kyboyrn

I graduated from a FNP program, and went to work in an ER (the same ER where I worked as a ER nurse for 5 years). We have two ERs. There is the main ER, where we see everything, and a second ER where we try to see less acute patients, but will see the others if we have to. I work in both ERs, and I see all types of patients. Not just the clinic fast track stuff. The only things I can't do are intubate, central lines, and chest tubes. A doc has to review all of our patient's EKGs and x-rays. Still, we see some pretty sick patients at times, so I think it depends on where you work. Still, in some ERs working as an NP, you'll get to take care of the critical patients. I participate in the care of all kinds of patients, including patients requiring drips, patients having MIs, etc. So, if you want critical care experience as an NP, just look for a job that fits what you're looking for

Reading this makes me glad I went with the FNP certification, and that I am certified with the AANP. I work in emergency medicine, and although I was advised by some that the Adult NP route was the way to go if I wanted to do ER, I was lucky enough to have a friend who told me otherwise. He was certified in Adult care, and he attempted to get a job at a few different emergency rooms, and no one would hire him because he couldn't treat children. So, he went back and got his family certification so that he could get a job (at the same ER I work at). Also, in regards to what the author who started this discussion was talking about as far as geriatric care, I feel that our FNP program adequately covered geriatric care. Actually, one semester was focused quite extensively on the aging population, which is great because in the ER, the elderly (as well as children) make up a large poriton of our patient population. I see the goal of what the ANCC is doing, but I disagree with how they are doing it, and that they are actually doing it. I am sorry to all of the APNs that are in these specialties that they are phasing out. I do disagree with the initial posters idea that the family practice certification may be phased out in the future. I think that the biggest push for nurse practitioners is in the family practice area, to fill the void of a decreasing amount of family practice physicians, and to provide primary care to patients across the lifespan in rural areas. I think if there were to be only one remaining certification (which I hope never, ever happens obviously...we need all of our APN specialties as far as I'm concerned) I think the family practice certification would remain. The AANP has less certification choices, so all of this streamlining won't affect APNs certified with them I suppose. I personally chose them because of a variety of reasons, but I'm kinda glad I did now. Continue to advocate for the varying certifications, and maybe with enough support, there will be some changes to what the ANCC actually does in the long run. Sorry if I got a little long winded guys. Worked a long busy 12 in the ED, and I'm not able to sleep, and I gotta be back at it in the morning!! Loving my job as a ER NP thought!!!

I don't see anything wrong with your plan. As far as the experience thing, I don't think it's 100% necessary, but I definitely think that it's highly, highly beneficial. I work in the ED department as a NP, and I had previously worked there as a nurse for 5 years. Because of all of my experience as a nurse, the transition was very smooth. I knew our hospital's formulary (I knew what antibiotics we have, what pain meds, which steroids, etc.) so I knew what I could and couldn't order. I knew what services we have available and when (not able to do venous dopplers at certain times, etc.), I know what doctors are on call, which ones are likely to admit, which are gonna ive us trouble, etc. I was able to move into the role so much more smoothly than many of the new PA's that hadn't worked there previously as a nurse, because I knew the system and how everything worked, and it didn't hurt already having a good reltionship with all the docs and the other providers when I needed help or had questions. As far as pay goes, I think it's different as far as how pay compares to nursing in different areas. Where I work, it's well worth it. Around where I trained, went to school, worked as a nurse, and lived there is a very, very significant difference in pay. I make well over double what I made as a nurse and have the potential to make even more by working a few extra shifts here and there (should make well into the six figures this year, my first year, as an NP). I know in some areas of the country, nurses may make that, but I worked as an ER nurse for 5 years and never made more than 45k in one year. Not only do I make double that just with my contracted hours, the company I work for pays my malpractice insurance, gives me a few thousand for continuing education expenses, and offers medical and dental insurance. I also get the opportunity to work extra shifts, and sometimes if they need someone will offer double pay for a shift or two! The only problem is with a job like mine is the hours. I work 12 hour shifts, and until they hired new people and I got seniority, I was working nights (until 2 or 3 am). Anyway, I love the autonomy, and the respect that I get. I love the fact I make more money. Pretty much, I love being an NP. I liked being a nurse, but after a while, I got to a point I just got tired of doing what everybody told me to do, and I wanted to be able to make decisions, and interpret labs, and formulate diagnoses. I still get to help people, and I get paid more for doing it. I do recommend experience, but for the outstanding student, I don't think it should necessarily be a requirement, but it does help. Some things you just don't learn in a textbook, like being able to identify a "really sick" patient. With experience, you can just look at a patient and know. Okay, I'm rambling. Anyway, I highly recommend the NP route. As far as pay different, see what you can find out for your area, but for me and all of my fellow students, the pay they are making is significantly more than they made as a nurse.

