andrew.youv

Some tips that set you apart: Be sure to list that you are enrolled in a BSN program on your resume. Put a future graduation date on there along with your GPA. Place it with your other education stuff, many recruiters won't notice that you're not done, but accept it as you having your BSN. While this may seem deceitful, it's more to get your foot in the door. Most nursing managers gladly accept nurses that are matriculated in programs already as long as you graduate within X months of hire. Certifications are a huge plus if you can get them (I know this won't help you). On that note get your ACLS, BLS, and NIH Stroke Scale certifications done. What job experience have you had previous that would boost your nursing repertoire? For example, retail = great customer service skills. Familiarity with EHRs that you may have seen in your clinical rotations is fine to put on your resume. "Familiar with Sunrise, Epic, McKesson, and other electronic health documentation". If you are able to volunteer at any of the hospitals, it may help depending on the facility. In my experience I have only seen two nurses hired this way. Good luck! Andrew

I researched 4-5 programs, went to information sessions, and ultimately focused on 1 and made sure my references were aware. The application process can be an stressful and time consuming, so make sure you know what is required and send in a complete application. There is a high tendency for applicants to turn in incomplete applications which reflect poorly and may reduce chances of entry. I applied to just this one program after careful consideration and made sure to let admissions know that I was interested and not just trying to "get in anywhere". I placed this information in my admissions essays. Good luck! -Andrew

In many areas, FNPs work in several roles including acute care and ED. The consensus model is that there is to be a split with ACNPs working in acute care settings. When will this happen? Who knows. There is still (generally) a shortage of ACNPs, so FNPs with ICU or ED experience can often times get an OK to serve in the hospital, however be wary as this would be practicing out of scope. In my current hospital system, it is clearly delineated that only ACNPs can practice within the acute care setting, however in several hospitals nearby there are many FNPs practicing in ED and ICU settings. Hope this helps muddy the water a little bit. -Andrew

Congratulations on wanting to continue your education! Being a nursing forum, many here would urge you to go the NP route, although I understand your sentiment about your state being more "PA friendly". Could you elaborate on why? Also, being on the floor for a few months may not paint the whole picture of what "floor nursing" is. What specialty are you in? Are you working medical-surgical? Tele? Onc? Have you thought about trying out ED or ICU? Keep in mind that in your current position there are many possibilities even within your own hospital. A good general guideline is to have 2 full years of experience before moving on, but it is just a guideline. I started travel nursing after 1 year because I truly felt that I was ready to make the leap. I also made myself available to float to various different units within many hospitals in order to have a good general grasp of nursing and it's different iterations within the acute care setting. Before making my decision to enter school for FNP, I shadowed a primary care nurse practitioner for a few days in order to have a better understanding of the role. You're right, there is a plethora of experiences that await you and those can ultimately shape your perspective. Keep an open mind and always stay up to date on the latest nursing science! -Andrew

You could also try the NP forum as well as the Nurse Educator forum, however I suspect that you have already reached out. In your posts be sure not to simply ask for a preceptor, but sell yourself. Why would someone want to choose you? What makes you worth their time and effort? As Rose_Queen stated: people here value the anonymity here. Would a hospital nurse educator fit the bill? If so, reach out to your organization's education department to see if there is someone available that may be able to help out. Good luck! Andrew

That sounds awesome! I'm also starting my FNP program in September, orientation is next week. I'm in my hospital's float pool, so I was able to schedule myself on weekends (Fri/Sat/Sun) 3x12). It seems like this will work for my clinical rotations in a year along with giving me the week to finish my classwork. Let us know how working at the nursing school works out!

