toasterboy85

I have worked 2 years on CV/neuro team in OR as RN while going to school for my masters. After those 2 years I transferred to another hospital and worked surgical ICU at the trauma hospital full time for 2 years until I finished my masters and sat fo...

I work as a FNP-BC for a neurosurgeon. I am close to competing my RNFA so that I will be able to bill for intra-operative time. I work in Texas. My wife, who is also a nurse practitioner, practices with pediatrics and adults in a rural clinic. We ha...

When I started working at a neurosurgery private practice, I was employed at 65k (as an RN, my board certification was pending testing). Within a year I am up to 80k base. I also get a monthly commission of 10% of my total collections. It is all abou...

I work at a neurosurgery practice as a nurse practitioner. We commonly prescribe norco for pain management (mostly post surgery). Recently we have gotten quite a number of patients who are abusing their norco. I have discussed with them the narcotic ...

I took ANCC fnp exam last October and passed first time. I studies Leik Review, Fitzgerald Review, APEA Review. As far as labs go, I don't remember seeing any, but for the most part thru your schooling you should be confident with labs. Know anemia a...

The length of course is not the only factor. Remember quality of the program. There have been some recent programs that have come out whom in the professional world are not well respected and/or have a low certification pass rate (ANCC/AANP). My prog...

Good to see that there is some good interest with Texas Tech! My wife and I have both graduated in 2012 with our FNP. If anyone needs help feel free to ask.

I am a newly graduate (tested 10/2013) as a FNP-BC. I work in a busy neurosurgery practice in Texas. I have had not problems with obtaining hospital, insurance, or contract concerns because of my credentials. I have OR as well as SICU/Trauma experien...

I know it is "looked down" to prescribe for friends or family. If you MUST, I would write up a HPI, PE, ect and have the patient sign it as well with included therapy options. This would somewhat legally protect you. Although the best scenario would ...

I would encourage you to try the ANCC. Try not to let emotion get in your way. Study and test... That is all you can do. That was the phrase my physician told me prior to examination. I took APEA, Fitzgerald, and studied Leik. Look at the questions...

Moody JB. Congratulations. I am glad that you passed it is such a relief to know that you are now a board certified family nurse practitioner. What are your plans from here?

My wife and I will be sitting for our boards this Friday. We are extremely nervous, we have been to Fitzgerald and Hollier's live conference, purchased APEA online q-bank, and reviewed Fitzgerald 3rd edition. We are nervous about the research and nur...

We passed. Hope you do we'll. sounds like you have prepared well. Good luck. (ANCC orAANP?)

I am a FNP who works with a neurosurgeon. We are on call this weekend and I have spent multiple hours in the ICUs. This does not seem to be a problem at any hospitals so far. I have has precious icu experience as an RN and I am also a CNRN. I do not ...

I too am a FNP whom works in office, rounding on hospital patients and currently obtaining my RNFA. Sounds like you have an awesome job. Don't become greedy. Understand that you will build into the future. I did take a lower salary for my initial con...

Finally after 7 months I have received all my numbers, insurance contracts, and hospital privileges. Our practice has an excellent billing practice that thankfully was there for all the dealing, I only needed to sign about 400 pages of "stuff." Good ...

Know how to talk to a patient, seems that ethics were highly concentrated on. Sounds like you have prepared well. Good luck. Keep us posted.

My wife and I just graduated from TTUHSC in August 2012. Over all decent program, of course each program has it flaws. There is A LOT that you have to put in as far as self study goes. Good luck! What town are you in?

Insurance is one place that I would not "take the lowest bidder." I work as an FNP for a neurosurgeon and my insurance is about $4000. Mostly because of surgery (RNFA) and small amount of pediatrics. Find someone who is an expert at insurance, there...

I took ancc (FNP) back in September 2012. I attended the live Fitzgerald and APEA review course. I would read over Leik on my iPad while waiting in line, between patients at clinical, and slow nights at work. One thing you MUST remember. When you ta...

This is a very complicated question. I work for a neurosurgeon, I am also a recent grad from a NP program. Currently I work about 50 hours a week plus study time at home. My salary is on the low side, but I know as I become proficient in my responsib...

Congrats!!! The hesitation waiting for the results and having to take a post test survey was ridiculous. I loved the question "how did the test compare to the blue print" I was thinking, let me see my result and THEN I will answer that question. Wha...

I took my boards in September thru ANCC. I took a live test prep thru Fitzgerald then about 2 months later APEA. I bought Leik's book on amazon and had it derived to my iPad. I would read it when waiting in lines, slow days at work, ect. Taking both ...

I too am a new nurse practitioner. I obtained a job working at a neurosurgery practice. Strangely enough I received my Medicare/Medicaid number before any insurance companies approved me. I am currently waiting on United Healthcare. Be prepared to wa...

I agree with justanlpn. Currently hospitals are moving more towards hiring a registered nurse with their BSN. Take the time at community collages to obtain the basics and transfer to an accredited university to obtain your BSN. Each person is differe...