Me and my girlfriend were talking about this the other night. She is in nursing school, but has worked as a ward clerk, CNA, and ER Tech for the last 3 years, and I'm a nurse practitioner that works in ER (and was a ER nurse for 5 years before I finished school). She says she would. I said I would, but I'd open up my own clinic and provide low cost and free care to the uninsured in my local area (which is actually one of the poorest areas in my state, if not one of the most impoverished areas in the country. Plus, I woulnd't have to work for anyone, which I definitely wouldn't do if I had that much money! I think I would be bored, and out of my element, not working somewhere in healthcare

I looked at the recertification requirements, and it just seemed like the AANP seemed easier to deal with and more fair. My employer, and I think most, didn't care as long as I was certified. They are both recognized in all states I believe. I think the majority of jobs and employers could care less as long as you're licensed and certified. Like mentioned before, since the ANCC does the Magnet hospitals, they may print something like ANCC preferred, but as you can see, it says preferred, not required. The main thing is, you gradute from an accredited program, you pass a certification exam, and you get licensed by your state. Most employers really don't care. The tests are similar in difficulty by most accounts, similar in pass rates, number of questions, etc. I'm certified by the AANP, and I couldn't be happier. I'm an NP, just like a few of my classmates that took the ANCC. I agree it seems like it would make more sense if there was one certifying body, but then again, competition breeds innovation! Both groups seem to try to do more for their members, work on making the whole testing process faster, etc. so that gradutes will certify with them. It's great that you know immediately if you passed! It wasn't always that way with eiter of the accrediting bodies, I'm sure (of course I'm new to the NP profession, only graduated in December, and by the age of 30, which was my goal, lol) and I heard it used to take weeks for them to get your authorization to test back to you after they processed all your paperwork. Doesn't take that long for either, because I heard that over the years one would take longer than the other and was causing students to take one test over the other. Of course, when you graduate, you want to get that stuff done so you can test and get to work and make that moolah!! LOL. So, there is I guess some good things about having competing certifying bodies. Boy, I've gotten off topic. Just glad we don't have to re-test like PAs and MDs every few years!!!!

