Leanne62499

Hi Brandon! Is never too soon to start making connections, and network. As far as a timeline, it depends somewhat on the school, since each college has their own way, so to speak. I was told that it might take a long time, and lots of effort to find preceptors, but I was fortunate to make only 4 phone calls, and got accepted in 2 different places. I started my search about 1 year prior to the actual start of my clinical, and I intend to have several options lined up, just in case. Once you start, you will be given more guidance, you will get a list of preferred, or already credentialed sites, preceptors that have worked with your university prior, or even alumni. I do not specifically know the required hours and exams you have to perform in specialized areas, but I believe that you will need more than one preceptor. Since you said you live in WV, a rural clinic might be the only site you need, since they see whatever comes through the door. Also, since you work ER, 20% of your hours or more, depending on the program, can be done with an NP or MD in that department. Good luck!

4evernrs...Thank you for your replay...I would like to keep in touch...specially since we might end up in the same program:-) Let me know how it goes with the admission process....I will start mine in 6 weeks:-)....and hopefully start grad school by fall.

Thank you! I really do not have any idea how hard it is to get accepted in any program....I was told by and adviser from frontier School that I should have no problem if I satisfy their admission criteria! So...we will see....I guess....or I might send my application to other colleges. I just hate to ask for recommendations ( do not like to bother people) and since they have to sealed....means more work for the people kind enough to write them:-)

Hello! I was just wondering if it is a good idea to apply to several universities, or just the one I have my heart set on? I am finishing my BSN in May, and was told I can apply before if all the requirements are met, and start after I graduate. I am considering Frontier School, since I live about 3 hours away, and they allow admissions year round. I could apply to 2 more universities located in the area, but not sure if I should. I never applied for more than one program before, since I always did my "homework" and decided in advance on a certain university. I know it is somewhat different with graduate programs,....so just wondering what other people think ( prior experiences?). Thanks!

Thanks for all the postings! I will pursue the NP route, first family than a post master certification for acute care...that way I can work outpatient or inpatient. I have been thinking a lot about both options, and I believe my choice is also based on my age. I would have definitely chosen CRNA 10 years ago, but now I think NP will give me a better return to my investment:-) I can be working more years in an office seeing patients, and do not have to be "sweating bullets" because of a difficult patient. Also the area I live in is getting saturated with CRNA (only 1 major trauma center)....but is in desperate need of primary care NP. This path will allow me more time with my family, less stressful job, and....less money:-):uhoh3:but money is not the reason I am going to grad school.

Do not panic! If the urine did not get in contact with your skin, there is no problem. It also depends on what type of chemo (drug) and when did the patient receive chemo. Most precautions need to be taken for the first 48 hrs. Double gloving is a precaution just in case one glove has defects, and the chemo may get in contact with the skin. Washing your hands thoroughly was a great thing...so really do not worry! You are fine!

Unfortunately not where I work. It is becoming almost standard to have 3 patients assignment, and I think it is down right unsafe ! I used to love my job, but know the 12 hour shift turns into 14 just trying to catch up with my documentation, and not forget something. Some days by the end of the day we end up having 4 patients, because the empty beds are made to be filled by fresh emergencies. So we transfer patients out just so they can be MET calls same day or a day later! :-(

I do not think that online MSN/NP programs offer "less of a degree" or preparation...everybody sits in front of the same exam at the end...you get what you put into. I am thankful that there such programs, because allows nurses like me to fulfill their dream, while working and taking care of the family...There is no ACNP program within driving distance from my house, in fact there are only 3 schools in the whole state that offers an NP degree. I am not at the age that I can pick up and move to pursue my dream, even though I still have to make sacrifices...Online programs do have GRE requirements, and high GPA, and , and...so why should i consider it a poor choice? I will still have to do my hours of practicum, so is different?

Hello everybody! I am sure somewhere, somebody asked the same question...so I apologize...I need to make a decision and start planning for applying for a master degree....but I am having a really hard time making a decision! A little about my self: RN BSN, 8 years experience various critical care areas, high GPA, motivated, but...somewhat older 38yo...want to get away from bedside, need a break from the physical part of bedside primary care. I am really, really interested in NP career, but....CRNA comes with almost double the money....sorry I am not greedy...but have o think about, time, effort, and my kids...future...and so on. I love critical care because it gives me the opportunity of forming a "relationship" with my patients, and their families. I get along with even the most difficult families, demanding and so on....so I believe I could do that while being an NP. I like to help my patients, through education, to take over their health care issues, to become involved and ask pertinent questions...because most of them , at least the less educated ones, become victims of lack of time a physician can offer during visits, or rounds. In the same time, I do like the critical care part, the"adrenaline rush" to a point...but I am not an adrenaline junkie . that is why I am having such a hard time deciding...My questions: what path would allow me to build a relationship with my patient but still give me the trill of critical care situation? Does acute care NP differs a lot from FNP? I do not like OB so midwife is out of question. I have not had any Psych experience...so Behav Med does not interests me, do not know how to approach trouble patients or teens. Any input is appreciated! Thanks! Leanne:nurse:

Thank you:) I was just trying to get the MSN part of it out of my way...but it would not be a smart move, I will just go straight into the MSN/NP program instead! As for CRNA...I just do not have the personality for OR, I really like the interaction with patients and family (even though I work ICU...my patients are critical but not always intubated :)I believe I will do good with the nursing part, and I will make it through theory...it wont' be as much as in a MSN/leadership. Thanks again for the input!

Hello everybody! I have an urgent issue...I have to decide by the end of next week if I stay in the RN-BSN program only or go straight to MSN. My ultimate goal is either NP-acute care or CNS-probably cardiac...but the dilemma just starts...if I go for the MSN with the current university, I skip 5 classes...and graduate in 3 years with a BSN and MSN(but in leadership, education or public health . So I will still have to go finish a post master in a NP program. I have been blessed and worked in good hospitals, only critical care, and nursing is my cup of tea...but I HATE the BS courses...so what should I do? The regular NP programs focus more on nursing and less on theory, research, and leadership courses...so more up on my alley ...but I really would like to get an MSN ASAP since I need to get away from bedside due to health issues???? Please help with an advice...Is NP the way to go? CNS? or an MSN? What jobs are there for MSN degrees without a specialty? Thank you all so much for reading my post!

Well...this guidance just gives hospitals more power to say no to the N95 mask...in fact I just had a patient this week, with confirmed H1N!, and I was told to use just a regular mask...I still got the N95 tough!

First you have to find out if the hospital/unit you are interested in hire new grads in their NICU. Some hospitals will take new nurses and teach them, but some don't . If you have the chance to do some practicum in the NICU, and make yourself known to the nurses there, than you might have a better chance. Honestly it all depends on the manager, and hospital practices... Good luck!

I will be moving to WV, Charleston area(husband job), I am an ICU RN. I read somewhere on a different forum that Huntington hospitals pay better, and have better reputation . Is it true? should I look into living somewhere in between these two cities? Thanks for answers!:)