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

Hi there, I haven't posted in a long long time but am seeking some advice. I've been an FNP for 6 years now. I've worked in surgical oncology, long term care, and now work in a preoperative clinic at a large teaching hospital. The flexibility of my job is great, I work 8-4 Monday-Friday, no weekends, no holidays, no call and have a substantial vacation package. It really is a great gig. I have small kids at home, so the flexibility is key for me right now. I'm just wondering if there is something I could be doing now to set me up well for future jobs. I know I won't be staying here forever. While the job itself is good, the salary is mediocre and the room for growth is dismal. I'm wondering what additional certifications others have obtained and have found useful in projecting their career forward. I have an interest in holistic health and health coaching, but I'm not sure where that would take me. Any and all advice is welcome. Thanks in advance!

Dear careerchanger- Not to fret! I came from a completely different background- I was the sales director at a catering company- so it was a big switch for me too. Sounds like you are doing all the right stuff though as far as shadowing and volunteering- that will look great on your application. As far a gps's go - I'm not sure they focus on those so much- especially since you've been out of school for a while. I know a handful of people that took all prereqs there-it's not unheard of and if you're getting stats under your belt now, you're on the right track. Really I think simmons appreciates diversity in their students so your past degree may actually make you stand out. What are you doing for work now? Hope that helps!!

Hi all, I am a student in the Direct Entry program at Simmons (the accelerated RN-NP program) and completed the RN portion last December (December 08). At Simmons you start your clinical in the first year and yes, it is one day a week, 8 hour shifts. I'm not sure exactly how it works for the 2 year Dix, but I know the 18 month Dix students have two days of clinical the second semester and continue to have type of schedule through the rest of the program. The great thing about Simmons is its one on one preceptorship that occurs in the last semester. During that time you spend the entire semester working one on one with a nurse and you learn so so so much. Its the closest thing to being on your own and it is extremely helpful. The time commitment is intense. With classes two days a week and clinical either one or two days a week you are pretty much entirely consumed by school for the length of the program. Now, don't get me wrong, you absolutely can have a life if you make a priority. You just have to be good at time management. Okay I think I've ranted enough....if you have any specific questions, please feel free to ask. I'm happy to help! Oh and the class size of the 18 month Dix is about 50-60 students....approximately. Good luck!

What type of program are you interviewing for?

HAHAHAHAHAHA - i'll remember this for sure - thanks!