You may also consider looking into the FNP route. I know that the ACNP route is great for acute care and ER, but in many ERs, they want the NP to be able to see children (there was actually one who had their ACNP certification and was told that they had to get their FNP or Peds NP certification so they could see kids or they would not be allowed to work there anymore). All ERs are different, but where I work, as long as you can get a ER rotation in school (although I didn't. I was just lucky because I was a ER nurse there for five years so they knew and trusted me) that you can work ER. They will not hire a NP with ACNP certification unless they are dual certified because they need them to see children. I'm sure in bigger areas, and possibly where you work, the ER or trauma center is split up into an adult area and has a seperate Peds ER. In that case, ACNP certification would probably be more desirable as ACNPs get more training in acute care, including procedures such as central lines and chest tubes. Still, where I work, the "mid-levels" (that's what they call us) such as the NPs and PAs aren't allowed to be priviledged to do these procedures anyway. Any central lines, chest tubes, intubations, LPs, etc. must be done by the physician. Even conscious sedation with reduction of dislocations must be performed under the supervision of the physician. Therefore, at least in my facility and many others I've heard of from other NPs, the FNP route is perfectly acceptable, if not more desired, in many ERs. Just a thought and something to consider. I would have loved to have the ACNP training, but the FNP route was more accessible to me, and it actually worked out better for my desired area of employment. Just something else for you to consider. Oh, and I have nothing but the utmost respect for CNSs, but as mentioned by many of the others, they are so few and far between these days, and many facilities are phasing them out because they are choosing to find less qualified workers to try to fill their void in order to save money. It doesn't work, I believe the patients suffer, but that's the sad state of things in healthcare right now. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are cutting corners. NPs aren't going anywhere though, because even if the hospitals don't need us at all times, primary care always will. I love my ER position, it pays well, and is very rewarding (but stressful at times) but as I get up in the years I can definitely see myself going to work in a family practice office, seeing 20-30 patiets a day, and having my evenings, weekends, and holidays off. Right now though, I'm enjoying my acute care. ER is all I've ever done since I because a nurse, and I really don't know anything else. Good luck in your decision. Look into the requirements for the location or setting you're gonna work. Like I said, FNP may not be the choice for you, but it's something to consider!!!

Hello! Your career goals are very commendable, and I believe what you are planning to do is great! Just remember though, providing medical care at little to no cost is a wonderful idea, but also know that you better get a job on the side that pays, at least for a while, because as other posters have mentioned, a medical education doesn't come cheap, and the average medical student is at least a couple hundred thousand dollars in debt upon graduation. I highly encourage you to follow your dreams, but realize you may have to postpone the free thing a few years until you make some money and get your loans lined out a little. If you have a very supportive family, spouse, etc. that limits the amount you'll have to owe, maybe you can go that route right out of the gate. I know for me, I'm an NP, and the debt and amount of time spent in school was considerably less than medical school, but I also know that student loans are quite the burden, and as much as I'd love to do some charity work, and plan to in the future, right now to pay my loans and my bills, I have to work for pay. It sucks the system works that way, but I'm hoping that in the future, I'll get to make some medical mission trips, and maybe one day donate some time to a free clinic in the rural area of which I grew up. I'm not trying to burst your bubble. By all means follow your heart, and do as much as you can to give back. Healthcare needs people like you. I wish you the best, and good luck!!!

I work in a rural area in what is considered one of the more poor states in the country, and it definitely isn't unheard of around here. I have friends making more than that in certain specialties, and almost every job offer that I received upon graduation (I graduated in December) was at least in that range. I work in an emergency department, and I will just say that the additional education was very much worth the investment. So, I highly recommend the nurse practitioner profession and I also recommend the family specialty as opposed to pediatric or any of the other specialties because you aren't limited to any one age group, so it opens doors to working in women's health, family practice, emerergency departments, hospitalist, etc.

I'm an NP. I always made good grades, nursing school wasn't too difficult for me, and I feel like I was a pretty good nurse. When I used to tell people I was going back to school to be an NP, they always used to say I should go to CRNA school because they make so much money. The money is great, but even though I could have went to CRNA school, NP school was a much better fit for me. I like the process of seeing the patient, talking to them, and trying to figure out their problem and treating whatever may come up. So many people said I should have went to CRNA school for the money, but as a new NP I'm at the six-figure range, and I love my job. It depends on what you like to do. I always hated surgery. Too sterile, cold, masks, etc. lol, but I do believe many people go into it for the salary. As one poster above mentioned, it is hard. It requires time, effort, money, etc. NP school wasn't anything to sneeze at, but my fellow MSN students in the CRNA track did have a tougher and longer road than us. So, many people do go into it for money, but many of the students I had core MSN classes with that were in the CRNA track were doing it because of the challenge of the role, the technical side of it, they had a genuine interest in surgery, and they wanted a more autonomous role. I went to NP school not because I could make more money, but because of the autonomy, and the ability to make decisions rather than always following what someone else ordered. You also get more respect from other healthcare professionals, including doctors, in the advanced practice roles, so I guess it varies from person to person. Good luck to those that pursue advanced practice. it's not for everyone, but I wouldn't trade my new NP role for anything!

