OrthoFNP

I am an FNP working in Orthopedics. I have been an FNP in Ortho for 6 months now. Prior to NP school I was an RN on a joint replacement floor. We took care of mostly hip, knee and shoulder replacement post operative patients. Once I graduated I got a job at the Sports Medicine clinic where the joint replacement surgeons work. In addition to these guys there are sports medicine surgeons and foot and ankle as well as spine and hand surgeonns. Between the 17, yes 17 partners, they care for every body part! Needless to say I had and still have A LOT to learn. It's not impossible, but in NP school we learn how to care for common orthopedic injuries one may encounter in family practice. I mistakenly thought it was going to take some time to learn, but not a lot of time. Boy was I wrong! There's a completely different language in ortho. There are more things that can be wrong with one body part than I ever imagined. Just make sure you take advantage while in the ED to look at X-rays and collaborate the images with the radiology report and read some of the physicians notes for some good practice. Oh, and really pay attention to and review your A&P! Ortho is a specialty where knowing the actual names of the parts of the long bones WILL come in handy. Also, pay attention to muscles, tendons and ligaments, where they are and how they allow that body part to move. So, YES it's A LOT, but if you love it as I do, you won't let that discourage you. Just understand you will feel lost for a while in ortho even after you are practicing. Make sure you are hired by a very supportive practice. I've been pretty fortunate because my biggest resource is my boyfriend. He's an orthopedic surgeon. Good LUCK!!!

YAY!!!!

I asked and CB told me drug screen/background check emails will go out next month.

My banner ID won't allow me to register through the medical clearance website. I'm starting to stress. Guess I will have to call someone tomorrow. Ugh...

No drug screen/background check email here either.

I am so sorry ScaryK. You gotta keep applying! You'll get in!!!

Dimples, I agree with CLPrater! Keep trying!!! You WILL end up exactly where you are supposed to! I've been rejected a time or two myself! It doesn't feel good at all, but it motivates you to push EVEN harder! Look into a boatload of schools! In MS alone there are many options including: USM, UMC, Delta State, William Carey, University for Women etc. etc. etc. As my mom always says, "Nothing ventured. Nothing gained."

Spoke to lady at UAB. Form only needs a witness signature not to be notarized.

I think all we need is a witness. Period. I know my punctuation on here is deplorable. I am using an iPad and am lazy. Hahaha

LLL8, I know my bf is anal lol! He is a surgeon. Need I say more?!?! LOL!

I think God has a plan. Period. Ya know?!? There are so many programs and one for everybody! Gotta find your niche. Where there is a will, there is a way. From what I've been told if you can become an RN, you can become an NP! They say RN is the HARDEST part!

UsA turned me down and my nursing GPA all in total is a 3.9! With a 4.0 science GPA. I guess they did not like my overall 3.1 from 2000 in corporate communication they scrutinized my grades I business and communication classes and ignored my science abilities. Hmmmmmm....I think it's because that's not where I was supposed to be!!!!

Guys, try to remain positive until you hear otherwise. They still may be loading info. I know I sound like a broken record. If its a "No" apply elsewhere. You will end up exactly where you are supposed to be. you can not give up. I am a second degree student. I have a BA. When I first applied to nursing school I was wait listed for an ABSN program and was never called off the wait list. I was DEVASTATED! My 3.3 GPA wasn't good enough. I was told to apply to traditional BSN but it started a year later bc I had missed the deadline. So, I applied to ADN programs and low and Behold not only did I get in but I got a full ride Scholarship! I busted my butt in my ADN program and made all As except for 2 Bs. I had a 4.0 Science GPA and a 4.0 in my RN-BSN bridge program which I obtained from the first school who turned me down! I went from rejected wait lister to 4.0! Oh, but it doesn't stop there i applied to USA FNP to start in January of 2014 With a 3.8 ADN - 4.0 BSN and 4.0 Science GPA to include Chem 1 and 2 which kicked my %## and I WAS DENIED FROM USA!!! This was about a month ago! My point is...Keep freaking trying if its a no. Don't give up! LLL8, I signed POS and guess advisor will too. Perplexed on FERPA. Boyfriend says I need to get it notarized... I'm like WHAT?!?! I'm calling school bc that seems like its overkill...

LLL8. Will do!

Shall we start a Facebook page ladies and gents?!