Cal-Neva

Yes! You hit it right on the nose. I primarily used Barkley Live review materials and the Leik book. I honestly have no idea how I passed because there was almost zero research and leadership information in what I reviewed. Research was huge on my test, along with leadership, DM, asthma, and some peds questions. Derm also had some questions.

Good evening, I am searching for an NP or MD preceptor in the Reno/Carson City/Sparks area in Northern Nevada. I am in a Family Nurse Practitioner program, and I am in need of two Family Medicine APN/MDs and an Ob/Gyn APN or MD. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Sounds like you hit the nail right on the head here. Either during their orientation no one ever sat down with them to exemplify a proper admission note, or they never took the time to learn. I can't speak for all programs, but the program that I attended was very heavily focused toward acute care where the MD typically writes the admitting H&P and orders. I know I probably would have not had a clue how to write a detailed admission note in your facility based on my experience in school. Maybe this is an excellent teaching point for these new grads. Whether they accept the teaching is another story

This is not a requirement, and may never happen. A few years ago, I believe it was ANCC, recommended all NPs have a DNP, but there has been no push to make this a requirement, and there aren't even enough DNP programs to educate the flow of NPs. I will believe it when I see It. To answer the question, get your BSN first. I would work at least a few years so you have some nursing experience under your belt. Most NP programs want experience and use that to distinguish you from other candidates. Try to get that experience in Peds either in acute care, PICU, or pediatric outpatient settings. Once you have experience I would apply to several different PNP programs and be prepared to move if that is what you truly want to do because there are not a plethora of PNP programs. The other option is to become an FNP, which trains you to work with pediatric patients, but you also have the flexibility to work with adults or women's health. Good luck to you. Work as hard as you can and enjoy yourself. Nursing can be a tough but very rewarding profession.

What a bunch of poop, both literally and figuratively. Good on you for stepping up, helping the patient, and setting an example for your classmate. I graduated with a girl who claimed "I don't do poop." We all laughed and thought to ourselves good luck lasting in a job! My jobs so far have only been primary care, so that nurse would have had quite the surprise to learn it was all her if she walked in my shoes. I actually enjoyed having no CNA (not always, but sometimes). It gave me a better idea of the patient's gait and strength, and it allowed me to better gauge if the patient was ready to go home alone or if they needed assistance upon discharge.

Thank you! Sounds like networking and connections are the best way to find preceptors. I appreciate your feedback.

I really appreciate the insight. I have already started to do this at my current job and so far seems there are a couple of promising options. Thank you so much for the advice!

Anyone? Bueller?

I just started an FNP program in December, and soon I will have to start securing my own preceptors for clinicals. I have already looked at the AANP network, have been trying to utilize professional relationships and contacts, and know about contacting the office manager or MD. What advice do those of you who have experience with this have for securing and maintaining preceptors? Even little tips and tricks are helpful. Thanks!

What I remember is that yes the review helps, but the most important thing is to do questions and more questions! Find out the areas that you are weakest in and study those really hard....then do more questions! Remember, it is the answer that is most right. Remember maslow's hierarchy and your ABCs. I used the Saunders book and a book from Hurst review. Keep your head up and nose in a book. Good luck to you

How could a patient be anxious when they are barely responsive??? MD attitudes like this really tan my hide. You did the right thing, and hopefully documented all of this. The only thing that might have helped is a rapid response like others have said only because you would get a bunch of sets of experienced eyes and minds on the case who might know tricks to motivate the MD a little better. How the information was conveyed may have mattered too. Telling a doctor that you think the patient is having a stroke vs has high blood pressure and is lethargic may get the MD to act differently. I am in no way telling you that you didn't communicate the problem well, because you did, just something I learned with dealing with Docs at night.

Gosh this sounds terrible, and I hope all your hard work culminates soon for you! The only thing that I can think of that you may have thought of but didn't mention is certifications. Try and get certifications that an employer may be looking for like PALS, ACLS, etc. I know those can be expensive without a job, so sorry if this doesn't help. Sending good thoughts your way!

This! Admittedly you got me with Superbowl talk, but THIS! Innovative thinking and would help with nurse turnover and the costs associated with turnover. Where do I sign up?? That's great Esme12, how do you accomplish this and what does it look like on your unit?

Haha! Great story!

I already apologized for this, no need to kick a dead horse. Also, I wasn't talking about cattiness behind the anonymity of the boards, that is the discussion that this thread has morphed into. My commentary wasn't as much about this board but on nursing in general. I still hold the opinion that nurses can needlessly act negative toward each other, which is highlighted by some of the responses to this thread.