I'm just curious, what is an AA? I'm an NP, and the school I went to had a CRNA program, but I've never heard of an AA. Does it stand for anesthesia assistant? I'm sorry if it's a stupid question. I've been a nurse for 5 years, and had all of my core classes with the SRNAs, but I've never heard of of AA. Sorry to change the subject. Anytime I hear of something I'm not familiar with, I just like to educate myself. Thanks!

I didn't mind some of the things you mentioned at first, but got tired of a lot of it after 3 years, and was also tired of not being able to make decisions and only doing what I was told so I went back to school and became an NP. Now, I still get to help people and work with patients (the things that I love about nursing and healthcare) but I also get to order tests, diagnose, prescribe, etc. and I don't have to do all the stuff that I didn't like as much about the job. It took a couple years more of education and more money, but I also make much more money, I still get to work with my old coworkers which I love, and I still get to help people which is why I went into healthcare in the first place. So, have you ever thought about maybe going into advanced practice?

I agree with linearthinker. You need to explore the region in which you wish to work. I'm a FNP and got my first job in an ER, but I also worked there as a nurse for 5 years so I knew the staff, medical director, etc. You said something about Oregon. I've heard that Oregon is one of the better states as far as NP autonomy. I don't think you even have to have a collaborative agreement or anything, you're completely independent. Whether that's good or bad is an entirely different discussion, but it's something to think about. Still, I'm kinda not familiar with the west much, because I live in KY. There are benefits to both. I would have considered the PA route more if I hadn't have been a nurse, but I'm not sure if I was doing direct entry. It's a tough call, but good luck with your decision.

I don't know if that is even possible. Like one of the posters above stated, you've got to have an RN, and many require some experience. There are online programs, but many aren't cheap. I know my program was an 18 month program, but it's not offered mainly onlie, and you had to have a BSN to start. I think the Frontier school of nursing offers a RN-MSN program, and I want to think it only takes around 3 years, but once again, you have to be an RN, and I'm sure it altogether costs a little more than that, and you do have to go to the campus and stay a few days once a semester or so I think. Good luck and if you find such a place, let us all know, because it would be quite a find!!! Kyboyrn, APRN, NP-C

Thanks Bcgradnurse! Your kind words mean a lot. When I went back to school full time, during my last 2 semesters I rented my house out and stayed with my parents because I wasn't getting to work much or any at all because of how much we had to squeeze into our 18 month program clinical and class wise. It was kind of a bummer at first, to have to stay with my parents at 29, but not being married yet, and not having any children, it wasn't a big deal, and it actually turned out to be a blessing because this was my mother's last days, and I got to spend so much time with my mother that I wouldn't have gotten to, and I thank God now that I made that decision. She was not only a source of encouragement, but now that she's gone I wouldn't trade that year that I got to spend being with her for anything in the world. My mother was the same way. The second time she got sick, she told me not to withdraw this time, and to finish, because my future depended on it, and she wasn't going to be around much longer. I'm so glad to hear that your mother had a good outcome. sometimes God puts trials in our way, and sometimes it's in his plan for people to come through the fight, and other times it's just people's time. It was my mother's time. Thankfully, she didn't have to suffer, or linger on in pain for months and months. She died peacefully in her sleep with her loving husband, children, and grandchildren close by. I really believe God rewarded her for her faithfulness, and I know that I'll see her again someday. Even though I can no longer call her and tell her about my latest accomplishment, or show her my certification, or tell her about my new job, I truly believe that she can see all the good stuff up in heaven, and I know she's watching over me and she's proud of me....she was a wonderful person and I know that she would have me to be the most caring, compassionate provider that I can be.

