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All, just thought I would share my experience with the AANP-FNP examination. I passed on the 30th of Dec.. Here is how I prepared. First of all my FNP program left a lot to be desired. I was by no means prepared for the exam but realized in order to pass this difficult exam I had to really "buckle down" and study. So here is what I did: 1) Fitzgerald Review 2) Read cover to cover Mrgaret Fitzgerald Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination and Practice Preparation 3) Practice questions from APEA and Board Vitals 4) Made a lot of flashcards from the Fitzgerald book 5) Leik book fast facts 6) Most importantly, lots of prayers!!! ****make sure you memorize the following mneumonics: MR ASH (systolic) MS ART (diastolic) mitral 5th ICS aortic 2nd ICS puLmonic-Left of sternum aoRtic- Right of sternum Grade IV 1st time thrill is palpable If you know the above you can answer any question regarding murmurs You are guaranteed to get at least 1-3 questions on murmurs Good Luck to any of you taking the examination. Know your drugs but DO NOT worry about dosages because you wont see any. Know your derm.

Here is my two cents on the topic. I think that many of the recent grads got into nursing because of all the "hype" surrounding the profession. This "hype" is very similar to the mid to late 90s Information Technology boom, which we all know came crumbling down in 2000-2002. I was one of those lucky ones who went from $150k to 0 in a matter of months. While I don't think that will happen with nursing, there will be a plateau at some point. I have been a RN for working on 2 years in an ED in a major hospital. I was a paramedic/Firefighter (and still am) for 6 years prior to becoming a nurse. So, going into an acute care area was just a natural fit for me. I think my advice for all recent grads would be realize the profession you have chosen is very demanding, dirty, bloody, and filled with STRESS. You (new grad) are going to be treated like a new grad until you prove yourself. Don't be the first to ask to go to lunch, volunteer to stay past EOS if things are crazy. You are going to have to prove yourself. If things need to be done, do them don't say that is the techs job!!! Be a team player. You are entering a world where you have to be part of the team. Stay up move don't sit around. These are just some of the mistakes I have witnessed new nurses making. I can assure you, your fellow nurses will not respect you if you make these mistakes. Additionally, if you aspire to move into acute care nursing you will need to prove yourself on the floor and go the extra mile, educate yourself, get ACLS, PALS, TNCC, ENPC, etc.... I don't mean to sound harsh, I just want everyone to be successful and not fall into some of these common pitfalls. Hope this helps.

All, I am a new nurse just passed NCLEX 6/30/08. I have been a paramedic for 8+ years but am scared to death to start in a CCU unit. I am going to continue my career here at the Fire Department as I only have a few more years till I can retire. I thought I knew a lot prior to reading this BB and doing clinicals in nursing school. I really feel DUMB!!! I have been offered a job and still haven't rejected or accepted. I feel comfortable with basic nursing skills but drug knowledge and really deep pathophysiology are still a challenge. I really enjoy cardiology and have been ACLS certified since paramedic school. I know I have a LOT to learn but I hate learning curves. Any advice on tools, study material, pocket guides, or any advice to make the experience more enjoyable would be MUCH APPRECIATED!!!! Thanks So Much.

I hold two undergraduate degrees, a MBA (Masters in Business Administration), an AD in paramedicine (NREMT-P) and an ADN (RN). I have been a paramedic/RN for 8 years. Oh did I mention that CCRN, CEN, and CFRN also follow my name. I was in the streets intubating patients, starting IOs, running my own ACLS codes, pushing my own drugs, etc. Best of luck to you.

While I understand you have been practicing for 11 years something is "missing" in this program. I don't know, could it be that you don't have clinical rotations?? What, a weekend examination is adequate to fulfill 4 semesters of clinicals?? Get real. While I refuse to call you an idiot as you have me I find it hard to believe there ARE NOT shortcomings with the Excelsior program when no other program in this country is required to perform additional preceptorships. I reasearched Excelsior extensively prior to choosing a nursing school so I am VERY familiar with the CPNE and the Pearson Vue examinations. I am just trying to understand why the OBN would require additional training for graduates of Excelsior regardless of years of practice. While I don't feel the OBN is managed by a group of "idiots" as you have stated there is some reason this has become a requirement for Excelsior graduates to practice in OK. Additionally, why would they single out Excelsior???

Obviously there is a reason that the OBN and others are requiring Regents/ Excellsior graduates to perform additional "clinical" hours. I would have to draw into question the reputation and credibility of the institution. Just my thoughts.

I took the NCLEX-RN Monday 6/30/2008 and found out this morning that I PASSED!!!! That is the most humbling examination I have ever taken. I finished with 75 questions. The makeup was mostly SATA, 10 meds, and a LOT of priority. I normally don't post any comments but I wanted to let everyone know DO NOT beat yourself up when you leave the test. IT is VERY LIKELY that you PASSED. 85% of those that take it pass on their first attempt. Keep your head high and relax, it's finally over. I just knew I had failed when I walked out. WHATEVER you do DO NOT go home and look up the questions you weren't sure of. I did that and it took years off my life. Good luck to EVERYONE taking the exam this month. I wish all of you the very BEST.