allaboutnursing77

Thank you for your response - very helpful! I did get laid off due to Covid. I was working part time in a GI clinic (partial outpatient/partial inpatient) and they changed my status to per diem due to decreased patient volume... So your comment made me think maybe I am/was on the right track. I am awaiting getting my job back sometime in the Fall (fingers crossed). I was on the surge staffing hospitalist team for my hospital (which they have dismantled now because our numbers are so low) and for part of the time I was seeing all the GI inpatients. I was comfortable with that. So, I guess what I'm saying is your input makes me think perhaps I should just stay the course and eventually transition into the ICU... We'll see! Still in limbo for my job at the moment. Thanks for your help!

Hi all! I'm an FNP in Massachusetts. I've been practicing for 9 years in a variety of roles (SNF, Pre-admission testing, GI outpatient clinic). Before that I was an RN on a Med/surg floor with some telemetry (half the floor) and I was a homecare nurse. I've always wanted to be an acute care NP and since I've been laid off....now seems like a good time to look into programs. I'm thinking about applying to several adult gerontology acute care post grad certificate programs, but I don't think I have enough hands on acute care experience. I think its best if I go back to being an RN for a while in an acute care role. Any tips on how to get a job in that setting after being away from the bedside since 2010? I'd be up for ICU/MICU/SICU/ED. All suggestions are welcome! Thank you in advance, hope you're staying safe and sane!

That's pretty awesome. I'm an NP with medsurg experience as an RN and would love to get into a role in the ER - as an NP ultimately, but I"d get my feet wet in the RN role. Can I ask where you saw that job posting?

I think you are right with the standardization. I'm meeting with two local NPs next week, one that has worked in the ER for ages and another that works in Medsurg. I'd like to see what the general feeling is in this area. Either way, I'm excited to have figured out what I want to do as an NP! It only took me 7 years practicing in different areas to do that but thats ok with me :)

Yeah, my end goal is the same as yours. Though I think you're definitely more prepared than I am, seeing as you have critical care experience.

To work as an NP in the ED. Just don't think with my lack of experience working in that setting that I would be prepared to do so. Trying to make sure I'm as best prepared as I can be to move into a new role...

Ultimately, you will have to decide for yourself whether you feel your experience has prepared you for a new specialty. You can take a look at materials for the CEN or CCRN exam to give you a sense of the knowledge base of an RN in these areas. It's not the same as experience which nothing can completely replicate but it might help you gauge your preparedness a little better. I think its safe to say I don't feel that my experience has prepared me for a new specialty. Though, I'm a bit nervous to even apply for a job as an RN in the ER! I haven't worked in a hospital as an RN in 7 years....not sure anyone would hire me. Any advice on that? @pro-student

Yes, just outside of Boston.

Thank you - This is really helpful!

I can attest to that. Simmons University requires 83 for passing..

Hello friends! I am considering a program for Adult-Gero Acute care CAGs as an FNP. My clinical experience includes: med surg floor nursing, post surgical floor nursing, home care, then as an NP - geriatrics long term care, and pre-surgical anesthesia assessment. I really have no straight acute care experience but I really LOVE acute care, specifically ER nursing. Its really why I became a nurse in the first place, but I never travelled down that road. What are thoughts on making this transition from a family NP to acute care NP? Is it best for me to try and get in working as an RN in an ER first? I don't know where to go from here, kinda feel like I've painted myself into a corner.... Any kind advice is welcomed :) thanks!

@SopranoKris - thank you! This is really helpful stuff!

Hi All, I thank you in advance for your assistance here! I'm teaching Pharmacology this Fall to pre-licensure students. They are Direct Entry students starting a new career and this is their first semester of school. So, this is their very first Pharmacology class. EEK! Any tips on how to make this class less daunting, exciting, and overall fun? Any tips are appreciated. I taught this once before and it's challenging content to keep exciting. thanks in advance!

@DizzyJon I haven't looked into it but am interested. I'll take a look! thank you :)

where do you work?! I want that gig