I live in a rural area, and around here, there are plenty of jobs for NPs. Every job that I was offered was overy 80k starting salary, many at or above 6 figures, and the job I took was in an ED which was between those two. I actually had 4 offers before I ever graduated, and every person I graduated with had a job fairly quickly, and the pay was good. I actually turned down one job that paid over 60 bucks an hour, which by all accounts is pretty good for new grads. Being an NP seems to be one of thsoe rare jobs where it seems the opportunities and possibly even the pay is better in the rural areas because we are kind of lacking in the overall provider department. I took a full time job, and am looking at working at another facility prn to make some extra cash to get my loans paid off quicker. Also, my education was expensive, but it wasn't 90k either. There is a big difference in what nurses and NPs get paid here as well. I made a decent living as a nurse, but a little less than half of my starting hourly rate/salary as an NP. the job I have pays hourly, but I'm guaranteed so many hours a month by contract, and anything I work over that I don't get paid overitme, but my hourly rate is pretty good, so I don't even care. If they really, really need coverage they will sometimes offer extra pay for shifts, so that's another way to make money. It's unfortunate that in some areas there is an oversaturation of NPs, but that doesn't seem to be the case in many rural areas. Because our are doesn't have enough primary care providers, there is also room for NPs to open their own offices/clinics, and my state is relatively NP friendly as well, so I feel like becoming an NP was a wonderful career choice for me. Like I said, maybe those that live in the big city areas should consider looking in nearby small rural areas/hospitals? I'm glad that I haven't faced these problems. I went to school with a certain job in mind, and was lucky enough to get that job, with better pay than I was expecting!

Congrats Frogger!! I took my test at the end of January as well and passed too!! Isn't it a great feeling!!! Most of my classmates have passed as well, and I'm always glad to hear of another colleague passing their test!!! I start my first NP job this week!!! Keep us updated on how it goes, and good luck!!!!

It never seems to amaze me what people think they can get by with. Who would think it's alright to work up a patient to be seen without getting basic vitals. That HR, respiratory rate, etc. are important parts of the overall clinical picture and can tell us a lot about the patient before we even go in the room sometimes. Also, last time I checked you can get a heart rate and respirations without a stethoscope, and if you really feel like you need one, I'm sure someone has one she could borrow!! Jeez. Feel free to vent. I did a clinical rotation at one office and I'm not sure that some of the staff were really trained at all!!!!!

Thanks guys. Ghillbert, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a parent, especially my mother who was my best friend and the one person I could always go to for 30 years, was the hardest thing I've ever gone through. It's only been a little over 6 weeks, and I miss her more every day. I always dreamed she'd be around to see me get married, and to see my children being born, but unfortunately those things never happened. She was around to see me succeed my goal fo becoming an NP and it meant so much for her to tell me how proud she was the day before she passed away. Like I mentioned, everytime I accomplish something, like pass boards, or get my certification in the mail, it's bittersweet right now, because she was always the first person I would have shown that stuff to, or called and talked to about stuff. Thankfully I have the most wonderful girlfriend in the world, who seems to be just as proud of me for my accomplishments. My father is wonderful too, but he misses mom more than me (they were happily married for 35 years-my father was 19 when he married my mom, and she was 31...I always said she was the original COUGAR!!! LOL). All of us miss her, my two brothers, my sister in laws, my girlfriend, my father, her grandchildren that were old enough to meet her, and all of her friends. She had four wonderful grandchildren, three girls that were old enough to know her, and then her first grandson. He was only 6 months old when she passed away, but he was her first grandson and he made her last days so much more happy. He makes all of our lives a lot happier. Anyway, I'm getting off on a tangent again. I know this isn't the reminisce about family members thread!! Anyway, I'm just glad to have such a wonderful family that has been so supportive of my educational goals, and thanks to my beautiful, wonderful mother that I lost much too soon, I feel that I will honestly be a much more compassionate, caring provider because of the way she raised me, her faith, and the ways that she taught me to love and respect all people, regardless of sex, faith, color, religion, ethnicity, race, etc.

