JACKMAC

Hello to all NPs who have recently taken certification exams. What should I study? I am just overwhelmed with material. I have done the Fitzgerald CDs which were great. I have also gone through a book of 2500 questions, not as helpful. Any other...

This thread has been going for a while now. Since original postings, the ANCC has changed the way we can sign our names. I now sign ANP-BC. This information can be found on the ANCC website. Also if you are already certified by the AANP you can a...

Hello to all students, I have just agreed to teach a pharmacology class for the fall semester. I have been a nurse for several years but new to teaching. For those of you who have taken pharm, what was helpful and not helpful in taking the class? ...

Part of my first day is talking about PDAs and appropriate programs to use. I hope you were told to use one. If by "the hard way" you are talking about looking up everything in a book, I agree. But, pharm is a difficult subject for some because o...

A BIG thank you to all of you for your input. I am finding it very helpful. Keep it coming. Thanks!!!

I agree with the previous post about the education of the nursing instructors but I don't think we need a DNP. Master's preparation is fine. I think there should be less "fluff" - theory, roles, etc. I had way too much of that stuff taking my time...

Pinoy2.0 are you a nurse or a student? Most FNPs are NOT in the hospital. The previous post is true about some specialties like NICU but don't forget that the NICU is the ONLY place that Neonatal NPs will work. They are not trained for other pedi...

You could probably work at planned parenthood as long as you are not required to do any pregnancy related visits. I don't think PP does prenatal care but don't quote me. You could work at an STD clinic as long as all of the patients are age 13 and ...

He also may have meant that a PAs scope of practice is determined by his/her supervising MD whereas a NPs scope is determined by the state board of nursing/medicine (in theory). I see this difference as minimal, if a MD is going to hire you most (no...

I would still recommend that you do a Family NP program or a dual ANP/Women's Health so that you will be certified in the areas that you love the most. Are you hesitent to do Family because of the children? That is my suggestion, get the most bang ...

You may want to get switch to the FNP route if you are very interested in women's health. ANPs scope of practice does not include prenatal care or pregnant women at all. It makes no sense to me as women = adult but I found out this too late into my...

I think that the FNP and PA are equal in scope of practice and mobility. Both have lots of flexibility. In both cases if you find a physician to work with, you can do whatever he/she needs, within your scope. Neither will be performing surgery alo...

I am a recent NP grad and he is actually right depending on your area of concentration. If you chose to be a Family NP, you can work in a wide, wide variety of areas. If you choose a more narrow focus then, yes, you will only be employable in that ...

MT-FNP I have to respond to your post about online programs. Just because things have always been done a certain way doesn't mean that it is the best way. I recently finished my Master's in a traditional program, ranked in the top ten in the US. I...

I would be very careful about seeing children if you had no content in school and were not tested on children on your certification exam. That means that an ACNP is not certified to see children as I understand it. That would be practicing out of y...

Yes it is worth it. Research your area for marketability, FNP is usually the most marketable. Some areas with PA schools use them more. Most NPs do not work in a hospital but more are starting to. But if you do not like sick people, and it sound...

Papadoc, It is interesting to hear your perspective from an urban area, a saturated market. It isn't unrealistic at all in rural areas for NPs to start a practice. Where I live is also saturated since we have 2 medical schools, 2 NP schools, and 1 ...

I agree that it is a personal decision but I do have my own opinion. I feel that patient contact is some form is extremely valuable in becoming an NP. Yes, the roles are very different but as a RN, I had experience talking with patients about subje...

I just want to add that being a nurse does NOT mean that you are "a follower" and not "a leader". Leaders come in all shapes and sizes. I know that nurses feel this way but so many people couldn't do the job we do, NP or RN. Don't ever forget that...

I agree with Siri, first decide if you want to be a physician. If you will always regret not going that route then please do it. Look at the sacrifice it takes to be a DO/MD, it is tremendous. I considered that route years ago and I have no regret...

From what I understand, the ANCC certifies nurses in general from RNs to NPs in certain areas, advanced practice or not. The AANP only certifies NPs (ANP or FNP only) and represents NPs only. The problem with the AANP is that they test in cycles 3 ...

Thanks, I have heard that some people heard within 5 business days since it is the testing company that sends your results or something like that. But it will be great to know how long it takes you to find out.

Glad to know that I am not the only one waiting on the ANCC. I sent my COMPLETE application over a month ago and just received a letter that they have received my application, not that I am eligible to take the exam!! How long does this take???? O...

In addition to a physical examination book. I found that the book "Differential Diagnosis of Common Complaints" by Robert H. Seller was one of the most helpful books for me during graduate school (I just finished in August). It is a symptom-based b...

I am taking the ANP certification. In my state the rules governing us changed in Jan 05 so that we have to be certified BEFORE we can even apply to the board to practice. It has really made it difficult for new grads and employers to hire us.