Cococure

I think you should hang in there and learn as much as possible before throwing in the towel. It’s a new practice and therefore slower that’s an opportunity to take your time and learn. Also I did all my clinicals with MD’s and one thing I learned was to look everything up before I asked a question. One MD stated that’s how they actively learn during residency etc so I should look at my clinicals as a mini residency. Moving from a oncology nurse to a oncology NP is a different role and the MD is probably unaware of the transition period. Maybe she is relying on some of your past experience. My advise is to have an honest and open conversation with her about your expectations and goals. As others have suggested develop a training system and see if she is open to it. Good luck

You hair is beautiful! And yes is it professional...no need to worry about that. Just pull it back in a pony tail and rock it Cococure

Very interesting...sorry this happened to you. Do you mind me asking why you are looking for a new job after 1 yr? Just curious to see if this is the norm, I know as a nurse we sometimes do 1hr med-surg and then head for a specialty area... does this applies to primary care? I am a new graduate NP. good luck! Coco

So after lurking for so long on this board with merely a dream of being and ARNP. I can finally post that I have passed my boards! I have been on this board since my CNA days lol. Thanks everyone for answering my questions over the years. I am pretty sure I will still have some more to come ...lol.

Hello, My hubby and I are nurses, we didn't go to school together. I went first and then he started right after I graduated. It nice to have a partner that truly understands the stress of a crazy shift and we always have great stories to share....lol We don't work in the same area I am in OB and he is on a stroke unit. I think you guys will be fine...hang on for the ride...nursing school is a challenge! Good luck Coco

Oh Lordy, Come on guys, how did the conversation go sideways so soon? The OP just wanted some support and guidance on being a new NP. Can we all agree that we are all playing on the same team. Providers be it an MD, NP or PA are trying to deliver the best care possible to the patients? Yes, there are problems with the NP programs, yes there are good and bad providers, and no I don't think anyone is trying to compare NP education vs MD education that would be crazy. The academic hospital is a great setting for a new NP because most do have a very good orientation program and after they work in teams. But, so is anywhere that is willing to help guide and new NP whether it's a specialty practice or primary care. I work for a pretty large academic hospital and the NP's/MD's/PA's all seem to work well together, why is it on this board it appears so differently? I guess the anonymity of this place will allow ones true colors shine through. Just me 2 cents for now I will keep my rose colored lenses on and look on the brighter side...lol

This is a great suggestion but it is not always possible. I did more than the required hours each semester, but when the semester was finished I was not allowed to shadow for any extra time due to legal issues. Also, other students were scheduled to precept after my hours were completed. If it is possible to gain extra experience by doing extra hours then that is a great idea, but for many students it may not be possible. I personally don't think that being nervous as a new NP is a terrible thing, it would seem pretty natural and expected because we are dealing with patients lives on a whole new level. Also, because we are nervous we would double check to make sure we are doing whats best for the patient.

First off...congrats on being a NP graduate!!! I am in the same boat as you, just finished school and preparing for boards. I am nervous and excited all at the same time, I too am terrified I won’t be able to find a provider that knows the NP role especially a new grad NP. Right now I am just focused on taking it one day at a time and doing self care (eating healthy, exercising etc.) I must say working out helps reduce my stress level. My plan is to prep for the boards and after passing start looking for a job. I will continue to work as a nurse and take my time looking for a job that is supportive to new grad NP’s. I don’t expect my first job to be my dream job but I do expect a learning curve and I do expect to feel like an “imposter”. Basically the same feelings I had when I was a newbie nurse.

I am not sure which part of the country you are located in but the big name schools do like Duke, Yale, Columbia, Georgetown, UPenn, etc do set up clinicals. Have you looked into PA programs? They set up all rotations etc and you don’t have to choose a specialty track like NP programs. Good luck Coco

Ok I understand now. Honestly, you have the education already so whatever school you attended it will be a breeze for you. That being said it will depend on what part of the country you are located, as a previous poster said if it’s a saturated area it might be a bit harder. But when they see your education and experience I am sure you will be fine. So good luck and all the best! FYI go to a school that sets up preceptors for you!

Possible in California with OT but you will need that kind of salary to afford anything. Travel nurses make bank in Cali!

With your background as a MD you will be fine, you have more than enough education. Question why didn’t you want to be an MD in the states? I am unfamiliar with the process.

Yes I think if you want more options. I originally wanted to pursue this type of degree because I wanted to have the choice to be a hospitalist or outpatient because most hospitals want the ACNP for inpatient roles. But I am finished with my FNP and I am good.

I had thought of it for a brief second but after looking at many schools curriculum, it's not clinically based it's geared towards management/leadership and that not my cup of tea. Also, it's crazy expensive and I don't want to write another APA paper ever in my life...like EVER!!!