I highly recommend going to one of the live seminars if you can, or doing the online seminar. I did the online seminar/review. It was pretty expensive (350 bucks I think) but it was the ONLY preparation I used for the AANP exam other than school obviously. I started it 2 to 3 days before (I wanted the material to be fresh on my mind). I WOULD NOT recommend this as I had to fly through some of it to complete it, and I'm not sure that I did, but I feel that it more than adequatley prepared me. Although I'm an expert of procrastination, you really cannot start soon enough preparing for the exam. Remember though, your program is preparing you for the exam, studying for tests and clinical is preparing you for the exam, clinicals are preparing you for the exam, etc. Everything you learn will be beneficial in preparing you for your certification exam, because you never know what will pop up. One little tidbit, and don't study by this, but everyone I know, including myself, seemed to have quite a few dermatology questions. I don't know if it will be that way for everyone. Like I said, don't live by it or anything (not that anyone would, lol), but it seems like everyone I've talked to, and I noticed it on my AANP exam, had quite a few derm questions. I do think that any of the Fitzgerald material is great. I had the Fitzgerald review book but never used it, but looking at it I can see it would be a great resource. I highly, highly recommend the seminar/review or the online seminar/review. Like I said, it was the only prep I used other than my general NP education, and I felt I was more than prepared for the certificaiton exam. I've also said this several times (just a few minutes ago on another post) but be confident! You are obviously smart, as is any graduate/student of an FNP program (we're about as close to a doctor as we could get without being a doctor, lol, j/k) but trust in what you've learned, and study hard, and make the most of your clinical experiences. Over 90 percent of people pass, and for those that have read my other posts, you're probably tired of hearing it and I'm being redundant, but based on the fact that 9 out of every 10 people pass that take the test, that should give you some confidence!!!! That's because FNP graduates, or any advanced practice nurse, or nurses in general, are bright, intelligent, well-prepared clinicians. Chances are if you properly prepare, you are most likely gonna pass. If you believe in yourself, it goes a long way towards you walking out of that test with a hugh smile on your face because that last screen said that you have passed your exam. Do well in school, adequately prepare, and you'll pass the first time. If you don't pass the first time, just do what they want you to do, take it again, and you're gonna be fine. Do NOT think that way. Go in thinking you are in that 90 or more percent, and you're gonna pass that test the first time. I've always done that with standardized tests, cert. exams (ACT, GRE, NCLEX, AANP certification exam) and I've always done well. I'm not a genius, but I'm confident. I convince myself it's impossible that I'm in that 10 percent that's gonna fail, and I really belive in the power of positive thought, and I belive that nurses are extraordinarily intelligent professionals!!!!

I don't think that you would lose your skills that quickly, but I do think that's a little ridiculous. I'd probably just try to find a part time job somewhere, even if it wasn't my ideal job, to make some money and then go for the job I really wanted once I finished with my BSN. Or if you are really dead set on doing one of those residency programs, work somewhere and quit after 6 to 8 months so you don't go over the requirements for the residency programs. I'm not too familiar with nurse residency programs, so elaborate on why you are so interested, and exactly what a nurse residency program entails. I'm sorry I don't know more about them. I graduated nursing school back in 2005 (I'm an NP now) so I'm sure things have changed. I also live in a rural area, so our programs are limited, and many nurses don't even have BSNs, so I'm interested in learning more about nurse residency programs.

