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?

I am doing a second degree accelerated BSN program. I was 27 when I started and will be 28 when I finish in a month and a half.

What happens at the pinning ceremony besides having someone pin you? I know many of you mentioned speeches and slide shows.

I won't be attending my pinning ceremony in May. I love all of my classmates, they are great. However, my closest friends aren't doing it so neither am I. I will be attending the graduation though. We can either attend the big university graduation or the college of nursing graduation. I already attended the big university graduation when I received my first BS. This time I will attend the College of Nursing graduation.

Congratulations!!!! What school will you be attending?

yes, you do need to have your BSN prior to entering the NP portion of the program. Students obtain their BSN in 13 months, then enter the masters portion. The masters portion is completed in 1.5 years if full-time or 3 years if part-time.

You could see if there are any accelerated BSN programs in your area. I took this route. These programs let you obtain your BSN in a year since you already have a bachelors (or masters) in another field. I will be graduating in June and have already been accepted to the nurse practitioner program that begins in the fall. My school is a major state university, so I can't see the quality being compromised. Do you know what type of nurse practitioner you want to be? Some specialties do require or recommend RN experience (ie neonatal, nurse midwife, and acute care). At least this is the case at my school.

What types of settings do acute care NPs work? Can they treat all age groups?

Developmental Psychology was my absolute favorite pre-req. I also enjoyed Sociology and Nutrition. Human A & P 1 and 2 were alright as well.

Hi! I am currently in my 2nd semester UF's accelerated BSN program. The program is way harder than my first degree (BS in psych from UF). First semester, I did nothing but study. This semester is tough as well, but I have a lot more free time. The program is tough, but definately doable. We have a few women in our class who have young kids, as far as I know they are doing fine. If you set your mind to getting through, you can do it. It's all about dividing your time up and prioritizing. Good luck!

We also practiced on the injection pad one day, got checked off injecting the pad the next day, then waited for an opportunity to inject a human in clinical. I wasn't as nervous as I thought I would be when I injected my first real person. My instructor walked me through. Having a patient tell you that they "didn't feel a thing" is definately a big confidence booster.