lblamons

Here is a great reference with each state regarding legisative issues for NPs (includes legal authority, reimbursement, & prescriptive authority) Philips, S.J. (2006) Eighteenth annual legislative update: A comprehensive look at legislative issues affecting advanced nursing practice. The Nurse Practitioner, 31(1), 6-38. www.tnpj.com

I wanted to also mention that you could consider some of the ICUs Vanderbilt has as well for critical care experience. The MICU hires new grads and they VERY supportive there. I worked there having about 18 months previous experience but worked with new grads as well. I wish you best of luck. I felt like it was a good place to work and pretty good tuition benefits.

Future Nurse Jess: I just wanted to mention that I am starting the Boston College Traditional Master's this Fall. That is the same program that you are planning on attending as well? Basic Adult NP here is my plan thus far. I actually did the accelerated nursing program at JHU in 2001-2002 and really liked it. I was totally busy the entire 13 months but I felt supported by the professors and all my peers going through it with me. As far as those doing the "Calculate with Confidence" seriously, don't worry about it. I had to do it too and was worried. They will talk to you about it your first week. It is good to look through the book but honestly, they will give you practice tests that give you a better idea of what they are looking for. Plus, I think someone mentioned this in an earlier post, these guys got you into the program, there is no way a math test will harm your chances in doing well in this program. I knew a few people who didn't "pass" on the first time. All they did was go over the wrong answers, let them practice a little more and took it again and did fine. Truly, don't worry. Jess, I did want to ask some questions sometime, via email maybe, about decent areas to stay in around this area if you knew much about it. I just moved to New Hampshire recently and will be commuting back and forth each week. (I will continue to work up here while I am in school). I am goijng to try and find a place to stay for a couple nights a week but honestly don't know much about Boston (except BC is in"chestnut hill which is quite pricey). Anyways, thanks. Good Luck to all. Laura

Hey What to do. I'm very excited for you. I graduated from the accelerated program in Jul 2002. As far as work, I did not really work while in that program except for in the community outreach program about 4-5 hrs a week. They do frown upon working at least during the first summer and fall semester. I do remember some people working as a nursing extern/asst in the fall but more start in the spring. You can make pretty good money considering but you really can't work much, maybe a full shift (12hrs) a week. However, your care plans take so long each week in addition to studying for exams. My roommate worked once a week or every other and did ok. But you will get a sense of what you can handle. You might be able to handle more, but don't overload yourself. Enjoy this program and its opportunities. I think you'll really like it. Best of luck!