RN007

Just saw this, as I've been off the board for a while. Congrats! I'm studying for the exam now.

Is anyone here doing the DNP program at Chatham University or University of Missouri - Columbia? I'm trying to decide between the two programs. Thanks in advance.

I'm so sorry, clinicalteach, but your post made me LOL. I almost took what looked like the job of my dreams, too, until I was told about the 24/7 call. No way, Jose. I live 2 miles from the facility and could see myself being there 24/7. (Hi, Kids. Remember me? I'm your mom. What? You graduated?) Your scenario makes me itch to come in and help. I'm a fixer type. But I also know about regs and do not appreciate being blamed for others' mistakes. Who had the job before you? That person should be hung by his/her toenails until they fall off. One suggestion I might make is if you've already put thoughts together for change, put them on paper to show you've already identified huge problems and intend to take care of them. Also put together a quick education plan and schedule. Good luck and keep us posted.

Yeah, I was just curious how people who see kids got to their jobs.

I started clinicals yesterday for my psych NP program. I love the system I'm precepting with, but they do not let NPs see kids. I would like to specialize in treatment of children if possible. Is anyone here in peds psych and how did you get where you are?

The U of Tenn PMHNP program is excellent but all on-ground except for one class, which is offered online.

[color=darkslategray]the first part of the program where you work on getting the rn will likely be intense, but if you have supportive family and are not working, it should be very doable. the msn part you can plan on spending an estimated 4 hours/ graduate credit hour studying (they say). some classes are harder than others, like advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology, for example, where you have to learn facts. theory isn't so bad, except that you likely will have to write some papers. i just started a pmhnp program with family, kids in school, an elderly mother and working part time (prn). so far, so good.

Which program did you use?

As others have said, it will depend on the school you choose. Of course, the school you choose may depend on the pre-reqs, LOL. I have a BA in speech and theatre, MS in communications and an ADN. For the BSN, I had to take chemistry, stats and bioethics. Other schools I considered required newer math (would not accept my math from years ago) and American History (wouldn't accept my western civ). I avoid math like the plague and did not want to invest time in another history class.

Hey, SueSQ, I've been away and something pulled me back here, and I find you'd been laid off and now working LTC. Well, so am I. I am mostly happy and while the place has its issues like any job, I like the residents and love my shift (10p to 6a). We offer skilled and LTC. 75 beds. I usually wear a white jacket and white pants, colored scrub top. I like the bleachability of white. Best of luck with the new job and stay in touch, RN007

For me, I think it's realizing my children's formative years are more important than a letter on my transcript. And I really don't think a B or two will make a difference in my admission if I prove to be an excellent candidate. I've heard it said by many educators and clinicians that a 4.0 doesn't necessarily make a good nurse or NP. I'd like to here from those who were accepted into programs with B's. Then I'll feel better. Good luck to you!

I am a straight-A student. Right now, I'm taking a full UG courseload and working, plus taking care of/helping my kids in school. Forget about the house being clean. I am facing the reality of a happier state if I accept that making a B in pathophysiology would not be the end of the world. (The other classes are fine.) However, I am applying for NP programs for Fall '10 admission. Any words of wisdom? I need permission to make a B.

I started wearing Asics Cumulus 11. They take the floor pounding and support my feet well.

Thanks ...

Are any of you willing to say in which geographic region you were located? I just applied for a job ....

I'm going to school part time and hope to be credentialed by age 55 as a mental health/psych NP.

Found our policy: rinse w/warm water and dry q day.

Do you clean your MDI inhalers before returning them to the med cart? I'm new to LTC but learning a lot fast, mostly by asking questions. When I asked this question, though, I didn't get an answer. State is supposed to survey soon (my first) and I wondered about the inhaler. I know peo who use them at home take out the canister, wash the plastic part and let it air dry. What about in SNFs? TIA! :redbeathe

Right off the top of my head, I can think of University of Alabama Birmingham, University of South Alabama, Vanderbilt and Rush Univ (I think).

Absolutely! Hwy 411?

Maryville's about 45 min away, on the other side of the mountains, in the foothills. How's the online class going? I had a major work schedule change this week and am losing two whole days of study time with a quiz due by Friday 6 p.m. It's a good thing this is an easy class.

I'm in Maryville. :) Good luck with the prereqs. PM me if you ever want to chat. Zenman, have a wonderful time in Gatlinburg. The rain's probably making it muggy, but I bet the nights are pleasant.

Since you're from around here, FIO, I can ask, 'Where y'at'? I'm around Knoxville.

LOL! You're just round the corner. I hope you have a great time. Vacationing? I am taking an online course this summer and had to take two quizzes while in Orlando with my kids. But I'm not complaining -- very happy to have the option. BTW, a friend told me about a psych NP whose clients are in the backwoods area around Gatlinburg. I thought that sounded like a great practice as long as the patients aren't waiting on their porches with shotguns loaded ....

Great to see your post, figuringitout. My road to psych NP has been a long one. I was all set to accept admission to the psych NP program at UTK when all the budget stuff happened. I was advised to get the BSN first but did not want to because I already have a BA. But after thinking about it, I realized it was the first half of the RN to MSN program, so I went ahead. UTK has an online RN to BSN and they've been very accommodating. Another bonus of the BSN is I'm paying UG instead of graduate fees. I hope to be accepted into an MSN program in Fall 2010. Stay in touch. I'd love to have the support of other psych NP prospects.