First of all, you have a lot of plans for the next 8+ years. By the time you start your NP program, it is likely to be a DNP program, you probably know that. 1) I worked as a psych tech when I was in nursing school, it was an inpatient unit, great ex...
Passing the core NP courses doesn't prepare one to manage medical problems, it's a foundation to build on with cliical courses. I work at a community mental health center, and treating medical problems is not allowed, it is outside the terms of our l...
There are a lot of postings in the career area on the AANP website. Also, my state NP association has a number of postings. And lastly, the school I went to had potential employers contact them all the time with jobs openings, which the profs would f...
The online programs are not going to go away, there are just too many people who cannot attend traditional schools. Schedules, distance, family and work situations prevent many people from attaining their dreams. Online courses can open up the possib...
The practice of post-hospital phone calls is a good one. The problem lies in trying to give advise and practice over the phone. My advise is to ask people who are having problems to come in and be seen.
williamd replied to ralph41's topic in NP Students
I used the Mometrix flashcards. They were very helpfull, as well as the test-taking tips that were included. The test was changed recently, and I don't think all the review materials have caught up yet. More therapy, less nursing theory. My past prac...
williamd replied to Colin the Red RN's topic in Men
I have a free Men in Nursing 2011 from Lippincott. It features different men in all areas of nursing. No beafcake, just regular guys like you and me at work. They are free (not sure how I got mine in the mail), the contact info on the back is Cindy D...
Currently going to school at Wayne State University. There are over 400 NP students, and ~11 different programs. The 2 specialties there are no men in (as far as I know) are Womens Health, and Nurse Midwife. However, reading some of the postings in t...
williamd replied to Newbiestudent18's topic in General Nursing
All the techniques for developing good study habits would fill a book, and have- many of them. I want to suggest 2 things. These may or may not apply to you. #1 lay off any mood altering chemicals. These get in the way of neurotransmitters in the br...
I would look at a direct entry program. There are quite a few programs that are available as online or distance learning, which may fit in with your work situation. I would look at a DNP program, it sounds as though you want to go into practice on yo...
williamd replied to HazelEyedDream's topic in Advanced
I am just finishing my psych NP program, and have 20+ years experience as a psych nurse. This background has been invaluable as I have progressed through my program. I know many of my classmates do not have the psych experience that I do. They are go...
You have to be working as a nurse, and it has to be in a federally qualified health care setting. I qualified this year, but the fund ran out of money before they got to me. So it is possible, but difficult.
The clinical practice of a psychiatric nurse practitioner involves the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of those with a mental illness. Medications are just a part, therapy is also an important element. Nurses have an important, different perspec...
I wouldn't bother retaking classes. Go ahead and try applying to a school, many will let you in on a probationary basis. You have to maintain a certain grade average for say, 6 months, then you will be in good standing. Some schools are a bit snottin...
I got my MSN from Norwich University. All of the problems you identify as being barriers to success would not be an issue there. Norwich also has one of the highest satisfaction rates with graduates. I see many other posters have had positive experie...
I am in an adult psych NP progam, and also am working at a community mental health center. What a psych NP does varies quite a bit, depending on the work setting. You are credentialed to practice in the mental health area (not medical), and are respo...
You sound a lot like me when I finished nursing school. I had a sinking feeling that I had made a big mistake, I just wasn't liking med-surg, and the feeling that there was something still undone at the end of the day. Fortunately, I found a job in p...
williamd replied to AHeartLikeHis's topic in Psychiatric
Many Master level programs are not as hard to get into as a lower level degree, though you may have to take the GRE. For Bachelor programs in this area (Michigan), a 3.0-3.5 GPA is the norm, though it depends on the school. AD schools are harder to g...