I did this as well and I too planted trees in my own yard...lol Another thing I purchased was a dry erase board. I would pretend I am teaching about a specific topic like HTN and write down the cause, risk factors, meds and the guidelines. I am sure I looked crazy talking to my plants...lol But it has helped me tremendously. I study as if I am going to explain the topic to someone who has no idea about the subject.

My advice is to get familiar with good study habits you will need them for pharm, advanced patho etc. I don't mean cramming and reading tons of pages only to pass the test. I mean really paying attention to the syllabus, making a study schedule and sticking to it, and studying and reviewing a bit every day so that the information sticks! Not sure if you are married with kids, but I am and I had to learn to balance it all and I had to learn that I will miss some stuff and the kids will be ok. I worked full time until my last 2 semesters when clinicals and the school work was becoming unbearable. What I did to prepare for my first semester? I took care of myself, and I still do I work out, eat well and take some time for a mental break...even if its a 20min walk by myself. Just know that MSN is a lot of self study the professors or all the books won't teach you everything, you will have to seek out additional knowledge on your own. You will be fine for the first semester it's very manageable as long as you don't procrastinate. So enjoy your free time, good luck and all the best. Coco

No program is perfect but don't continue to invest money and time into a program that you feel is not meeting your needs as a student. Is there anyway to speak with past graduates? Maybe they can give you a better insight into the program. Also, you are still early into the program, you can transfer your credits to a another program.

I am at a state school in Ga. and it's not perfect by any means but I can say I am learning because 1) I had great preceptors who were MD's so I had to step my game up because they were used to PA students 2) I study a lot, masters programs are intended for the adult learner so its a lot of self study.

The role of a NP is different from that of a RN. I would suggest you learn your RN role first because there is a steep learning curve when you are a floor nurse. After you are confident and know what you want then go for it, ER/ICU/med-surg are good areas. If you are very confident in your skill set them go for it, only you can know what you are capable of doing. Personally I am glad I waited because I was 1000% sure I wanted to work in womens health/CNM ...now I am studying to be a FNP and don’t want to be a midwife by any means.

I would enjoy the time you have and relax, chill etc . When school starts you will be learning in a different style. A&P was memorization, nursing class are how to apply the knowledge you have learned based on how the patient presents/signs/symptoms and what interventions. I know you are excited but when school starts your head will be in the books so just take care of your self. You are an A student so you have good study skills ...you will be fine in nursing school.

I 1000% agree nursing can be very gossipy ...just be professional and keep it moving....just choose carefully the information you divulge. For example I am married with 2 kids ..husband is a nurse as well....that’s about all my coworkers know ...lol

If the comments they are making makes you feel uncomfortable...just say so and let them know your limit. Also for whatever reason females nurses tend to flock to male nurses no matter if you are gay, straight or bi...we are just a nosey bunch and overshare on everything. Before you know if you are single they will try to set you up with someone trust me...I don’t why us gals do but we do. I work in obgyn and we have a male L&S nurse who is gay and we all love him ...because he is a great nurse, personable and easy to talk to and gives great report. Also our gay doctors talk about their families etc and share pics ...we live in a different time now ..diversity is the name of the game. I wouldn’t be too worried we tend to trust gay men more than straight men cause we know there is no agenda ...just friends/colleagues.

Hey Naptime, I feel your pain and trust me many other students do as well. I am at a brick and mortar school as well and the semester before I started clinicals we were informed that they no longer place students. It is becoming crazy impossible to find peds/OBGYN rotations and I work on that area...providers are booked at least 2yrs in advance. My school offered students clinical placement agencies where we have to pay $$$ for hours. I am just glad I made at the end but my only suggestion is to keep trying ...I have called over 100 places before I got a yes and my commutes were no joke. If your are interested in clinical placement companies but that’s an option. And yes I was very jealous of the PA students because they seemed more well rounded but it was too late to switch and you can’t work in PA school.

All programs are structured differently...and until you have a signed contract for a clinical sites it just a potential...the school may not even approve the site for numerous reasons. You seemed very concerned about the name/reputation of the school, if that is the case I would suggest looking into another you that you are more familiar with and that has a higher passing rate. Most programs have busy work during the 1st yr and then after you will get to the meat and potatoes but we still have some busy work. My school gives us the Fitzgerald review in our final semester and we have exit exams. Once you start clinicals it gets busy and you will have regular work plus papers exams tests etc. As I mentioned before I would suggest you look into other more reputable programs that have a good rigorous curriculum.

Congrats to all those who passed! My school has us doing the Fitzgerald review and it’s great but it is a lot of information. The Leik review is great as well, my question is how many hours a day did you guys study? Also I am studying by systems eg cardiac, HEENT, respiratory etc. I graduate in May and plan on giving my self 4-6 wks of studying.