jjrodriguez

M.D. or D.O.

I figured one would be very busy this way, lol. I'm not 100% sure, but I believe here in Texas, you can't be just a FNP to work in the ED.

I am wondering if any NP's here are currently or have worked as both a FNP and ACNP at the same time? I am applying for an ENP (dual FNP/ACNP) program next semester than can prepare you for work in the ER. However, I am thinking about working in the ICU and am not sure if I can work primary care alongside, although I would love to do that. Is working 4 days a week in primary care and 2 weekends a week in acute care unheard of? Thanks!

Yeah, if you want to advance to grad school, grades definitely matter. I plan to apply for NP school next semester and I ask what is considered a competitive GPA and the average is 3.4-3.5. Now, in grad schools, C's for the most part are not good. I know one program that requires you to retake a class if you get a C. If you still make a C, you are kicked out. Another program only allows 1-2 C's for the whole program (about 80-ish hours total). I understand some are not thinking about getting their MSN, but it's something to consider for those who are.

It depends on your program. Our program was great in that we had a Student Success program where students who are struggling can meet with a couple of faculty and peer mentors for questions. We have many resources available to us such as study guides, supplemental books and practice questions. Majority of the people in our class did fairly to exceeding well. I think the content itself is not difficult to grasp, rather the analyzing and application of that content can be a challenge to master. Also, time management is key as it is pretty busy balancing clinical hours, assignments and didactic courses.

Although that seems to be the common mentality that "C = commencement", I know of many of my classmates and myself who are able to maintain a majority of A's throughout our BSN upper level courses. It does take an effort and investment of time, but the satisfaction knowing I tried my best and succeeded is invaluable. Unfortunately, we hear that a lot, and I agree that it does lower the standard of our education. I believe that you don't have to make ALL straight A's, but try your best to excel in all of your classes. If you really tried your best, and still came out with a C, then that's absolutely okay. But I've noticed a very laid back attitude amongst my cohort regarding grades and as a peer mentor, I have to break through that thought with the new nursing students to encourage them to aim for A's. It is kind of scary seeing this attitude. I understand that some people are "better test takers than others" (I've heard this a lot), but you still need that broad based knowledge to even answer the question. I've also heard that "managers don't look at grades". That may be true for some, but with the influx of new grads looking for jobs, how else will employers differentiate for their ideal employees? Two of the local hospitals have set GPA requirements for their GN positions (3.0 & 3.3 minimum). Interships also look GPA. Graduate school looks at GPA. So, yes, grades DO matter.

Throughout my clinicals, I got along fantastically with nearly all the physicians I came into contact with. I thought, and still think, it was in their best interests to provide a good solid experience for a student like me. However I was told that they probably treat me different because I am male. I hope that is not the case though, but I can't deny that some of my female clinical-mates recall the cold shoulder when working with some physicians.

You have to utilize critical thinking skills in that you know the information, now what are you going to DO with it? Analysis and application are the main higher level thinking skills you will need in order to effectively answer questions and practice safely. As mentioned, nursing is not black and white. There are many variables that influence a patient's response to certain treatments and it is important for us to identify what can go wrong before something goes wrong and how to respond in a timely manner.

I received a scholarship where I had to send a thank you letter, and it was definitely the real deal. It turned out, my donor was the CNO from of the local pediatric hospitals! It was very nice. I highly doubt your scholarship will be revoked due to a spelling error. You can clarify in your letter about the error.

Low oxygenation doesn't really have to do with risk for falls directly, so take out the last 2. I can't see anything that directly relates to risk for falls, other than low activity level. I wouldn't say she has impaired physical mobility, rather limited mobility. So, if you want to do Risk for falls, I would probably state it as: Risk for falls R/T wound on foot. However, I am more concerned about her returning pneumonia. Have you thought about Impaired gas exchange or Ineffective breathing pattern? Also, consider Impaired skin integrity or Infection R/T the wound.

Go for it!! As long as you are fully motivated and healthy, I see no limit as to how old you have to be to succeed. On the other end of the spectrum, is there such a thing as being too YOUNG to start NP school? :) I will be 22 when intend to start.

I currently blog through Wordpress.com I mainly use it as a mentoring type of resource, where I cover material throughout all the courses throughout my BSN. I would share my study tips for succeeding in a particular course (med/surg, psych, pediatrics ...) and I also cover topics individually (EKGs, fetal heart tones). . I am also looking forward to starting a student FNP blog, for the same purpose.

