INN_777

@FCO thank you for the recommendations. I tried to find resources that you refer to as BoardVitals and PocketPrep and I could not find them. Would you mind adding links? Thank you!

This is great to know. I am half way through my PMHNP program now and that is my goal as well: to work 5-10 years in the traditional medical/nursing model and then have an integrative private practice and incorporate yoga, meditation with mental health services (therapy focused at that point).

Thank you, my friend! So glad your are doing well and enjoying it. For sure, almost every onc patient has psych needs, so I do feel like I have quite a bit on experience with at least anxiety and depression. Thank you for an encouraging response.⚘

Hi all: I've been an Oncology RN for 6.5 years now (2nd career). Started an FNP program in 2017 but had to stop as I moved to a new state and life took over. I am considering finishing grad school but I want to switch gears and apply to a PMHNP for many reasons, including long time interest in psych and personal experience. I am planning on switching to a psych RN job once I do more research, submit an application. Would like to hear from those who completed an PMHNP without prior psych experience (or with experience only during the studies). Did you feel that school was harder for you due to limited RN psych experience? Was it more difficult to find a job? Are you happy with your decision? Hoping to find reassurance but open to all honest experiences. Thank you!

You have what it takes! With IVs, scary as it might be and frustrating, the more you do the better you get. I started my nursing and oncology career inpatient and barely had a chance to start IVs, most of our patients had central lines. I had huge anxiety about IVs when I transitioned to outpatient, but after a year or two became a "go to" to tough IVs. You are not born with it, it's all practice.:) Do not worry about knowing all about chemotherapy. You will have orientation and likely some classroom training. But mostly, you will learn about various chemo regimens in infusion by giving them. You learn practical details, related to safety, administration and typical regimens for various types of cancer, not necessarily mechanisms of action, rationale for a regimen. In a very busy infusion clinic you just don't have time to dig. Having now worked in both inpatient and outpatient, I recently took a role as a Nurse Navigator and NOW I am learning more of the big picture - how folks get diagnosed, how regimens are chosen, what patient's journey is like through treatment. Each type of oncology nursing contributes a piece of the "puzzle" of your growing body of knowledge and understanding. Enjoy the transition!

Hi all, also studying for this exam. Are there select all the apply questions on it?

We recently toured the area and visited Waynesville (great) and Weaversville (wonderful). Good to know you like it. Waynsville just seemed a little far but this all depends on where work is, I guess. Haven't been to Swannanoa but loved the name;) CNA ratios are definitely in the high side. But nurse ratios seem reasonable and similar to my employer here (a major teaching hospital). I am in Oncology here and we are max 4. Assume it will be similar over there, This all seems very positive! Thank you so much again!

Hi Meowzers! Thank you for your very encouraging response! Not married to downtown and we have toured a few smaller cities like Weaversville and Swanannoa - liked it. If you don't mind me asking, in what town did you land? Also, what are the nurse to patient ratios @ Mission? Thank you so much again!

Great to find all the feedback here as I am also about to relocate to the area. What are the nurse to patient ratios? I am an oncology RN (3 years experience) and would be looking at inpatient (or outpatient) oncology. Thx

Hi all: BF and I are planning on relocation to Asheville or immediate proximity early 2018. I am and RN-BSN and will have 3 years of Oncology experience, chemo-bio certification and (hopefully) Oncology certification by the time we move. I am currently in an MSN-FNP program and planning on transferring to WCU. Wanted to get a sense for my prospects in the West NC area: 1. How easy/difficult is it to find a job (I do my part well:))? 2. Feedback on employers: Mission Health and others - do you enjoy where you work? Would you recommend one over another? 3. Roughly salaries (I have an idea from online research but would love to know what people actually make)? Thank you!

Thanks all! Helpful!

Thank you for your response. I've never heard of intermediate ortho. What level of care is that? Is that an ortho stepdown (never heard of that either)?Want to clarify, because if this is a regular ortho floor then 4-5 is reasonable. If it is more like a stepdown, 4-5 is very high. Thanks, Y

Thank you so much for sharing, guys! How are the staffing ratios?

Hi all: I currently live in CT and work at a major teaching hospital here. My specialty is Oncology and I have 2+ years of experience (second career). For personal reasons considering relocating to NC. Maybe Charlotte or Durham. Wondering about the "climate" for nurses here. I already found in the threads that pay is lower than in CT, oh well hope that is made up for by lower cost of living. Would love some thoughts on: How are the nurse-to-patient ratios? Availability of jobs (considering 2 years of exp)? I am also in an FNP program here and will have to transfer. How is the job market for FNPs? Thx!

Hi all. I just started my MSN-FNP program while working in acute care (Oncology/Medical). When I graduate, I want to work in primary care. I've been and RN for 1.5 years, all in acute care. Great experience, but I am considering staying in the hospital setting for another 0.5 - 1 years and then switching to a job that would give me more exposure and preparation for work in primary care. I wanted to ask for ideas for such jobs. Seems like RNs in doctors' offices take on almost a more administrative role with not too much clinical skills involved, at least in my observation. Are there any jobs where you can be clinically active and get good exposure and learning in primary care? Someone mentioned their work in a community center...Anything else? Thanks in advance.