I did the online Fitzgerald review, I started it two to three days before my AANP certificatin exam. I waited so long so it would be fresh on my mind. I waited too long because I had to fly through a part or two, but it was more than adequate to prepare me. It was expensive, but I feel like it more than prepared me, and the certification exam wasn't that bad. I would guess that the Fitzgerald review book would be helpful too since the review was so good. I have the Fitzgerald book, someone gave it to me, but I never used it, but I did browse through it the other day, and it seems like it would have been helpful. I just relied on what I learned in school, did the review close to exam time, and I assure you it wasn't that bad. Over 90 percent of test takers pass both the AANP FNP and the ANCC FNP exam the first time, so don't sweat it. It's not easy, and it's a very important exam, but over 9 out of 10 people pass it the first time, so that right there should assure you that it's NOT THAT BAD!! Trust in what you know, review as much as you can, and by no means pay ridiculous amounts of money for book from 2004 when the material they focus on changes somewhat every year. Just a hint, and I've heard it from several people and noticed it myself (if you're taking the AANP exam) study your derm. For whatever reason, it seems like myself and everyone I've talked to have quite a few questions on derm. Also, everyone I've talked to has had a few questions on murmurs. I'm sure it's always different, but that's just a couple things I've heard and I've noticed. Just go in believing you'll do fine. I used to tutor, and I always told my students that confidence really does make a difference. So trust you'll be in the 90 percent that does pass, get a good review book and do a review if possible, live or online (I think Fitzgerald stuff is great) and trust in what you've learned. You're gonna do great!!!! I have a lot of faith in the NP profession and all of my colleagues that have made it through the programs. You're obviously intelligent or you wouldn't have made it this far. If you don't make it the first time, get those requirements done and try again. Still, don't think about that until the time comes. Believe in your abilities and I'm sure at the end of tht test you'll be walking out with a smile on your face when that screen says that you PASSED!!!!!:w00t:

Hey everyone! It's been a long road. I haven't been a terribly frequent poster on this website, but I've posted off and on since 2004 I think...my first post was before I started nursing school. Anyway, it's been a long road, but in December I graduated NP school, took and passed boards in January of this year, and after getting privileges and going through the credentialing process at my facility of employment, I start my first NP job this week. I was an ER nurse, so I gravitated towards working in ER medicine. I had no problem finding a job. I actually had a couple different offers, and I took the one with less pay (but still GREAT pay compared to my nursing pay, and seems to be above average for new grads) because it was the same place I worked at as a nurse. Anyway, everybody wish me luck as I start this new journey. I'm excited about the increased pay and the financial security/freedom that will go along with it, but I'm most excited about the autonomy and actually being the one making the decisions, and writing the orders instead of doing them. For all of those that are FNPs that work in the emergency room, what do you like/dislike about it? For those that are just starting their NP journey, good luck!!! It is possible even if life throws curveballs your way. I started NP school a few years ago, and during that time, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I decided to take a hiatus from school, because it was just too much at the time, and I was a little burned out (my NP degree was my fifth), but after a year and a half break, I went back, and I went back full time to an 18 month program. During this time, my mother became very ill again. The week before my graduation, my best friend and biggest fan, my mother, had to be hospitalized related to complications dealing with her metastatic cancer that had now spread to her lung, so she was unable to make it to see me walk across stage. Although this was my 5th degree, I'd never walked across stage. I always said I would when I got my NP degree, and I did. Still, my mother was unable to go, and after that hospitalization, and one surgery later (a pleurodesis to alleviate the recurrent pleural effusions) she never recovered. Early January, my mother passed away. I loved her, and it broke my heart and I miss her everyday. Still, at the end of January, I took my boards and passed with flying colors. I did it for my mother, and I remember when I got back to town, with my little paper that said I passed, thinking normally, my mom would have been the first person I would have told that I passed, and the first person I would have called. Even at the age of 30, her approval, and her being proud always meant the most to me. I'll never forget the night before my mother passed away, I think she knew she would be passing away soon. She gave me a hug, and told me that she loved me, and that she loved me more than anything, and she was so proud of me and all that I had done. She looked over at my girlfriend, and told her to take care of her baby (I'm the youngest of three sons). That was the last time I ever got to talk to her. I got the call at 4 am the next mornin that she had passed away. I HATE breast cancer. Anyway, as I start this new job in my new role this week, I hope to always take care of my patients the way that I wanted my mother to be taken care of. I'll always have a special place for the breast cancer patient, or cancer patient in general, and I hope to always, in practice and life, make my mother proud. good luck to everyone that starts the advanced practice journey. No matter what life throws at you, you can do it. Some will have it easier, some will have it harder (I really am highly impressed with those that work throughout school, and raise children and maintain families) but it is worth it in the end. Good luck everybody! For those that are NPs, thanks for paving the way and fighting so that nurses are respected as clinicians and healthcare providers. Kyboyrn APRN, NP-C Sorry about getting off on a tangent. I have dedicated my graduate education to my mother. Her encouragement, and the bravery and courage that she showed during her illness, and the faith she kept in God, will forever be a source of empowerment for me, and I'm sure the rest of my family and many others that her kind words and friendship have touched over the years. As one person that went to church with my mother, and knew her very well said after going to the funeral, "you don't have so many people that there's no where to sit in the church at a funeral by NOT being a wonderful person. You're mother touched a lot of people's lives. She was a wonderful person, she loved the Lord, and she will be missed my A LOT of people." :heartbeat For anyone that is fighting or has a family member fighting cancer.........keep fighting. Not everyone wins the fight, unfortunately that isn't always God's will. Still, the fight that you put up may be what gives others hope to keep moving on......

