to those who think that the entire nursing community is behind this movement. I would love a forum where the general public/other medical professionals are given this info from both sides!

See the recent thread that introduced the article... DNP Article ( 1 2 3) by prairienp there are also responses to this article at Forbes' website.

"Along with a doctorate and the title of "doctor," the fact that a nurse practitioner has fulfilled this certification requirement will instill confidence in patients that DNPs have the expertise to serve as their health-care provider of choice." -Mundinger I am so frustrated after reading this article. She really is giving the NPs a bad name. I have the respect of my collegues, medical and other, through working and earning this respect. I do not need a 'doctoral' degree to harness peoples' confidence in me as a practitioner. I so anger over nursings' need to 'prove themselves', they havn't even been able to standardize things at so many levels, this only worsens that problem. I still await the day that nursing is able to discuss themselves without having to say how good they are compared to MDs. Ugh!

I included RN experience as well as NP internships I did during my graduate program. Research, publications, volunteer work, and organization memberships should also be included. Good luck!

I used the PNP Certification Review Guide and supplamented each section with a more detailed reading of Nelson's Textbook of Pediatrics. Just one persons experience. Look through various materials, and choose those that you think will work well for you. Good luck!

Hi, We have similar goals, and it is a GREAT area to work in. I obtained my C-PNP and was hired within a craniofacial program within the plastic surgery service in a large pediatric hospital (no acute care experience). We work with mostly young children/infants with craniofacial anomalies, few trauma as most of the facial trauma goes to oral and maxillofacial surgery, although we do work together at times. We work with wound care RNs a lot being that we are the plastic surgery service.... Your nursing inpatient surgical/acute care experience will be invaluable when you are interviewing for NP positions. I would consider calling the schools and discussing your options.. i.e. ACNP would not train you in pediatrics... FNP is a good broad degree but, yes without the acute care component.. there is a acute care pediatric trac at some universities... I would suggest calling certain programs, observing, and networking with clinicians in that area so after you graduate you have some connections and can make a more informed decision upon intering or as you matriculate through school. Good luck. Feel free to PM me if you have any further questions.

Hi. No it is not necessary to have a PhD in order to conduct clinical research. How you go about doing this will depend on your work environment. Within a hospital environment you will need to obtain permission for your study/review from the IRB (institutional review board) and if a clinical study, there is often a human subjects protocol you need to read. Consent forms for patients etc. usually need to be approved by IRB in addition to the study as a whole. Many RNs/NPs conduct clinical research without having a Doctoral degree. If you work outside a hospital environment I would suggest speakign with you collaborating MD or supervisor or other colleagues. Best of luck.

to answer the orignial question: I was offered more than one position upon graduation from a direct-entry program. I did end up accepting and have been there since. Primary care pediatrics was my in-school training with internships in Neurology and other specialty. I accepted a position in a hospital setting.

Of course, that almost goes without saying. I did find the PDF and this is not a study, rather, a discussion. So take it for what it is worth..... http://www.nursingcenter.com/library/JournalArticle.asp?Article_ID=623772

I must apologize first as I have not yet read this article. For the sake af at least one citation on this topic see below: I know this author has written more than one on this topic. She is a nurse in acute care and faculty in a direct-entry program. I'll try to get it in PDF and post a link if possible. 1: Am J Nurs. 2006 Jan;106 Suppl 1:32-3. Links We'll Leave the Light On for You: There's no proscribed path to becoming a nurse. Pellico L.

To the OP: I found that it was difficult to get a position out of school although not impossible, I did get a few interviews and the position I took was most likely offered because I know some nurses at the hospital prior to applying. after working 1.5 yrs though, I have applied for a new position and have been offered 2 positions within very prestigeous pediatric hospitals (would have to relocate). I think the job market is good if you have some experience and are willing to relocate. If you are right out of school I think it helps to write a strong cover letter explaining your goals and what you will bring to the department/practice. Like others have said, things vary significantly state by state, as you will see as you apply. To the most recent poster: I graduated from a direct-entry program. I understand your point, and completely respect every RN who has been working in this role for their experience. I always work closely with staff nursing in the hospital when providing patient care for that reason. I have a background in education, worked several years in a basic science lab and after observing the RN, NP, and PA (all within a hospital environment) I decided the NP role is where I would be most satisfied. I must say most of the people I know who chose this career have in fact changed career paths, have an immpressive educational and professional history, and are anything but 'lazy'. I went through this program because I wanted to have a foundation in nursing, rather than medicine prior to my masters preparation. I wanted a foundation in nursing that the first year would provide, and expected the latter two years to prepare me in managing illness in the pediatric population. In my opinion, the role of the RN, and that of the NP are different, it is based on this premise that those who choose this route should not be ridiculed for doing so. I am very happy with my position as a PNP. Sadly, however I am at times wishing I had chosen a different route to have avoided such catty discussions such as this. If only we could all stand up to the plate and respect one another for what each person brings to the table, patient care would be that much better! Sorry for the Hijack, now.. back to the OPs discussion.....

I was a patient in a cardiovascular step down unit recently. The noise was indeed an issue. However, if the RN or CA remembered to close the door on their way out (specifically at night) the noise became much less an issue . I know this sounds simple, and that is the point. It really made a world of difference! PediASL

I graduated from Yale's program. I was in a specialty that prepares you for primary care. I think the specialties can vary significantly. I had friends in the acute care tract who felt very satisfied with the education. Myself, well I was one of those disapointed by the program, however I wanted to work in a hospital setting and this program prepares you for primary care-I will give them that. I think it is what you make of it. To really understand why you are doing what you are doing it may be neccessary to work (read/study) beyond the requirements of the program. I felt a lot of the didactic was at a very cursory level and did not delve into management complexities. Feel free to PM me if you would like to discuss further. Take care. PediASL

Make sure to know what service your patient is on. I came in one morning to find the RN for one of our patients had called and recieved an order for the child from the WRONG service. Child was on plastic surgery and ENT was called and GAVE the order and it was processed and not picked up on until the AM. We are VERY fortunate this error did not cause any harm to the child. There are many people invovled in the care of one patient, and although it is reassuring to know an error can be picked up by one of many people in the chain of care, it can also be missed by the same many people... Wish you the best in your new position! PediASL