RNfor918

Cheers, ladies! Let the journey begin :)

I got in! EKU Summer 2017 start. Yay! Hoping to connect with others. Need to decide between EKU and Washburn!

Is this patient focusing on one specific staff member, or is this language and verbal abuse directed towards others? I ask because I wonder if the patient has a specific issue (transference or something) with that specific staff member. Either way, the behavior is NOT acceptable. It could also lead to escalation. I would discuss the behavior with the patient and set firm limits. A staff change may also be therapeutic. If staff is being harassed relentlessly by a patient who is using such vile language, they cannot be therapeutic with them anymore either. We are all human.

I know this is an old thread, but here in my area we have openings for psych NP's all the time. No shortage here. This includes all kinds of settings- acute, outpatient, residential. I'm always seeing postings, and none are less than 115k for a Masters level NP. DNP's are paid about 20k more. Best of luck

Hello, I'm in the same boat angelhearty15! I applied for EKU's post MSN PMHNP program at the very end of December 2016 for the summer 2017 start. All my transcripts didn't make it there until mid-January. My app is now pending review. I am so hopeful for acceptance!! Good luck all, and congrats on your acceptance to the program mama_rachael!

Now THAT I did not consider, thank you for the heads up. I will be sure to check with the schools.

I really can't imagine feeling prepared to work as a PMHNP prior to having RN psych experience. Could you do it? Probably. You could you apply and be an intelligent person who breezes through school and passes your exams. That said, there are things you will not learn in school that you will learn and see through time on the floor. You can read about EPS and rattle off what its presentation looks like, but would you really recognize it if your patient described it or presented that way? There is a difference between meeting requirements and pushing yourself through, and truly being prepared to provide the best care. Another important question to ask yourself- how do you know you will even like nursing? Nurses and teachers have some of the highest rates of entering then exiting their field of study. It isn't for everyone. You are shooting for the moon before reaching the stars. If you are already in debt, what would taking more debt on mean if you ended up unsuccessful in the field? I'm a risk taker, but this is a big gamble. Could you do it? Yes. Would you be responsible doing it? No. My humble opinion. Best of luck whatever your decision is.

The state I live in has no restrictions for online programs. I am aware that some do. Mine has none. I can attend anywhere that is accredited.

Central office still has my appeal and I've received no word back. Has anyone else gone through an appeal, and if so, how long did it take from the time it went off to the time word was received back?

I know this is an old response, but tseabury12, I'm wondering if you could let us know what you ended up doing? How competitive is EKU- curious on your application GPA if you don't mind me asking?

My experience has been that they do NOT. However, we do have something called NNEI and EISP- google those. They are scholarship programs which are basically like grants. You then incur a 3 year service obligation to the VA. They are not retroactive in nature, so you must apply for them before taking on school debt and have the VA actually pay for the education as you go. The emphasis is on getting RN's BSN prepared.

You sound like a RNII based on the small amount of info in your post. When you are hired, the Nursing Professional Standards Board (NPSB) reviews your application, credentials, experience and any other information you submit and make a decision on where you fall- a Nurse 1, 2 or 3. You are also assigned a "step"- for example, Nurse 2 step 5. This details your salary. You should have been given an offer letter with full salary before you accepted the VA position. Nothing should have been a surprise, so I'm somewhat confused? Working with Vets is wonderful, and you do have the opportunity to submit an annual proficiency to apply to a higher level (such as nurse III). In addition, you will receive a "step" increase every other year automatically. For me, its about 2k every other year. We also get periodic cost of living raises- very small amounts. Best of luck

I'm interested in your recommendation of good online post-MSN PMHNP programs (adult concentration). I've applied to EKU and Washburn. I'm interested in 100% online programs with no travel. Setting up my preceptorship & internships will not be an issue in my local area. Any other programs besides Eastern Kentucky University & Washburn? Thanks all, Happy New Year Katie

I read another post from 2010 that said Phoenxi VA has no dental benefits. I start work there on 01/03/12 and have already been given enrollment info for health, dental, vision, etc. Phx VA has dental benefits. As for medical, Phx has 2 high HMO providers- one is $107/biweekly, the other is $75 biweekly, and the dental runs about $20 biweekly for a PPO provider. Benefits are good, but seem to be costlier here in Phx than other areas I've looked at. Google "Federal employee benefits" and you will get a lot of info about what is offered where, prices & plan details. Overall- the benefits seem extensive, and you have your choice of plans

Grey's Anatomy scrubs are the best I've ever worn. So soft, keep their color, and come in petite sizes! I'm 5'1 and these are some of the only scrubs I can buy without getting the pant hemmed. Cherokee & KOI make petite bottoms as well, but I find that these scrubs aren't nearly as comfortable as Grey's Anatomy