newFNP2015

I attended the APEA live review and listened to an old copy of Fitzgerald. I think the area that really helped me the most was the APEA Qbank. Some of the questions are pretty basic, but the explanations are pretty thorough and got me thinking about important concepts. There are options to see only questions you have never seen which I used until I had seen them all. There is also an option to see only questions you have missed which I used until I got them all correct. That alone is 1000 questions (a few repeats in the mix) which is a good start. The AANP predictor gives you a good idea of the type of questions and topics covered. I made notes throughout the study process (about problem areas, tidbits I didn't remember, and things that I'm pretty sure I never knew lol) which I used as a study guide the few days before the exam. However, I took the live review almost 3 months before I tested and studied off and on during those months so that I wouldn't feel rushed. Passed the first time. That being said, you have already taken a whole exam and were pretty close to passing. You know more of what the testing situation is like and what topics you are weak in. The AANP has 2 versions (I think) so the questions will be different, but I'd imagine the emphasis on topics will be similar. Study your weak spots (even though its easier to study what we already know to boost our confidence). Did you take a break in the middle? There's an exhaustion point for everyone and if you need to take a break at a certain number of questions or time, do so. I got up halfway through, walked around, used the restroom, and came back. I also took mini breaks where I just closed my eyes for a few moments to refresh my brain. Just my two cents.

From my experience, most places that say they want ANCC just mean that they want you certified, but not specifically ANCC over AANP. It is generally a lack of knowledge of terminology of the person writing the position requirements. However, as some others mentioned, there may be a few companies that want one over the other, but I haven't run across that yet.

Prescriptive Authority:5 Steps to...DPS - Coalition for Nurses in Advanced Practice This may be helpful to anyone that is currently in this process. It's a little outdated, but still good overall information. My credentialing person for my new job is not very helpful and I'm finding myself doing everything anyway. I applied for my NPI and got my number within the hour. I am now waiting for DPS (up to 6 weeks) before I apply for DEA (which a friend said took her 4 days to get). Be sure to read about having your collaborating physician add you as a delegation on the TMB website prior to sending in DPS or it can be returned to you.

My RN experience is pedi CVICU and PICU. I did not find it a detriment to my finding a job. The only reason it even came up is that most people who interviewed me went out of their way to explain exactly how much time I would be spending with pedi patients. I just always reiterated that my degree allows me to see patients across the lifespan and that my clinicals allowed me time with both adult and pedi populations so that it would not be an issue. That being said, I tried to switch to an ER position while I was in school because I thought it would be helpful to experience a more broad population and set of diagnoses. I was not all that well received because in my area you either have ER experience or come in as a new grad (and I was neither). I'm sure if I had a contact in the ER I could have made it happen, but I didn't at the time. Either way, I think my experience is valuable in its own way and don't feel less prepared because I never switched. It's all about how you sell yourself in the interview process and make the best use of your resources.

I attended a Hollier/APEA live review and purchased the Qbank for the month preceding my exam. I also used an older version of the Fitz book and the fast facts from Leik. I wanted various sources and I didn't read anything cover to cover, but I passed first time with a pretty decent score (in my opinion). Overall, I think the live review was a good refresher from school and the Qbank was probably the most helpful with testing me and giving rationales.

As a side note, I took nearly 5 months post graduation and 3 months post-certification to decide on a job. It was a lengthy process full of offers that were less than desirable. I'm glad I waited because I just accepted by first job and it has great potential. In addition, most larger health systems have a credentialing process which takes multiple weeks (I've heard between 6 weeks and 90 days) so unless you are going with a smaller, private practice, you may have additional time off. I have seen part time jobs in various schedules over the course of school and job searching. One ANP worked 9-3 M-F so that she could drop off and pick up her kids from school. I've seen postings for just Monday and Tuesday (or whichever days tend to be the busiest), some including half a day Saturday which may work out if you have a partner who doesn't work Saturday so that child care is covered. Some offer just mornings for several days a week, etc.

Another update: I had another offer in the mean time and ended up going with a FQHC about 10 minutes from my house with excellent benefits. Thanks for all of your advice!

Update: Still interviewing and deciding. Will be shadowing in the pain management practice to check it out further. I also have upcoming interviews for a family practice clinic with a big hospital system that I already work for which sounds promising. M-F 8-5 and rotating half day Saturdays. Pay would be a little less than the other two options, but the experience would be more general. Same 30 minute commute mentioned before.

I need some help with potential offers from recent interviews. I have had a lot of terrible offers including awful schedules, independent contracting that does not adequately compensate for taxes, no benefits with shady dealings, etc. Below are the most promising of what is left. I am a new graduate FNP. Pain Management/Addiction - Help expand a private business that currently has one MD who is triple boarded and looking to redefine pain management (not cash for pills). About a 30 minute commute with no traffic and a really nice facility. Includes malpractice and health insurance (not sure how much of the premium would be covered). Other benefits pending formal offer (should be soon). Great potential for learning concepts and skills related to pain management. Really great doc who is excited to teach. Cardiology - Part of a team of faculty and fellows at a teaching institution. Extensive orientation process with the possibility of running a low risk cardiology clinic after training (based on comfort levels, areas of interest, etc.). An hour commute with no traffic or would relocate. Full benefits including full coverage of health insurance and great retirement benefits. Looking for someone long term based on depth of training. Great group of doctors and would be in clinic with the head of the department at least once a week. No formal offer and others still interviewing. Would likely have to turn down the first offer to see if this one pans out. Pay would be about the same for both. I worry about the former because of the current stigma of pain management and the latter based on desire for long term as it is my first job in a new role. Both would be great learning opportunities and have potential for extensive networking. Any comments or advice?

DNP is not mandated until 2025 for CRNAs and no set date for NPs that I'm aware of so that should not be an issue. I am unsure of the logistics of holding both licenses according to the BON, which may vary by state. With both programs running about 2-3 years, it might change before you complete both degrees, especially if you plan to gain experience as an NP prior to trying your hand at CRNA. It might be something to ask your BON.

Passed AANP today! APEA QBank and AANP practice questions were my best investments as far as exam prep, I think. I took the Hollier review course which I also found helpful for "putting it all together" and found her to be very charismatic in the delivery.

I passed the AANP today! I found the APEA QBank and the AANP practice exam very helpful for exam content. Hollier live review was good for overall knowledge of content/practice as well.

I recently graduated in December and am planning to take AANPCP. I decided AANPCP because it is strictly clinical based questions and has an association with the actual AANP organization. I have classmates taking both, but from the live review I attended, the majority of recent graduates tend to be leaning toward AANPCP.

No special training needed that I'm aware of. In fact, probably preferable because it can be done in a primary care office and doesn't cost anything. Use Dix-Hallpike to find the affected ear and start in that position for this maneuver. From anecdotal evidence via other practitioners, don't stand very close to their head because they might vomit, especially during Dix-Hallpike. If this doesn't work, look at other options. If you watch youtube videos about the maneuver, many patients have seen the videos and do this for themselves at home after having it done at the office the first time because it works for them.

I used epocrates every day in clinicals. Whether you get it for tablet or phone, its a necessity for me!