That's strange. I knew we always check for the bladder if we suspect autonomic dys, but I remember doing a practice question that had both "elevate HOB" and "check bladder/cath" as answer choices and the answer was "elevate HOB". I think the rationale was to prevent hypertensive stroke and this is the most immediate intervention. Of course, in real life all of these would be done about the same time.

My first semester of nursing school, my clinical-mate's patient's diagnosis was "SICK".

I would keep the pharm & patho books, but I love those subjects so it could just be me. I actually still have my pharm & patho notes from my pre-BSN, and I hope they'll be great use when I start NP school. There are a couple of great websites for renting, check them out! Half.com Ecampus.com

Congratulations! To prepare for your phone interview, I would prepare the same way as you would an in-person interview. Make sure you are in a quiet area with no distractions (especially not the bathroom!). Have your resume, references and the hospital website in front of you. It would be better to research the hospital first - look at their history, values and mission. The questions I was asked where typically behavioral type questions - "how did you handle stress?" or "how did you resolve conflict?" I did have a couple of clinical-type question about advocacy and experiences, but I think it was more focused on my personality. The in-person interviews I had so far had a combination of behavioral and clinical type questions. Most importantly, be genuine. If they ask you about your weakness, tell them at least one and how you are managing it to improve yourself.Hope this helps!

I'm not familiar with NPs working in the military, but I just want to say that there is nothing "abnormal" about a male pursuing the NP route. I'm a male and plan to go for FNP. Yes, we may be the minority, but that doesn't take away our value in this field.

To work in the ED, you will need to go for Acute Care NP. For NICU, you will need to do a post-Master's Neonatal NP. Typically the MSN takes 2-3 years depending on the program, then the post-Master's would probably be another year or two. Just know that it is probably required or highly required that you have a year of acute care and NICU experience respectively before starting these programs. Some MSN have a dual role as educator. University of South Alabama has an option to add the Educator role to your program plan. I am not sure how much NPsmake in North TX, but according to ADVANCE, NPs in the ED & NICU make the highest salaries, but that can vary by region. You would need to go to grad school. I don't think you can just get a certificate. The post-Master's is if you already have a Master's concentration in one field and want to go for another field. All together, MSN plus Post-Master's would probably take about 4-5 years part time. Hope these answer your questions!

C. diff. & Mucomyst!

No, I found that to be absolutely untrue. I'll be graduating this December with my BSN and I definitely felt that my life was well balanced throughout. Contrary to popular belief, I was still able to sleep about 6 hrs a night, make time for leisure (video games, cartoons), socialize with the family and squeeze in some exercise routines. Albeit, I don't have a family that depends on me nor did I work full time. What's important is time management. I prioritized all that needs to be done, set my calendars with all the important dates and made sure to take breaks. That way I am not procrastinating and cramming the night before. Nursing school is really not as bad as people make out to be. It's really up to the individual!

I used Review & Rationales Mental Health Nursing review book and Psych/Mental Health Success. They're pretty good and the latter book is mainly practice questions.

I want to pursue becoming an NP because I would love the role of being a primary care provider for the patient. The ability to have autonomy, diagnose, treat, prescribe appeals to me and I do favor the chance to advance my education and role. I also would like collaborating with other mid-level providers and physicians. I've had positive experiences, so far, working with physicians during my clinicals and have heard many benefits to pursuing NP.

It couldn't hurt. Joining a professional organization that shares the same interest as you may help in networking and finding connections. I plan to join our organization when I begin FNP school, so I develop relationships and browse available preceptors ahead of time.

I'm sorry you're feeling discouraged. Have you looked at your local NP organizations? I know here in North TX, we have the North TX NP organization that has a list of preceptors available. Of course, you have to pay your dues to join the org to be able to see the list. You can also go to the FNP Networking Group on Facebook and ask if anyone is willing to precept. Hope you find who you're looking for. If I were a FNP (I plan to), I'd be more than willing to precept. :) Here's the link to the Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/nursepractitioner/

Compared to pre-reqs, maybe a 7? It's hard to compare, because it's dependent on the individual. I would rate it about as equal to the pre reqs, whereas others may find it easier or harder.