FNPGrad

I got my FNP certification from AANP recently also and applied for AANC reciprocity. You don't need to take the test, just submit an application and fee. It is a relatively simple process, the application is only 4-5 pages and doesn't require submitting transcripts, etc. Just proof of AANP certification and state license. I submitted my application on November 15th and my payment cleared on the 19th. I am waiting for my letter +/or certification in the mail. You have to do it NOW because it ends December 31st. From the ANCC site: Effective January 1, 2011, ANCC certification by reciprocity will no longer be available.Nurses currently certified by another organization who wish to obtain ANCC certificationby reciprocity must submit an application by December 31, 2010. Applications received after December 31, 2010 will not be processed. The application can be found at: Certification Applications - American Nurses Credentialing Center - ANCC It doesn't mention anything about applicants who have previously tested with ANCC. From the application: Reciprocity refers to the ANCC Commission on Certification policy whereby your certification with a different certification organization may be recognized by ANCC. ANCC may grant reciprocity to a nurse certified by another certifying organization in a certification specialty also offered by ANCC, subject to the following conditions: > The other certifying organization’s exam is accredited by either the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) or the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA). > You hold a current certification with the other organization. > You hold a current, active RN license within a state or territory of the United States or the professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country. > You meet the required continuing education requirements outlined inside this brochure. > You do not already hold a current or lapsed ANCC certification in the same certification specialty. I would call them at 1-800-284-2378 (the # I need to call if I don't receive the letter soon) or send them an email ASAP. Good Luck!

Congratulations!!! :clpty::clpty::clpty::clpty:

Deannarex- Good luck on the exam!! I will be praying for you and sending you positive thoughts! dojo2- congrats on your new job! I am sure that you feel nervous and overwhelmed. It's all so new! I am doing another semester as a clinical instructor this fall. It's a familiar area to me and the school is really short handed. It gives me time to keep looking for an NP job. Just wanted to make a comment about the AANP exam. I took the test on a Sunday and got an immediate preliminary "pass" result, was able to print out my wallet card by Wednesday and received the "official" letter in the mail this past Tuesday - 9 days after my test date. I thought that was a pretty quick turnaround. I am an "old school" RN - when I took the 2-day, pencil-and-paper NCLEX in June of 1991, I didn't receive my results until Labor Day weekend. How times have changed! :vlin: Is the turnaround time for the ANCC exam the same? Just curious...

Once again, a whole new level of ignorance. This is from "The World Health Organization's ranking of the world's health systems" 1 France 2 Italy 3 San Marino 4 Andorra 5 Malta 6 Singapore 7 Spain 8 Oman 9 Austria 10 Japan 11 Norway 12 Portugal 13 Monaco 14 Greece 15 Iceland 16 Luxembourg 17 Netherlands 18 United Kingdom 19 Ireland 20 Switzerland 21 Belgium 22 Colombia 23 Sweden 24 Cyprus 25 Germany 26 Saudi Arabia 27 United Arab Emirates 28 Israel 29 Morocco 30 Canada 31 Finland 32 Australia 33 Chile 34 Denmark 35 Dominica 36 Costa Rica 37 United States of America

Sounds like you're taking this personally! So if no physician was available, you would have a family member go without treatment? Ridiculous! That's a whole new level of ignorance...

Thanks Deanna! Actually, I was so exhausted after the exam, I slept for most of the afternoon and went to bed early Good point about the earphones! My exam was Sunday morning and the place was packed. The guy next to me was frantically (and quite loudly) typing away on his keyboard. I have no idea what he was taking but he was there when I arrived and still there 3 hours later when I left. Anyway, they provide each cubby with a set of noise cancelling headphones. I wore them the entire time and they worked great - even better and more comfortable than the pair I have at home. They also gave me two sheets of plastic-coated paper with a dry erase marker and eraser. You have to surrender your watch, but the computer counts down for you. :throcomp:

deltamed- "Instead the trend has been NP/DNP going into specialty care where we do not need them..." Another person spewing fiction and acting like it's the truth. What is your source on this supposed "trend" besides your opinion? As was so eloquently stated above, "It makes me wonder if he/she has any formal education in reading articles and deciding if they are valid...it's very very clear there are propaganda studies that some people buy hook line and sinker."

I took the AANP on Sunday morning and passed. I am still pinching myself! :anpom: Deanna, I think you will do fine on the exam. You sound like you are very well prepared. The most important thing is to try to keep your anxiety level down and make sure you are getting enough sleep - words of wisdom given to me by a wonderful NP on this site, about 3 days before the exam :[anb]: Don't get discouraged by the practice tests and scores. Just read the rationales for the ones you get wrong so you can learn from them. If you are using a source that only gives the answers and doesn't give rationales, stop using it. My favorite was the CD from the Zerwekh and Claborn book. I must have done at least 10 or 12 practice tests of 175 questions each and still kept getting new questions. The questions that were "repeats" helped to reinforce the information and the new ones were....well...new information to learn. I was getting in the 70s - 80s by the end and I did fine on the exam. Good Luck!:heartbeat

wowza- "it has been shown in various studies that midlevels order more tests which makes up the tiny difference that pay difference makes" Is this your opinion or fact - what studies are you referring to?

