Leah236

I have not read through each response, but one thing that I don't see mentioned here is the fact that even "brick and mortar" NP programs are transitioning their courses to online format! We also must differentiate between "online diploma mills" and "distance accessible MSN programs" from accredited universities. I am in my second semester of a distance accessible NP program. My didactic courses are delivered online, I must travel to campus for onsite skills evaluations, and I must complete clinical preceptorships with NPs and facilities approved by my program. Depending on the type of learner you are, this option may not be ideal, but the point is... now a days with webcam lectures etc., it is not much different than the "on-campus" programs (who deliver much of the program online anyway).

Congrats! I tried to PM you but for some reason it won't allow me. I was accepted to the ANP/WHNP program as well. I was offered part time but requested full time. Do you know anyone who has completed this track? I know students in other programs that meet on campus once a month for 3-4 days each as opposed to once a semester at UAB. I'm a bit concerned about the little time we spend on campus. Any thoughts?

Hi all! If anyone has info related to this please let me know. I applied to online msn programs as I am probably moving to Maryland this fall and wanted to be able to complete my program from either Florida (my current state) or Maryland. None of the programs stated on the application that moving to another state before clinicals could present a problem. I was accepted to UAB and Vanderbilt. Uab now tells me that I am not allowed to complete cljnicals in Maryland due to some issue with the board of nursing and education. Vanderbilt has been unable to tell me whether it is a problem for them or not. I was ecstatic to start an msn program this fall and this news may completely change my whole plan for receiving my degree. If anyone can share any info or advice on this please let me know. Thanks! Leah

Has anyone been notified about decisions for the msn programs?

I'm jealous that you found out! I don't know anyone who went to USA, all I know is what I've read on allnurses. I know one person who is is the Peds NP program at UAB and she had positive things to say about the program and instructors. Did they notify you via email or mail? Has anyone heard about MSN decisions??

I applied to UAB's WHNP/ANP, Vanderbilt's WHNP, Georgetown CNM/WHNP, and Emory WHNP/ANP. You??

I received the same email! So the anxiety continues! Let me know if you hear anything more and I will do the same. Which specialty did you apply to? Do you know anyone who is in or has completed the program? Good Luck!

I work in labor and delivery right now. I think you can be successful as an NP with or without prior experience, it varies for everyone. Personally, I'm glad I worked before going back to school. But I don't think the clinical time I got in school was as good as some other programs. Also, the role of the NP is very different than RN. A lot of clinical skills that you use and need as an RN have no relevance to an NP working in an outpatient setting. So don't worry! The purpose of NP programs is to give you the experience and skills you need to be successful as an NP. What other programs are you applying to?

Good to hear! Thanks for the reply! Do you have professional experience? I will have a little over two years by Fall. I see on the application it states if you do NOT have experience, then an essay must be submitted, but does not state whether an essay is suggested otherwise. Are you submitting one (if you have experience)?

Hi all! I am applying to Emory's WHNP program for fall 2012. I've noticed on other schools' websites don't always state if classes are actually given on campus vs. online. Does anyone know for a fact which is the case for Emory? I would prefer non-online courses. Thanks!!

hey everyone! I am applying to the whnp program for fall 2012. does anyone know if the "non-online" option actually has on-campus classes? I was told that even that option holds all classes online. Any info would be greatly appreciated!! good luck!!

If anyone knows of a program that offers the dual ANP or FNP/WHNP degree, please post it here!! The only two that I have found so far have been Emory and Vanderbilt. This degree would be my ideal as I want to work as a WHNP but also have the flexibility of a FNP degree. I live in FL and have not found any WHNP programs in state, much less any dual degree programs. Am definitely willing to look into other states, so any info is appreciated! Thank you soooo much in advance!

we have premixed bags with 20grams MgSO4 in 500cc D5W. We run the pump to deliver either 4 or 6 grams bolus over 30 mins, then continuous dose of 2grams/hr (25cc/hr) for pre-E. We also have to have another RN verify our pump settings and bag dose before starting infusion. The rates differ depending on the indication for tx (neuroprotection, PTL, pre-E) . I'm curious what other hospital's protocols for BPs, DTRs, UOP, and fetal/uterine assessments are while receiving Mag...?? Thanks!!

Hi! I've have been notified that my L/D practicum rotation will be night shift. It will either be 7on/7off or 3 12s/week. I have never done a night shift before. Can anyone give me any advice on how to manage your sleep schedule so that you can function at work and off? Whats the best way to switch over? Sounds pretty simple... but any tips from people who have done it before would be appreciated :)

Thank you so much for your advice! Since I am not sure whether I want to pursue an advanced degree in Womens or Family, if I started off in L/D would that put me at a disadvantage for a Family DNP program? Would it be more beneficial to start off in Ortho where I would be involved in the care of more diverse patients? Also, you don't think that I need prior experience before starting off in L/D? If they offered me a position in mother/baby, in the hopes of being transferred to L/D, should I take it or would I better use my time in a place like Ortho? I am probably overanalyzing, but I am just use to planning out everything so it is nerve racking not to know which next step is best! Thank you SO much!!!

