SoonToBeFNP

I used to work at the VA in West Roxbury as an RN and rumor has it from my former co-workers that they are bringing back their new grad program. I believe they are doing the same low hourly pay that MGH's new grad program is offering. Just an FYI. My experience there was amazing and I received med/surg, telemetry, and oncology experience. They also have several ICUs that you can apply to after a few years. The pay and benefits were outstanding once I got my foot in the door (then again they didn't have a new grad program when I started)

Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA has an NP dermatology residency that runs most every year. Check it out if you are interested in pursuing that and would be willing to relocate to the area.

Hi Student FNP, I recently finished my MSN/FNP program at Regis College and have been having the same fight with myself of whether or not to pursue the DNP. A few weeks ago I would've said no way am I taking more classes BUT then several colleagues of mine had brought up the issue of not only continuing to advance my education as much as I can, but also job security. If I was in my 40s or 50s I don't think I would be even thinking about going back for my DNP as it is not well recognized at this point and it wouldn't be neccessary for my job...just an added bonus. But since I am young, eventually (10-15 years down the road) I will be competing with NPs who have the same experience but they will have a DNP and myself an MSN. I definiately believe that employers pick people, not degrees, but it can't hurt. Ultimately I've made the choice to continue. Also a couple of you on this thread had mentioned that you've been quite frustrated with the DNP curriculm as it is supposed to be a clinical doctorate, as opposed to a PhD. Most of the schools that I have researched only have a leadership component but there are schools now starting to change that. My school currently has a few DNP tracks that work with education, health policy, public health, and leadership but they have announced that they will be starting new tracks in the fall for hospitalists and those who which to remain at the bedside. It's not on their website yet, but if talk to their nursing department or look at the website in a few months it should be unveiled. As their programs are designed to only meet one day a month or as an online or hybrid course, it makes it very easy to complete if you are living away from the MA area.

The VA education coordinator is the person who set-up my cardiology rotation to begin with. Unfortunately the VA is all out of preceptors. They said they would let me know if anymore developed an interest in precepting. I have mentioned that I don't mind being precepted by MD/NP/PAs and will go wherever they have a spot open but so far no bites....

Hi Gerry, The school has a clinical coordinator who tries to contact facilities and set up preceptors but so far no one I have spoken with has gotten a placement through the school as of yet (this doesn't mean they haven't...I just haven't heard of it). Although the school coordinator is working with students that have found their own placements to set up the contracts and necessary paperwork. Regis is discouraging cold calling facilities as many of the larger facilities are being overwhelmed with students calling and frankly are getting quite irritated. I do have some time to drive to different practices but I feel more at ease if I speak with someone first and then meet with someone. I've had a few responses from office managers but I keep hearing that the MD/NP schedules have been tightened and they would have trouble including teachable moments. I have one preceptorship to take up approx 4 weeks but that's it. A bit unnerving as you can imagine. I know a lot of the other students are in the same boat. Figured this might be a good way to find someone. Can't hurt! :-)

Hi All, My name is Caitlin and I'm an FNP student at Regis College. I've been an RN for 2+ years on a 28-bed med/surg, telemetry, and oncology unit at the VA. I will be starting my clinical rotations this September and am growing increasingly nervous about not finding preceptors. I've found one preceptor thus far at the VA where I work (for a specialty cardiology rotation) but I'm having difficulty finding others. I'm looking for NP preceptors who work in adult, geriatrics, women's health, and/or pediatrics. Anyone have any suggestions or have any desire to precept? Thanks!