Snowranger19 replied to MoLo's topic in Psychiatric
Way back when I became an RN, my school highly encouraged everyone to get at-least 1 year of medical experience before going into psych. I don't think this is completely neccesarily, but I can think of many times it served me well through my psych R...
Snowranger19 replied to ND76's topic in Addictions
Is there a reason it needs to be observed? Is this for MAT or ASAP requirements?
Our set up is just a restroom with no sink water. There is dye added to the toilet and they are instructed not to flush. UDS cups have a temperature strip that m...
What would becoming an MD do for you that additional training/education as an NP wouldn't? That is a lot of extra cost, training, and "starting over". There is always CME, additional certifications, etc. that you could do if it really is about havi...
100% this. Please do not go into psych just because the pay is better. Even if you end up landing a super-easy gig, its still a lot more patient interaction than medical visits.
There are also lots of no-shows, medication non-compliance, crisi...
Snowranger19 replied to pinkpedsnurse22's topic in NP Students
I worked inpatient throughout my PMHNP program, including clinicals. Have you spoken to your employer?
My work set me up with some clinical rotations there and allowed me to use PTO to take days off while still staying "full-time" on the unit. ...
PMHNP, Psych Nurse for 12 yearsish.
First "job" was a VA Residency for 1 year. 80k for 1 year. Lots of experience, PGY-1 Certificate. Full federal benefits.
Second job was an MAT clinic. 123k a year + incentives and bonuses. Averaged o...
I never understood the people that list RN and APRN.
Nursing "leaders" also hilarious to me. Sometimes they have so many credentials it takes a minute to even see what they actually are. And if they have an MBA or other non-nursing degree, t...
Snowranger19 replied to AspiringStudent33's topic in NP Students
I found a lot of USMLE things helpful. I have been told that is taboo by some other NPs but I found a lot of the material for medical students was very helpful..
YouTube was a great resource for me also. I would watch videos about USMLE prepar...
Snowranger19 replied to Beautiful_Beginnings's topic in NP Students
Working in psychiatry as an RN could give you a "taste" of what being a PMHNP would be like but also not really. You'd see the patients and the medications, kind of the overview. But being a NP is very different than being an RN.
Most NPs do p...
I asked this question at 34. I was working with an NP in the ED who was encouraging me to start NP school. I will repeat her answer...
"How old will you be in 3 years if you go to NP school? How old would you be if you didn't?"
This is my opinion.. I was a Psych Nurse for about 12 years before obtaining my PMHNP...
I do believe that RN experience offers valuable experience for the PMHNP. Not only in dealing with patients but also the knowledge of medications, procedur...
Snowranger19 replied to Skeptic's topic in Advanced
You are required to practice within your scope despite most (all?) states having only one APRN "License". There is no law saying that a PMHNP could not manage hypertension or a WHNP manage Bipolar disorder. The issue would come into play if somethi...
I really hate all the letters behind my name. I try to get away with listing as little as possible because I find it just confuses patients. My current employer likes to use MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC and I can't tell you how many conversations I have wit...
If the patient is a bartender, is it possible he is being drug-tested or having an issue due to taking a stimulant? Not sure what medication he is on (I would assume some stimulant) but I have had patients with concerns about work due to random drug...
Hey all , I am currently considering a move to Austin, Tx. I have been offered a position with American Travelers and they have a few contracts in the area. I am considering taking a contract just as a way to help me with relocation but do not ...
Have you tried the Gray's Anatomy line of men's scrubs? They are solid but they are made of a nice silky material that you might like. They are a little shinier and sleek looking than Landau.
I wear my hair as a sort of "messy" look with spikes in the front. I have been told by some of the older nurses that it looks unprofessional but as a few here have said... it has no reflection on your nursing ability. IMO just because your a nurse y...
Snowranger19 replied to KalipsoRed's topic in New Nurse
My advice to you about the EKG stuff - talk with an experienced staff nurse that is willing to help you. I asked one of the nurses who taught ACLS to go over the EKG stuff with me.. she took 20minutes and explained things and bam.. I have it down no...
Snowranger19 replied to sushi4breakfast's topic in New Nurse
What area do you work in? I know in my area it has been hard for me to find another job. Most of the hospitals here promote their techs/externs to RN positions. That is how I got my job at my hospital and I know people from my class that couldn't...
Snowranger19 replied to blondie7280's topic in New Nurse
I feel you. I am a new nurse (graduated in may, passed boards in july). I work on a telemetry/post-cath lab floor and we have the same problem you do. I also feel like crying each time work comes around. We typically have 6-8 patients a peice and our...
Snowranger19 replied to sparketteinok's topic in New Nurse
You don't work in Memphis, TN do you? I could swear you worked at my hospital. Seriously, I think people love to stick it to new grads. I am hoping like you that I can just make it through the next 2 weeks and pretend like orientation never happe...