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I was so nervous to start! I listened to review CDs for about a month prior. I felt fairly prepared, but had a few very dumb moments. :) If you are permitted to have your phone or device (and have one), Epocrates was very handy for me. I also have a few Tarascon guides I use. Good luck!

SJCME needs to take a hard look at the Adv Pharm class. Mine was a mess, and I did complain. I'm just completing my first clinical rotation this week!

I don't specifically remember the name of the pharm book, but you can always go to the bookstore website and search by course number! Good luck. I just started my adult theory and the textbooks are a little overwhelming.

I've worked with many PAs who are specialized, and namely in psych. PAs came into the hospital to complete psychiatry fellowships, just as NPs did. I think we need to stop pointing fingers at what's better or worse in our fields and within this field. Let's face it, there are some lousy RNs, worthless MDs, and will be NPs who are much better prepared than others. I believe your education and experience can be as rigorous as you make it. I went through the same RN and BSN programs as 100 other students. We are not all equally competent nurses.

There are so many variables, as mentioned. PA programs may have more clinical hours built in, but I would guess the majority of NP students have had significant experience as RNs. When I applied for my program, there was a minimum requirement of 1000 hours worked. Just a thought. I feel like there is just *so* much to learn. No matter which program you choose, you have to supplement, review case studies, seek out learning opportunities in your desired field, etc. I'm just excited to get started with clinical!

Well said.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not arguing with you guys. I completely agree that students finding their own preceptors is a huge problem. However, it's not simply a matter of local vs. distance programs. With my program, in finding a preceptor, there are huge hoops to jump through (before and during the actual rotation). There are only certain clinical sites that can be approved within each area. My potential preceptors have to send a resume, education, 2 letters of reference, prior preceptor experience, etc. During the clinical rotation, the student is taking a concurrent course, and has to log onto a program to document case studies and clinical experiences. The preceptor also has to log-in and approve all of the clinical hours and case studies logged by the student. I would imagine if you examine the processes of both online and local universities, the actual day to day of clinical training would be very similar. As I mentioned before, our largest local University requires students to find preceptors. Believe me, I'm frustrated. I had no idea it would be this difficult.

I think we all need to hear it :) Hopefully there are more than a few around here who attended an online/distance program, had a great experience with wonderful preceptors and are working as NPs! I know I have spoken to a few grads in my program (which is fairly new), who fared pretty well. Yes, the student market is becoming saturated, but we all got here through hard work and perseverance. We have to keep at it with our goals in mind. I'm so excited to become an NP (and even excited about starting clinical )

That's a very idealistic view. Also, the largest University in my state requires students to find their own preceptors. I've heard this is not at all unique, and is in fact quite common. I agree, it's a problem. However, why blame the students for attending rather than the programs for their structure?

Christine, I'm struggling myself It's really starting to worry me! I've sent out so many emails, left voice messages, etc. I'm not sure what my next step should be...

Bumping this up. How is everyone doing? I'm planning to start clinical on 7/31 if all goes well.

I would really recommend emailing your advisor instead.

We also have residents who need bathing desperately and are so difficult...we usually end up using a PRN, being very creative, and sometimes involving family. We have one resident in particular who will have dried BM in his pants and still refuse to shower. At this point it becomes a health issue and we cannot just leave him. Poor guy

Having trouble renewing, too... :/

I agree, there are jobs to be had, but don't count on getting your first choice as a new grad. You'll open up more opportunities with experience.