BlaineCM

Hi! I am a FNP student and no matter what technique I use, I can hardly ever visualize the cervix during speculum exam. I have tried angling the speculum downward on insertion, going back as far as possible and opening the speculum and gradually aiming upward, having patient put their fists under their buttocks, taking the speculum out and inserting at another angle, and I've tried feeling for the cervix first. Nothing works for me!! And for big women who have lots of fat in the lady partsl canal...is a condom on the speculum the best approach? Are there any techniques any of you can share? Thanks so much!

What are your future goals. Do you plan to stop at RN, do you want to get a MSN eventually, and do you want an management positions? An accelerated BSN program is much shorter and oftentimes no more expensive than traditional nursing programs. Personally, I would go that route. Leaves things more open for you (management positions, and possible MSN).

Hi! I am 3 months away from becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. I too, graduated with a liberal arts degree, decided to go in to an accelerated nursing program and went straight to NP school (with no RN work experience). The NP program will be considerable shorter and less money than MD. However, you must decide what you want from a future career. AS others have mentioned, do you want prestige, high pay, flexible hours, etc. It's true, there isn't much prestige for NPs and MDs make considerably more $. But, NPs have advanced education, and perform similar duties to MDs. Nursing school is very stressful and it is NOT easy! By 2015 all schools are going to change from entry level MSN to DNP. Those with an MSN before the transition will be grandfathered in. The DNP will be 3-4 years in addition to the BSN. Personally, If I were really young and had a good shot at med school (2 years paid for), I would go that route. The career of ARNP is a great one, but there is still a stigma against us from some patients. Some patients consider us "junior doctors, wannabe doctors, etc. Although, that is not the case. We have a similar role to MDs, but we have a focus on the whole person and on prevention. Good luck with your decision.

I had a previous BS in psychology and I graduated with a 3.6. I got into an accelerated BSN program at a major state university.

I just finished taking the NCLEX-RN. My exam stopped at 75 questions. Either I passed with flying colors or failed tremendously. I am so nervous. This is going to be a long 48 hrs.

I graduated with mt BS in psychology as well. I went the accelerated BSN route and just graduated. I would highly recommend the accelerated BSN route. It was a lot of hard work, but the pay off will be much sooner.

Congratulations on the acceptance!!

I learned this in a similar manner: Snow(white) over grass (green), Smoke (black) over fire (red), and a big pile of poop(brown) in the middle. I like your "white on right" thing

These helped me during pathophysiology exams: I ate three five inch bananas (potassium 3-5) The pool was 100 ft give or take 5 (chlorine 95-105) When you are young, you glow (hemoglobin lower than hematocrit) hematocrit higher (old and decrepit) for heparin you monitor PTT (when lower case the two t's make an H for heparin) magnum condoms are for 18-24 year olds (magnesium 18-24) when you are 8-10 calcium is important (calcium 8-10) triphosphate (phosphorus 2-4: three is in the middle)

We started with 54 students and I don't think we lost anyone. We were in an accelerated BSN program.

We had to take the HESI before our last semester. I can't imagine having to take it before you having any nursing knowledge.

Before I started nursing school I thought I wanted to work in the NICU. Now that I am in practicum, I am not sure what area I want to specialize in. I am starting the family NP program in the fall though.

All the ABSN programs I am familiar with start in the summer. I wish I could be of more help.

I have 5 weeks left in a 13 month ABSN program. It has been the hardest thing I have ever done. However, it is doable. First semester was the hardest because of trying to get into the swing of things. We didn't lose anyone from our program. A couple of girls got pregnant towards the end of the program. They are doing fine. Some people worked as student helpers and were still able to get their grades up. If we fall below a 3.0 we cannot graduate.

I am in a 13 month BSN program. What is your question?