I was surprised a little by the questions. It was 100% clinically focused. No theory, legal, ethical or research questions at all. I guess it's the ANCC exam that includes those type of questions. It took me 2 hours total, including marking several questions, taking 2 bathroom breaks, reviewing every question at the end and staring at the "you have passed" screen for awhile! I am glad that I did not postpone it. The waiting is absolutely brutal!

I passed the AANP exam today! :rckn: I am sooooo tired...I feel like I could sleep for a week! :zzzzz

Awwww! Thank you also to newgrad13 and Blessedx3! I didn't see your posts before I replied to Cameron46. I will definitely keep you posted!

Thank you so very much for your thorough and very reassuring response! I think that you just told me everything that I needed to hear. As a matter of fact, I cut+pasted your reply onto a word document and printed it (with colorful fonts) to put with my study materials. I truly love this site! I should have come here for support sooner :lvan: It's funny how anxiety is vicious cycle...anxiety leads to lack of sleep which leads to "extra" caffeine that causes more anxiety and even less sleep...after 3 or 4 days, it messes with your mind. I am going to focus on getting rest and rely a little on the 3+ years of school and endless weeks of studying I've already done to get me through the exam. Thanks again! :heartbeat

Ugggh! I think I am having a nervous breakdown! I take the AANP exam this Sunday the 22nd, and I am a total mess. I've listen to APEA and Fitz CDs, done practice tests using the Zerwekh computer CD (raised my score from 66-83%) and I've been going through Fitz' new review book. I just can't think anymore and I feel like I can't remember anything. I don't know what to do with myself for the next few days...more questions? more review? take a break? Should I take up drinking? *wine I can't sleep...I can't eat (except for candy from midnight-2am). :sofahider Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated! A couple of questions...are you allowed to use "scratch paper" during the AANP exam? Can you have hard candy/mints? How early should I get there? Does it take the full 3.5 hours? I am seriously losing it! Should I postpone the date...again? HELP! :sstrs:

I had to look it up also. Here is a definition from the AANP website (American Association of Naturopathic Physicians): "Naturopathic physicians combine the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science. Steeped in traditional healing methods, principles and practices, naturopathic medicine focuses on holistic, proactive prevention and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. By using protocols that minimize the risk of harm, naturopathic physicians help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health. It is the naturopathic physician’s role to identify and remove barriers to good health by helping to create a healing internal and external environment. Naturopathic physicians work in private practices, hospitals, clinics and community health centers. NDs practice throughout the United States and Canada. Qualified naturopathic physicians undergo rigorous training before they become licensed healthcare practitioners. Visit our Professional Education page to learn about naturopathic education. NDs treat all medical conditions and can provide both individual and family healthcare. Among the most common ailments they treat are allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, respiratory conditions, heart disease, fertility problems, menopause, adrenal fatigue, cancer, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. NDs can perform minor surgeries, such as removing cysts or stitching up superficial wounds. However, they do not practice major surgery. NDs are trained to utilize prescription drugs, although the emphasis of naturopathic medicine is the use of natural healing agents."

Sorry...one more thing. Tuition is $640 per credit so 640 x 202 = $129,280 Room and board for 4 years (6950 x 4) = $27,800 plus books, food, lab fees, misc fees….?? Roughly $160,000!

OMG…so funny that this came up!! I was catching up with an old friend a few days ago and she was updating me on another friend (bear with me…it gets good) who became a naturopathic doctor in 2009. The last time I saw her in 2003, she was a Clinical Nutritionist with an M.S. degree. She went to a local university in Bridgeport CT. Two months you say?? Not even close! Try FOUR YEARS of FULL TIME study! No part-time allowed, no online or "distance" learning. Check this out: Each year consists of two 18 week semesters (normal is 12 weeks) Each semester is between 25 and 30 credits (I think my entire program was ~ 36 credits) Each summer is spent doing "clinical" time Grand Total is 202.75 credits! Can you imagine what it costs?? This is the curriculum: Anatomy, Histology, Embryology, Biochemistry, Physiology, History of Naturopathic Medicine, Philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine, Mind-Body Medicine, Research Methods/Statistics and a Botanical Pharmacy Lab in the first semester alone!! :sstrs: Additional classes include (This is from the website) Neuroscience, Living Anatomy, Hydrotherapy, Counseling Skills, Phytopharmacognosy(?), Pathology, Clinical Diagnosis, Physical Examination, Laboratory Diagnosis, Public Health/Epidemiology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Botanical Medicine, Nutrition, Oriental Medicine, Orthopedic Assessment, Psychological Assessment, Clinic Education, Diagnostic Imaging, Clinical Forum, Gynecology, Homeopathy, Gastroenterology, Cardiology, Emergency Procedures, Environmental Medicine, EENT, Endocrinology, Neurology, Urology/Proctology, Obstetrics, Practice Management, Geriatrics, Oncology, Dermatology, Minor Surgery, Therapeutic Exercise/Sports Medicine and Jurisprudence/Ethics :dzed: Can you imagine that?? I had no idea it involved so much! I'm glad to learn I'm not the only one. I don't think you could pay me to go through that!

