babyisa

I work for Kaiser in the east bay, and we have had zero overtime as well. I work in ICU, and our unit has been slowly hiring more core staff and utilizing travelers as well.

Is being an NP worth it, you may ask. And as much as I hate to admit it and give you a generic answer, my response would be that it truly depends. It's a very personal decision...you'd have to consider innumerable factors. I'm certainly not the expert on the subject matter since I've only been an NP a few months and I work very per diem, but I'd have to say, for someone who has internalized this question many, many times, I have an understanding of how you feel. So to cut this short, is it worth it? Maybe. It depends on what you value in life. Would you like to be in the provider role and positively impact patients' lives that way? If yes, then the answer is a resounding yes.

I am an RN in the Bay Area who has worked for Kaiser for over five years. I am also a new grad NP (adult gero acute care). After much self-reflection, I realized I do not want to work as a provider and am content working at the bedside. It's truly not for everyone. Also, it is true that some of us make >100/hr (base pay) as RNs in the Bay Area. We do what works best for us.

Hi, I have recently graduated from my AGACNP program at UTA last month. I worked throughout my entire program, although I was primarily part-time benefitted (I worked 3 8-hour shifts/ week) and had to be strategic about saving up and using my PTO for clinical. It took me a little over 2.5 years to complete my program, as I transferred schools in between and also had to sit out a semester as my first preceptor fell through. With all that said, I think it is absolutely doable to work during the NP Program (with some sacrifices along the way, of course). Perhaps I should add that I have no children and no other major responsibilities aside from our two dogs and my fiance LOL. I understand everyone's circumstances are different and not everyone may have the option to work less or not work at all. Best of luck to you!

I also saw that someone was asking about CCRN and CMC resources. I have the books and I'm actually trying to sell them. Please let me know if interested! Thank you.

I apologize for the late response; I hope this reaches you quickly. I have my PCCN, CCRN, and CMC. I have tele and step-down experience and have only been in a medical ICU for two years. However, I felt that the CMC was hemodynamic- heavy if that makes sense. I think it is still possible to do well on the exam with tele experience; you must gear your studying toward hemodynamics, etc. I hope this helps! I can answer any more questions and also

I thought it was helpful, but I felt her CCRN review (cardiac and hemodynamics) was better. There's also a CMC review on YouTube about valvular disorders that I listened to. You got this!

I purchased the AACN CMC test questions; I think there were 150. It was $30 or 35, but I only did about 75. I did the questions on Nicole's CMC review course/ book. I did not find the CCRN to be challenging. However, I'd have to say the CMC was a little tricky for me, LOL.

Hello, everyone. I passed the cardiac medicine certification (CMC) on 2/1/2023. I used Nicole Kupchik's CCRN and CMC review courses exclusively to prepare. I wanted to come back here and share my experience as I found very little information and resources about the exam when I took it. Ask me anything; I'm glad to help!

I didn't use any other resources. I used her review course exclusively. You got this!

Hi! I felt the actual CCRN exam questions were easier, and more straightforward than Nicole's practice questions. I also felt that Nicole's review course prepared me well for the CCRN. I recommend it to everyone! Please let me know if I can answer any other questions for you. I hope this helps!

Hello, I scored a 20/21 on the cardiac portion of the CCRN. I didn't do well on Professional caring and Ethical Practice. I used Nicole Kupchik's online course + study guide + study question book. I thought it helped tremendously. I recommend her to everyone! I've sat for both the PCCN and CCRN exams and used Nicole's review materialys only and passed both exams with ease. I hope this helps!

Hello, everyone! I wanted to start this thread as I found it challenging to find tips when preparing for my CCRN. I took my CCRN yesterday, 8/26/2022, and passed with 103 questions/ 125 (scored) questions. I am happy to share the resource I used for this exam and the PCCN I took in 2020. I used Nicole Kupchik's review course exclusively and found the exam not particularly difficult. I hope this helps someone!

Hello, I completed two classes at USU for the MSN FNP program. I had no complaints, the instructors were very responsive and accommodating. The staff was incredibly helpful, the classes were manageable, and the resources were readily available. If I continued to pursue my FNP, I would've completed it at USU, no doubt. However I have transferred since then. I hope this helps!

Hi Li Lei! I am happy to provide input. My email is [email protected]. It may perhaps be easier to email as I am not on here frequently.