NerdyNikki

Hi wakes, please do not give up. I believe nervousness and anxiety has a way of impacting you in a exam. When I was taking practice exams, I found that at time I missed the stem of the questions because I either read too fast or felt overwhelmed. I recently passed the AANP, and highly suggest Leik and APEA review book. In the APEA book, I really enjoyed the explanations and reasoning. I found it very helpful in understanding the content of the question. It okay to have your moment of sadness but don't let it subdue you. It can impair how you are studying now and your confidence in yourself .

I am so happy to hear of this. Because I was so tempted to bit some. I think it's just the anxiety of preparing and ensuring that you are prepared. I have recently both practice exams from the Barkley website. Any word on these exams ?

How did u study ?

What materials did you use for studying ? I feel like I have something and feel a little overwhelmed in how to approach studying. I am a nervous wreck, I am a good student but putting the action towards testing is completely different. I'm open to take any advise you have

Stethoscope: "Just when I thought I heard everything....I guess you should keep me around you a little longer"

If anyone that is giving dread about receiving an B it's yourself. As with so many has responded, passing any NP classes is a blessing. In regards to your health assessment class, not only would I talk to your teacher but assess what is that you are not understanding and getting. Though you you may be treating psych, the body is always first. Assessment is in everything as a NP. Hang in there and give yourself a little break

It is so encouraging to read this post. Though I am in the midst of completing my FNP, I currently have five years of ICU experiences. In the primary care setting in clinicals, I really have to train my mind to understand that everything isn't there immediately. My assessment skills from the ICU defintely play a key role in my approach to patients and how I view their case. Though I really enjoy being a ICU nurse, I am learning many of these illnesses can be prevented with proper primary care management. I still enjoy the thinking " on my feet" approach and critical care that involved with ICU, so I am hoping to get my post-masters as AGNP. Though I enjoy the primary care approach, I would still like to be involved in beside management as well.

I am in the midst of completing my FNP program but really enjoy ACNP. I am contemplating going back this fall and getting my post-master cert in ACNP. Though I really enjoy the clinical rotation of FNP, I feel like I am missing out the world of critical care and wouldnt be able to work ICU without it. What do you ladies and gents think ???

Hi, I'm currently finishing the Olivet FNP program. Though I agree that the program is little behind in regards to FNP classes, we now have a new director and the program is now changing. First, FNP courses such as hypertension and diabetes management is now being added. Though you have to find your own preceptor, more hours are being added and they are willing to assistance you with locating one. Secondly, the program does offer a ANCC review course after you are done with your classes. This tremendously will help in attaching all the key concepts you have learned. For the graduating classes ahead if me ( December class) they have so far, all have passed they exam from what we have been notified. With all of that being said, I believe you should really do your own research and call the director of the program. She is more then willing to answer any concerns or questions you have. It is a accelerated program by they have made changes for the better. Lastly, any program you choose have their own ups and downs. Schooling is only what you make of it. I hope this helps

Hi, Carola618 Sorry for the totally late post ; ) I am in the final segment of the program. With that being said, I would encourage you to be organized and prepared to find your preceptors early. Though I am learning a lot from the programs, it very self- learning targeted.Your first couple of course are on-line and have reading/papers that are due. You will interact with tons online discussion. You should come to each of your on-campus class with reading completed. They are in the transition of changing the program for the better, so I am not completely sure if your class will be exactly the same orders as mine. Please do not hesitate to ask for further assistance ; )

Congrats to you both !!!! I have the Fitzgerald review book and had recently ordered her CDs off Amazon. I have been trying to incorporate that book into each of my final segments of my FNP program. Its very encouraging to hear success stories. Again, congratulation to you guys. I hoping to be done this June ; ) Keep me in your prayers and thoughts

BIG CONGRATS!!!!I am in my final phase of FNP and seriously concerned about passing boards. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers

First I would start with your aid office to ensure you have everything that is required. Second,I would wait to you have filled your taxes. A lot of the sections requires your W2 form. Hope everything turn out well

I am in complete agrees with you. I dont think I realize how difficult it would be. Honestly, I emailed and sent my resume around to everyone. At one point, I was about to give up. Thank God that turn around for me : ) I believe, truly, Nurse practitioner education is greatly impacted by your clinical experience and the preceptor you have.

Take a deep breath, cry if you have too. My poor husband has turn into Dr Phil and Oprah more then once and twice. And I still have an year to go :) But done let fear consume you. I truly understand how you feel and what you going thru. If you get the opportunity, go ask to go through your exam: Did you change some answers or did you over think a few questions? Usually when I go through the test and my midterm, I find that let my anxiety take over. Another good thing, review how you studying. Do you cram or do you space out your topics ? Kathrn99, you made it this far, I know you will make it the rest of the way.

Congratulation to you !!!! Learn all you can

Just a suggestion: Tanning: Is your skin worth the risk??? I think what would be good also is investigating how self-esteem in todays youth to live up to society means has an affect on self imaging. Keep us update, great idea : )

As bad as our economy is, I believe that NP are becoming to be the forefront of today's medicine. I also believed that the lack of today NP jobs really depends on the location and field you are after. Not to mention the salary and benefits as well. You could definitely find a job but they offer you crappy benefits and salary. What are you to do then ???? I was originally attempting the acute care adult NP program but switch to FNP because I thought it would offer me more in the job field. With my years of critical care experience, I hope this influence my job acceptability as well

Major outbreak of the Flu here in Chicago. Any visitor with symptoms of coughing,runny nose etc. are not allowed in.As a bedside nurse in the ICU, our beds are overflowing with these cases. Many are intubated and going back and forward in respiratory failure.

Mtsteelhorse, I know how you feel and going through right now. But the important thing to remember is the reasoning you are doing this. I know you have a supportive family and trust me, they will understand. Grad school is defintely time consuming and hard work. I have already cut down my work hours and also family time. I keep telling myself that a sacrifice is worth it for the success of being a FNP. Have cold feet but go get some socks cause the road ahead is one you can achieve The best to you !!!

No schools, that I aware of, consist of only exams. Currently in FNP school, I am writing a tons but also learning much as well. With any degree, I would suspect that you would have to write papers to further understand the theories of nursing. If FNP is really what you want, you can do this : )

Congrats on this great success : ) I am also in the same boat. Sometime counting down the time is the greatest inspiration and is also a testimony in how far you have come

Hi, Guys I can use some encouragement too. I am schedule to take my exam in December. Though I am studying Laura G stuff, I find Im still confused with cardio stuff (lead for MI changes,etc.). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

I would reevaluate your goals. You are creating more anxiety for yourself but looking into the future. Just focus on trying to pass Patho. On this path to obtaining your FNP, you will encounter alot of challenges. I am also an FNP student. Though schooling is diffcult, I wouldn't change what I doing. Its doing these hardships that leader's are made. Understand that sacrifices will have to be made as well. For myself, I am only working weekend hours (Saturday and Sunday) and spend majority of my time hammer in my books. Though I have my discouraging moments, I dont allow it to deter me for my goals. You can do it, but first you have to understand what you want out of life and your career. Everytime I feel anxious about a situation or event, my mother says I only have enough faith for this moment to carry me to the next. Be encourage

Congratulations ; ) what great inspiration you are for all of us