ErnestineB2009

Speedi-I took the AANP yesterday, and it was that hard AT ALL. I would be very knowledgeable about the common disorders you will see in primary care including lab values. IMO, its all about the nursing process. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me!

Well if anyone wants to work 4 12 hour shifts on their feet to make the same as a NP, god bless them. While they are doing that I will be at home and doing the things I love!

I took the exam today and PASSED..My advice to anyone who is taking it is to really know the assessment, diagnosis, and management for common diseases. You either know it or you don't. PM with any other questions! :)

One thing I noticed is the lack of primary care opportunities. Either employers want experience or no one is hiring. I think its their lost. How are you going to get experience if no one is hiring in those areas. Now a lot of graduates in my area stay in acute care or a similar setting in which they practiced as a RN.

I am in the same situation as you. I recently graduated, and I have just started looking for positions in primary care. However, I see most employers want NP's with experience already. Very frustrating. Now I will prob have to settle for an acute care position for year or until I can find a position I want. However, I am unsure if my degree prepares me for such! You will have to do whats best for you. I would check craigslist and all employment listing. The market is becoming saturated with NP/PA's that the perceived shortage is really non-existent. In addition, employers don't want to train providers in long orientation. They want employees who is going to bring in a lot of money quickly. I guess, like me, you will have to decide whether its worth moving to find what you want or take another job for experience.

I agree with the above! A forum about about actual NP practice only would be nice.

I asked my professor at school, and she states in NYS that is totally false that you will be held to the liability of your highest license if you work as A REGISTERED NURSE even if you have a NP license.

I think the ICU requirements for CRNA is mostly due to high acutity patient encounters you will experience in the OR and post-op. Its something you will not get from med-surg.

The first nursing job you take will probably be the scariest. Have confidence and always ask questions.

Sounds like an awesome opportunity. I hope you enjoy it!

I heard Penn is the best!

Well...I am currently in the situation. I have been a nurse for almost year in an acute setting, but I went back to school last year. In my experience, it has made no difference in many aspects. It may in clinical practice when I graduate, but right now I am doing just as well if not better than many people with 20+ years experience.I plan to continue to work as a RN even past passing the FNP boards to gain more knowledge, but I expect the same learning curve transitioning into the new role regardless.

LOL..so what is the point of getting a masters when you are making less than a RN. Honestly, maybe it is a waste of time. However, I feel the autonomy and flexibility will be more beneficial in the end to me.One of my preceptors told me the first NP job is going to be the crappiest because you will make less, but I would hope after 5-10 years of experience and a decent specialty that the pay will max out to be more like a PA than if I stayed at the bedside.

This is for experienced RNs, but have anyone seen a DECREASE in their pay in comparison to being a RN. A skin care nurse who is like a Clinician III at our hospital said she makes more than the NPs she works with and there was no point in getting her masters. I just want to hear other peoples experience with the NP market.

Are you saying you have been a RN new grad since 2009 and will be a new grad NP in 2011? If so, I guess working as a RN now will not hurt your cause. I am presently in a a similar situation. I became a new nurse last year and went straight to grad school and plan to finish in May 2011. I work part time as a RN and per diem in a SNF. If you have no previous experience now and is a RN, I encourage you to get a part time job depending on the area you plan to work.I know some hospitals where I live do not hire NPs unless they have 3-5 years of experience as a RN, so I am basically disqualified from working there until a year after I graduate. However, the hospital where I work doesn't care apparently. It all depends. I really don't plan to do acute care after I graduate. At least not immediately. I know plenty of people who got jobs quickly even through the same route of part time RN experience. I am not sure with direct entry.Although you should be fine if that is your situation. Programs would not be alive if their graduates aren't able to get jobs.