NCLEX_CareBear

I graduated on May 30, 2008 and was able to take the AANP FNP certification exam shortly after that. I took (and passed) the exam on Aug. 20, 2008. I'm still waiting for my official result. I called AANP every day or so and the lady I spoke with said she'll "personally mailed my results out today". Yeah right?!?! Anyone have any suggestions re: how to handle this situation. THX!

FYI: You NEED to go through CGFNS (http://www.cgfns.org/) too if you didn't get your nursing education in the U.S. i.e. you attended nursing school in Canada. Yes, this is the case even if you have a RN license from another state.

All this waiting sucks! I applied at the end of April and I'm still waiting for my license...I have my RN license from MA and I thought it would be a sample transfer. Oh boy...what I ever wrong!?!?! It turns about I needed to go through CGFNS because I went to a Canadian nursing school. Not sure why that is necessary...I have a valid RN license from MA...also I attended grad school (MSN-FNP track) in the U.S. AND I took and passed my NP certification board exam. But I can't work in NY because I don't have my NY RN license. Errr...*Phew* I feel a little bit better after venting. Thanks for listening! Hang in there! We'll get our license one day!!!

AANP wanted to verify their clinical hours and placements...my friends had to send them copies of their clinical logs. What a pain! I live in MA.

I took (and passed) the FNP certification exam last Wed. (8/20) via AANP. Everything went smoothly. Although I heard a few of my friends in the ANP track got audited. Yes. Normal values are available. I found the exam pretty straight forward. 150 questions in 3 hours is very do-able. I feel the only CON to the AANP is that you can only write the exam in certain times of the year. For studying, I used the Fitzgerald recorded CDs 2006 edition and her study guide (NP certification Exam and Practice Preparation - 2nd edition). I know someone who attended her live lectures and also bought her CDs. She said they are very similar. I highly recommend her study guide.

Pls share any starting salary in the Buffalo area. THX!

I believe they still offer the program for new grads. I have two newly licensed nurses coming to my unit soon. I think hospitals do prefer nurses with experience...It takes alot (time and energy) to train a new nurse.

Hi! I did the new grad program at BWH almost 3 years ago...I'm still working there now. I LOVE IT THERE! I remembered as a new grad I was really worried about the orientation program. How long is it? Are other nurses supportive? I work on a general med/surg floor and here's how my orientation went: - first week (I think it was 3 days) was classes re: the hospital and generalized hospital policy and how the equipment works (i.e. IV pumps, computerized med record, etc). - 4 weeks (2 wks day shift, 2 wk evening shift) on a med/surg floor. You work along with a nurse and care for one of her pts. If there are other new grads at the same time, they'll be there with you too. in the evening shift, you learn how to do an admission. At the end of the 4 weeks, you should be able to care for 2-3 pts "on your own". - 6-8 week: you are paired up with a preceptor on your "designed" floor. My orientation was up to 10 weeks. I know some people were extended to 12 weeks. You work closely with your preceptor and the nurse educator. At the end of the orientation, you should be able to care for 3-5 pt (depending on your floor). I found the new grad program really prepared me. I felt that everyone was really supportive. We all work as a team. Good luck!

Thank you for responding to my post! I'm not sure whether to take the AANP or AANC. It's not like one test is "easier" than the other, right? Were the Fitzgerald's exam review tapes helpful? I'm thinking of buying that too instead of taking the course. Do you currently practice as a NP? FNP or ANP? I see that you are from Boston MA as well. I guess before I worry about the board exam, I should focus on actually graduating. I'm having hard time finding a OB/GYN and pedi clinical placement for next semester. Thank you again! Happy Thanksgiving! Karen : )

Which NP certification exam did you write? ANCC or AANP? Which review books/ tools did you find it most helpful in preparing for the NP certification exam? I am a FNP student. Getting a little anxious re: the certification exam which I plan to write in the summer 2008. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!! Karen : )

Hi! Any recommendations on dermatology resources (i.e. books, websites, PDA programs, etc)? I'm looking for something as a reference. Thank you! CareBear : )

Hi, I currently is using Katzung: Basic and Clinical PHarmacology. It's a great resource with lots of in-depth info. Nicely organized. I heard many med students use this book as well.

Hospitals in the Boston area ARE hiring. Have you tried Brigham & Women's Hospital? MGH? Beth Israel? Check out hospitals websites. Keep your eyes open for hospital open house advertisement in newspapers or websites. Bring lots of copies of your resume and attend them! Don't give up! Hospitals are in need of nurses!!!

You are a new grad right? And you've only got 12 days of orientation?!?! I would definitely talk to your nurse manager or your nurse educator if you guys have one. At the hospital where I work, even experienced nurses have more than 12 days of orientation. In my opinion, 12 days of orientation for a new grad is definitely unsafe practice! I had almost 3 months worth of orientation. I work on a med-surg floor. Even after the 3 months, I was freaking out about being on my own. It is scary no matter how long you had on orientation. I mean, when we were nursing students/ nurse on orientation, we had someone watching our backs and sorta guiding us through. Now we have people lives in our own hands. But you know what, you are not on your own. You have other nurses whom you'll be working with for resources and support. I've been a nurse for a little over a year now. I'm still learning new stuff everyday. Even nurses that have been nurses 20+ some years are also learning new stuff everyday. We can't and won't know everything. The doctors don't know everything either. Just don't be afraid to ask questions and keep on learning. Best of luck to you!!! CareBear : )

I look forward of going back to school...I know...I'm such a geek. =) I graduated almost 2 years ago...I don't think I ver got used to the working world. I've only been an RN (meg-surg RN) for a little over a year. I'm worried how I'll compare to my classmates who have more clinical experience than me. What if I can't keep up with the rest of the class? Maybe I should work a few more years before pursuing my MSN...What do you guys think? What would you do? CareBear