I'm all for hourly rounding, but with that being said, it seems the definition of hourly rounding differs per organization. In some of the Magnet facilities I have toured, hourly rounding was a collaborative effort which included nursing, nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, physical therapy, and (GASP) even physicians and management. A nursing manager would make a morning round after report and see all patients on the floor in some hospitals, effectively taking care of one of the hourly rounds. Overall it lead to reduction in falls, less call lights, and did make the team flow smoother. Everyone has to buy in, though. One person slacking off makes it harder for the rest of the team. It does, however, seem that some facilities aren't really reading up on the evidence and assume that hourly rounding means that nurses need to be in the room every hour. Push back with correct current evidence, include evidence on staffing, and always include estimates on costs and cost-savings; doing so will make an impact on the decision making. If you focus on items such as fall prevention, medication error reduction, and tie a cost to this, it can help. It's also good if you are able to pull direct costs that your organization has faced due to the aforementioned. Suggest your unit be a "pilot" to see if it is effective. Good luck! Andrew

I was a travel nurse and was able to complete my BSN online. Always look into your "home state", or your tax home if you're a traveler. Many schools offer BSN programs online that you are able to enroll at a much lower hometown discount. These are usually brick and mortar schools which have a traditional nursing program as well as RN-BSN online bridges and are often state schools or universities.

NYC is a tough, tough, market. Keep applying and don't get your hopes down. Going out of state can be fulfilling, especially if you have your mind set on a specialty. If you're looking for areas close to NYC, Jersey has some fantastic hospitals (Hackensack, etc.), but those can also be quite competitive. As a travel nurse, I went through Connecticut and it was great. Having your license endorsed in CT is a relatively painless and quick process and many of the cities are on the Metro North line which means you can get back to NYC if you want. Best of luck in everyone's endeavors! -Andrew

I highly recommend finding a scrub that fits CLOSE to what you're looking for with good material, this portion is completely preferential and will likely force you to take a trip down to the scrub store to try on multiple sets. The key to look "stylish" in any context is FIT, FIT, FIT, which means you should take the scrubs to a tailor to do work. I'm a skinny little Asian dude, and I'll be damned if I look like a little boy in my father's scrubs. I get my stuff tailored. I get tons of compliments mainly because, well, it just fits, I don't have an awesome body or anything, but fit makes so much of a difference. Full disclosure: I have most of my clothing tailored or altered. It's budgeted. Find a good tailor and you won't regret it. And to those bashing the OP, hey, lighten up. Well-fitting and flattering scrubs make a difference in one's self confidence and also gives a fantastic first impression. Unfortunately people are generally judgmental, so wearing scrubs that fit well isn't the worst idea. It's like a job where you would wear business casual and dressing in well-fitting clothes. Just because it's the bare minimum doesn't mean you have look sloppy in bags of clothes. Also, I've found that I am able to have better range of motion and not get snagged on various lines, beds, rails, people, cats, patients, physicians, wheelchairs, MRSA, and/or code carts. This is a huge plus. Good luck! -Andrew

Send me a PM. I'm a Tele/Step-Down/MS float so I can help with some questions if you haven't made your decision yet.

I was accepted into the North Shore LIJ-Hofstra Graduate School of Nursing for the inaugural FNP program this Fall (2015) -- see information here. Key points: Clinical Placements by School (no need to find your own preceptors) Increased clinical hours PEARLS and case-study based learning and cohorts Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies | Academics | Hofstra University, New York Hope this helps. -Andrew

Congrats on the new job! Just a general thought: How will this coincide with your FNP clinical rotations? Good luck!

I'm aware that most NP students work in some capacity, and I am sure that everyone's experience varied in some way or another. Maybe you have kids, maybe you have familial priorities, maybe you're a better learner when you devote time fully to school instead of working. In my case, I'll be working full-time and starting NP school next month. I currently work nights and have my schedule as Fri/Sat/Sun. It looks like I'll have class/lecture every Tuesday. Clinicals after the first year. I live with my girlfriend in Manhattan, no kids, so I think I have a pretty good situation. I come here asking for tips on balancing life/school/work as well as perhaps documenting my own experiences throughout school. I look forward to hearing your responses! -Andrew

Just spoke with a former colleague who traveled to Mass Gen, states very good patient ratios and superior technology. Not sure what the exact numbers are. I believe they use Epic, but I'm not 100%. Hope this helps and good luck!