iballjay

All, I'm starting to explore the possibility of working (at least part of the year) as a Nurse Practitioner in South Korea and I am wondering if anyone has any resources on any part of the process (if there is one). I haven't found much on the Internet so far except that their world is governed at least somewhat by the Ministry of Health. Does anyone have experience with how credentials transfer over, know of any international travel companies/recruiters that deal with this country? Has anyone from the U.S. worked there and what did you think about your experience, where exactly were you, etc? I'm been in cities and countryside throughout and have a feel for what it's like, but not from a healthcare worker perspective. I already understand the need for language fluency. Also, I'm a DNP/FNP soon to also have certification in acute care. Thanks in advance, Jason

Thanks for the link. I'm from the States.....and sadly can't yet read italian so it'll be some time before I can use the link... but I'd love to hear your thoughts on the above. thanks!

I too did the LTC type work for my first many months as an RN and then entered acute care in a hospital. VERY different work, very different pace. I felt like I was "reset" and needed to learn how to plan my day and hustle all over again, but after almost a year now it's come together nice and speed has come now that safe practice/habbits are in place. The greatest thing about knowing what your weaknesses are is knowing what your weaknesses are.. since you are able to identify them you can ask for help with individual issues... it's those that think they know everything after a short period of time that are the ones to watch out for!

Hello folks, I'm interested in moving to Italy to practice and currently hold a BSN. I understand the need to pass their version of the NCLEX as well as language proficiency. My question is: are there such things as advanced degree specialties (MSN/DNP) in this country, are there NP's in Italy? I'm interested, while learning the language, to start grad school and knowing what advanced degrees are recognized (or not recognized) will help me make a decision as far as which direction to head. Thanks, -j, R.N.

Hello. Hoping there might be more info from others to be had. I too am interested and am wondering what sort of concentrations exist in Italy. For example, is there such thing as an Italian NP? thanks, -j

Half.com is great. There's always that small chance that something'll go wrong, but I've had over 20 successful transactions buying books since starting my pre reqs. You'll save sooooooo much money. Even if you get burned a few bucks you'll still save piles over going to the school book store.. school store's used prices are robbery!!

And by the way, there are no class times to meet.. you can work on your work morning, noon, or night. And I do a lot of work at odd hours of the night because it fits my schedule. That's what the program is all about - being able to do the work whenever you feel like. There are 2 different semesters when you have to come to campus for a day for presentations, but it's fun and you get to put a face to names you see throughout classes.

I am finishing the program in Boston. I chose it because they require a lot less non-nursing credits than Amherst (for some odd reason!). It's a good program, I spend about 10 hours a week on work, if that. The professors are great. It is a bit pricey, I think. 300 bucks/credit plus fees. I find it really easy, but not everyone does.

With something like 75 or 85 questions you either did REALLY well or REALLY poorly... I sat for 5 1/2 hours and took all 265 questions...talk about not knowing.. but I passed and so will you(s)

Heya, Suggestion: Get together with a few friends and get Littmann stethoscopes from the internet. Going in with few people cuts down on shipping. I think I went in with like three other folks and we got free shipping.. The Littmann II is a nice one..I think they're like 40 or 50 bucks.. the ones the school sells are junk. -j

no summer reading unless it's become something new, but i've got tons and i mean tons of things i'm otherwise going to throw out if you would like to spend some time looking through them you can have 'em. i've got some good workbooks too that aren't worth selling if you want some hand me downs... -j

Much actually. - Working is possible, though I would recommend against it the senior year unless you are really good at pushing all other things in life aside.. family, fun, sleep, etc. It's certainly doable though. I did it. - listen to everything said by everyone, everything counts and anything can be on an exam. Nothing kills me more than the student that is constantly asking "is that going to be on the exam?" - Leave any over sensitive side at the door. There were several that were very sensitive to critique and took things hard from time to time. Everything faculty does and says with you is to make you a better nurse, never forget that. Always be asking yourself "why am I doing this and is it safe and appropriate." - Push yourself. Once it's over you're on your own in a matter of spreaking. Get in as many challenging things as you can during your rotations.. jump at the opportunity to do anything you are offered. - Reading the texts helps.. I didn't do a lot of reading the first year, but I did plenty the second year. - Get one or two really good NCLEX books and browse through them from time to time from the start. I recommend a book for the first year that breaks things down by topic.. it WILL help you on exams. - Get different perspectives on things. Don't read ONLY the handouts and texts... reference other books.. if there's something you don't get when you're studying, access the internet.. just be sure it's a reputable source. - Do NOT buy into the rumor mill about anything or anyone. So much gets thrown around about test formats, faculty, material, paper writing. A few quick facts: the "harder" and "meaner" faculty (or so some say) are the ones you want to pay closest attention to and hopefully get to do clinical with.. they will make you the best you can be! Some resented a lot of extras that were thrown at us, but it will only help you when NCLEX time come.. For example, they do a GREAT job covering drugs, which many other schools fall short on. - Take time for yourself. Whether it's just going for a walk a few times a week or hitting the gym, make CERTAIN you live some part of your life still. It'll keep your brain balanced and keep you more focused when you DO sit down to study. - Lastly -- Paper writing! Read the directions and follow them!! They provide very specific instructions for paper writing and if you follow them TO A T you will do well. I was shocked at how many people failed to do this and wrote in thier own format and got terrible grades because of it. I admit, I was guilty of this the first semester.. you learn quick though. :) Stay positive and you will do great, and again, don't buy into the discouragement or bad attitudes of others. If you ever have any questions about anything feel free to write. -j

You will have a great time when you get in. Keep us all posted as time goes on. I just finished and it feels really good.. soon it will for you too! -j

Hello. I'll answer more by echoing what was said to me when I asked these questions two years ago to the school. (I'm a senior finishing up at STCC) The admission process is centered around grades in all your previous ("pre-reqs") classes. I went in applying with what they said was about 900 other applicants and made it in with about 100 others. I also had nothing worse than an A- (3.86GPA to be exact) in anything I took and had ALL the classes they wanted to see done by graduation done. I seem to remember the HESI score being mentioned as a second means of admission regarding grades, but I would ask someone at the school to be sure. Also, I think I found out about acceptance around early April, maybe mid april, but things may have changed as well. There's certainly a good reason so many apply -- it's no secret it's the best program you could be part of. The lectures and clinicals are jam packed with learning and the professors all around are a giant wealth of knowledge backed by years of experience; all there to make you the best nurse you can possibly be when you graduate. Good luck! 1. Should I consider taking the HESI exam again? Do they take the better one of the two scores or just the last test score I took. When reviewing applicants do they look at the Hesi scores first and take the top scorers and weed out from that. It says I need a 77% to pass which I did. But would it be beneficial to try and study up on Bio and A & P and retake for a better shot. 2. Is there really 600 applicants?? and only like 60-100 spots for the program. Please tell me I am wrong. If that the case there is no way I am getting in for the fall. 3. How long till you find out if you get accepted?

I'm getting close to needing to decide where to do my RN->BSN and I have a question for those who have either been accepted into a Graduate program (MSN) or someone who has been through one. My question to those is: what kind of undergrad school did you attend and what Grad school options were open to you after you graduated? I'm seeing two schools of thought for undergrad: local state school, which offers an online option as well.. or something a little more "prestigious" like a Boston College type program, for example. Ideally I'd like to get into the best program I can rather than just whatever program I can..... Did where you went for your BSN help you get into a good quality school?