Gettingbsntomsn, I do think that your healthcare experience will help you during certification exam. I pulled some of the answerrs on the exam from my 5 years of er experience. As far as overthinking things in clinical, ordering a lot of test, etc. I think that's just part of learning to be a nurse practitioner and trying to cover all your bases and being over vigilant. I think we all kind of have the tendency to overdo it at first. I am worried that I may do that sometimes as a new NP at work. Knowing the appropriate tests to order, exams to perform, etc. is something that is more easily distinguished as you get more experience. With time, you'll get better. Remember, nobody expects you to be an expert when you first graduate. You just have to provide competent, legally sound care that is appropriate for your patients. That requires a lot of questions to peers and looking up information in books initially, but over time it comes to you. Like I mentioned in my post above, anywhere from 90-93 percent of all graduates, depending on which certification you take, will pass on first attempt. Like I mentioned in the post above, that brought me comfort. The only prep I did was MOST of the Fitzgerald online review. I didn't study books or listen to CDs or any of that (although I do recommend that). I started the review 2 days before my test, almost finished it, then went and took, and rocked that thing. I'm one of these people that thinks you can study too much (when I was an anatomy and physiology tutor I used to tell the students that you can put too much time into it and muck your brain up and start overanalyzing everything). Anyway, I figured if the chance of me passing was 9 out of 10, I just didn't believe I'd fail, and thankfully I didn't. You do not make it as far as you have without being an intelligent person, so you WILL DO GREAT. Congrats on making it this far, and good luck in the future to all that are in the process of joining the NP profession that I love!

I was unable to find anything like that online as well. I know at least for the AANP exam, you can find the national pass rate for some years online if you search hard enough. It didn't make me feel any better for my individual program, because I couldn't find that information, but it did make me feel more confident for the test. What I found was that 93% of people in a given year (can't remember which year) passed the exam. I honestly believed that if 93% of NP program graduates pass first try, there is no way I could fail. I just refused to believe that I would be in the 7%. I wasn't, and I"m not now, being arrogant or cocky, it's just believing in myself, lol. What this tells me is that most programs should prepare you adequately for the exams. Most people that take the exam pass, over 9 out of every 10. I'm sure some programs are better than others if you have the choice, but overall, your NP education is what you make out of it in my opinion. Graduate school is a lot self disclipline and independent learning in my opinion. Your clinical experience will also have a lot to do with your education, and many schools let you have some say so in where you do your clinical rotations. I went to a program that really hasn't been around long, but I feel I received a very good education, and had no problem passing my certification exam. All in all, I'm pretty sure that no matter what program you find, if the statistics are available the pass rates are going to be over 90%. Also remember that all NP programs have certian guidelines for what they are required to teach for accredidation, so although the quality of all programs will differ somewhat, what you are going to be learning, and what you can be proactive in helping yourself learn as well. Just research the programs, and possibly ask someone in the graduate nursing department of each school. I'm sure they have that information somewhere, and if it's a good number will have no problem sharing

Haha!!! I kinda have to agree with you here Zenman!!!