Whether it's worth it depends on you. The truth is, from what I've heard, it doesn't really matter to most employers which certification an NP has, as long as the NP is certified. Some employers (like the VA) want ANCC certification. In my area (Connecticut), many FNPs are certified by both bodies. I don't know why and I hear that it really doesn't make a difference, but, I want to be competitive, especially in a tough job market. I had one NP tell me that it shows "motivation" and ambition. I don't know if that's true or not. The name writing goes like this: ANCC certification: Family nurse practitioner – FNP-BC Adult nurse practitioner – ANP-BC Example - Jane Doe, MSN, FNP-BC AANP is NP-C Example - Jane Doe, MSN, NP-C Both certifications - Jane Doe, MSN, FNP-BC, NP-C This is how M. Fitzgerald writes hers (she is from Massachusetts - neighbor of Connecticut) - Margaret A. Fitzgerald, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C, FAANP, CSP Not sure what "CSP" is exactly...

Reciprocity certification from the ANCC is in addition to your original certification. You don't lose anything.

holy cow! :grn: thank you so much for posting that updated info. better get back to studying! i've got 16 days to go until aanp d-day :hdvwl:

Good luck Lovely30 and mickey4! I will keep you both in my prayers. :hug: I take the AANP for the first time on August 22nd and soooo want it to just be over!

I was a die-hard Fitzgerald devotee, but the more I listen to the APEA CDs and look at the review book, the more I like Amelie Hollier. She is very realistic, down to earth and not the least bit condescending. Just an example: She makes a joke about NP students and the fundascopic exams saying, "I know you didn't see what you said you did...I didn't either" and says it takes looking at 250 eyes to get a good feel for it. Fitzgerald, at times, likes to toot her own horn. Going on and on about the subtle differences in retinal colors for various ethnic groups "see how this is slightly pink? see how this is a darker red?" Uhhh no...this is an audio CD and I'm lucky if I see anything! Kinda gets on my nerves. (Can you tell how sick of studying I am, LOL) I take the AANP on August 22nd and I am seriously praying that I pass the first time. Than I'll apply for ANCC reciprocity and hopefully NEVER have to do this again! :dzed:

Hi lesrn So sorry for the late reply! I'm sure you're really going to think I'm crazy but I started doing homecare in 1993-94 when I was a much younger RN and wanted to supplement my income - in addition to the 3 -12's I was doing in the ICU (Ahhh..to be that young again and have all that energy) Anyway...I started in '94 and never stopped. I absolutely, positively LOVE home care and still do per diem when I can. There is nothing like caring for a patient in their own environment and being able to help a patient stay in their own home.:redpinkhe Believe it or not, my home care skills were the most useful skills I brought to the primary care setting. I was surprised to learn that even though the MDs are ordering home care and signing orders, they have very little knowledge of who qualifies for what services, Medicare vs Medicaid guidelines, home medical equipment coverage, available community services, etc. You already posses a ton of knowledge from your hospice homecare experience that will transfer well into NP practice. In addition to what I listed above, you are experienced and well-versed at teaching home safety, fall prevention, safe and appropriate medication use, skin care/dressing changes... lots of important stuff. In addition, you have excellent communication skills, the ability to quickly and effectively develop rapport with family members/caregivers, experience collaborating and coordinating with multi-disciplinary team members, strong assessment skills, experience with ICD-9 coding and billing - these are all immensely helpful in primary care. The Hospice end of it gives you additional knowledge in end of life care, advance directives, pain management/palliative care and dealing with grieving. You are in a prime position to nicely transition into the NP role. :cheers: Now...for the BAD news. :flmngmd: NPs are NOT allowed to certify a patient for homecare, sign or give ANY orders for meds or treatments - nothing. There is current legislation that is working to change this. I STRONGLY encourage you to get involved and do a Google search for "H.R. 4993, the Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act" It is easier than you think to write to your state legislators and I have gotten very positive results from a relatively small investment of time and effort. Just in case this post gets edited or deleted - So sorry to the moderators if I am posting something that's not allowed :smackingf - I am going to send you a private message Sorry for AGAIN hijacking this post! :oornt:I just love this site and get very passionate and excited chatting with all of the incredible nurses I've met here!! :lvan:

Hi Caitlin, The one suggestion that I would offer is to not limit yourself to just NPs. I did my Pedi with an MD and my GYN with a PA. Both were excellent learning experiences and I was able to see the similarities and differences of each type of provider. Whatever you do, don't get discouraged. I literally had to get out the yellow pages and "cold call" offices to find preceptors. (I would NOT recommend it). Good Luck!

Congratulations nrsjess!! :hpygrp::hpygrp::hpygrp::hpygrp: At least it's all behind you now! I take the AANP on August 14th and I am sooooo sick of studying! I can't wait 'til it's over