Hi! I am applying to a GN position. I have to submit this cover letter online in reference to Hospital A's GN requisition, so I am just suppose to specify my area of interest, I can not apply specifically for an L/D position I believe. So, should I address this to the two recruiters? just one of them? I think it is too long but I wasn't sure what to cut out. There is also a paragraph that included to show a little more about myself, but it might be unnecessary. Does this effectively show which area I want to be hired into? Thanks so much for ANY critiques and suggestions you can give me!! :) To whom it may concern: By May 1st, I will have completed my studies at the University of X with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I am an enthusiastic, motivated candidate with all the skills necessary to join your health care team and develop as a professional, compassionate nurse. I am vitally interested in becoming a member of your team. In my rotations, I worked on several units including medical-surgical, psychiatry, pediatrics, cardiology, and obstetrics. I also have professional experience as a Student Nurse Tech at Hospital B on the Renal Medical-Surgical unit. I realized during my OB/GYN rotation that my heart truly lies in Women's Health, specifically Labor and Delivery. I am eager to expand that experience when I begin my practicum at Hospital A's Labor and Delivery in the coming weeks. My educational and professional experiences have taught me to manage a variety of patients with complex clinical issues, as well as provide my patients and their family members with educational and emotional support. I feel these skills would translate well to the obstetrical setting. I developed a love of nursing and its capacity to improve the lives of patients in a way which is unique to this profession. My passion and excitement about becoming a nurse incited me to campaign and be elected as Breakthrough to Nursing chair of XNSA. In this role, I promoted the nursing profession and educated other students regarding the extraordinary opportunities that it has to offer. I am also a proud member of Sigma Theta Tau. (Is this paragraph unnecessary??) I am thrilled to be completing my clinical placements during my practicum at Hospital A Labor and Delivery. I am an extremely harder worker with a thirst to learn and grow as a patient caregiver. I believe my experience during practicum on your facility's unit will prepare me for a career in labor and delivery. I realize that as a graduate nurse, I have much to learn. However, I hope that you will consider my application for a position at your facility so that I may begin that journey in an institution that celebrates intellectual and professional development while providing exceptional patient care. If you hire me, I will dedicate myself to learning all I can, and to working hard to maintain your unit's exceptional standards. Thank you in advance for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you regarding any possible employment opportunities. Sincerely, Leah X

Hi! I am graduating at the end of April. I will be starting my practicum (240hours) on a labor and delivery floor next week. My goal had been to start off in Labor and Delivery straight out of school. Now I am debating on whether or not that is the right path. I love women's health, but I have an opportunity to interview for a GN position on an Ortho unit. I eventually (within the next 3 years), want to go back to school to be either a Family or Women's Health NP. Does anyone suggest going straight to L&D? I know a lot of people say that its great to get other nursing experience first to beef up your assessment skills and time management before attempting L&D. Would Ortho offer that even though it is also pretty specialized?? I am just so confused, I had been so set on only wanting to do L&D and now I am second guessing myself. Also, even if I apply to both L&D and ortho units, I will probably find out from Ortho first. I don't want to reject an offer from ortho in order to wait for L&D and then not even get an offer for that unit. If anyone has any advice, opinions, experience they can tell me about, I would really appreciate it!!!! Thank you SO much.

Hi! Just looking for a little advice or opinion from those who've graduated. I will be graduating in May 2010; I want to eventually go to grad school and become either FNP or Women's health NP. Would it be most benficial for me to apply for jobs in L&D (though i know they are scarce for new GNs) or to take a med/surg/any job i'm offered? I would love to work on L&D if I had the opportunity, but also wonder if I would not get enough exposure to other skills to remain competent in other areas. If I do want to remain on the women's health path, should I try and have my practicum on an L&D unit? ALSO, if anyone has any information for GNs wanting to move to Austin, TX or Atlanta, GA... throw it my way! Any advice regarding any of this would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks :)

Hi! A friend of mine and I are graduating in May 2010 from UF BSN. We are considering Austin and Seton hospitals. Does anyone have any advice about Seton or surrounding hospitals, residency programs, when to apply, chances of being accepted, etc?? ANY info would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!

I've been researching this for my legal/ethical issues in nursing course but can't find a clear cut answer... i would greatly appreciate any help! Is a registered nurse responsible for care he or she cannot render due to understaffing by the hospital?

Hi! I will be graduating in May 2010 from UF with a BSN; I have been trying to research different nurse residency programs and opportunities but am having a hard time finding them. I've found a few, but i'm sure there are more out there. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice? When should I start applying to programs/hospitals? I'm interested in moving to Boston or Atlanta if I could find a residency program that I would be able to get into... Any information would be appreciated!! thanks!!