meraki86

My pedi ICU experience was in a very specialized area and this NP role was in that same field, so my nursing experience in fact did prepare me for the role. Just wasn't what I expected. I agree 10 months is not long at all, but I hated going into work every day and couldn't stand it any longer. I appreciate your comment in offering grace :) Thankfully I repayed all my school loans almost immediately after graduating so no debt!

I don't know where to start but here it goes. I have about 4.5 years of pedi ICU experience, went to NP school, became a FNP and got my dream job.. and I hated it. So much so that I put in my month's notice at 10 months within this position. If I were to be completely honest, I think I went back to grad school because I was completely burnt out of the ICU and wanted to step away from the bedside. I know, I know.. I went back to school for all the wrong reasons and TRUST me I already feel super guilty about it. I loved the flexibility in my new position and the amount of respect and trust I got as an NP but I hated being the provider and diagnostician. I guess what I'm wanting is some grace.. that it was okay to go back to school, try it out, and return to becoming an RN. Who else out there has regretted becoming an NP and has gone back to working as an RN?

This is my current field! You will love it. The learning curve is very steep and no two hearts are ever the same. About ductal dependent lesions - know if your defect is ductal dependent for PULMONARY vs SYSTEMIC blood flow. This is extremely important. If you have the time, draw out a normal heart vs your patient's defect vs repaired heart. Seeing where the blood flows is very helpful. There is also a book called Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Handbook (there's an ebook version too). I have it on my Ipad with me at work. It is a great resource to have with explanations of the defect, arrhythmias, echos, illustrations, etc. Good Luck and let us know if you have more questions!

So glad this thread was started! I have a bunch of questions. I am starting on August 10th as well and was wondering if we needed to have the certified profile completed by then or before clinicals? Also, what kind of webcam did y'all buy? Are you renting the textbooks or buying them? Sorry for all the questions :X. My overall GPA wasn't too great 3.26 and I have two years experience in a high acuity Pedi CVICU.

I received my acceptance to the FNP program a couple of weeks ago but I had applied in February so it was a VERY long wait. I also applied to the NNP program and am anxiously waiting to hear back. I was notified on my personal email. Has anyone else applied to the NNP program?

I work in a pedi cardiac icu. I've started here as a new grad so I can't compare with those that have worked adult icu but my coworkers who have say the same thing - tons more autonomy in adults, in peds you have to ask for everything. As for pros - we are a high acuity cardiac surgical unit. Always admitting pre and post op patients, a lot come back with open sternums. We do tons of procedures at the bedside. ECMO, CVVH are commonly seen here. You get a lot of experience. I also feel like I'm actually saving lives and helping these kiddos. Cons - you really do take a lot home with you, it can be really stressful if you haven't gotten the hang of balancing work and home life. Because of the complexity and multitude of cardiac defects and post op complications you see a lot of chronic "trach and g-tube" kiddos that suck the life out of you love my job but it's definitely not a easy.

Hi! Congrats on your acceptance. I had applied for the June 29th start date in February. I was wondering when did you apply and how soon did you find out if you were accepted?

So I just took the peds ccrn and failed by 1 lousy question!! I wanted to take the exam initially to get into CRNA school, which I'm not applying to anymore but since I already registered for the exam I went ahead and took it. I studied for 2-3months and honestly I felt like the exam was fairly easy. My question is should I try again and retake it? My hospital does increase pay for certification but not many people have it on my unit. Suggestions? What are the benefits of certification?

Thanks for the post! Taking the peds ccrn in two days and I'm hella nervous!

Love the advice!! I am in your same position. BSN grad working in a cardiac ICU for almost 2 years and I'm looking to see what's next. Thinking about NP school but there was a reason I wanted to become a nurse and not a provider. Now I just feel restless. I love my job, but night shift sucks the life out of me and I'd love to have holidays off and a "normal" schedule. But you really can't complain when you get 8 days off either... Don't know what I want for my career right now but thanks so much for the advice llg!!

I currently work in a cardiac ICU at a children's hospital and am already considering my options for an advanced practice degree. I too, like the idea of starting early. My future goals are to work in a clinic setting (preferably remaining in pediatrics). I guess my question is when should I consider applying to school? I just finished my GN residency and would like at least a year of experience under my belt but if I can start sooner I'd love to. Also should I apply as a PNP or an FNP?

Hello! So I may be the oddball here lol but I will be working in a pediatric CVICU that receives adult patients as well. So excited to start my orientation this upcoming Monday! :)

Officially passed

My name still isn't on BON.. I wonder how long that takes

Just checked and I PASSED!!! Could not be more relieved lol PVT works