nursemel326 replied to wildnursebrendan's topic in Advanced
I worked adult ICU, PACU, and agency as RN for 10 yrs prior to grad school. Now as a FNP, I work in a pediatric community health clinic. All my experiences have influenced my current practice and knowledge base. Your aspirations aren't crazy at all. ...
nursemel326 replied to Gleaton4's topic in NP Students
I graduated from UC in 2013. It's a solid and respectable program, very rigorous but doable. Not sure what you're looking for, but will try to help if you're seeking something specific.
Worked inpatient psych through nursing school, 10 years adult ICU as RN, now FNP working in a pediatric clinic. I never imagined this is what I would be doing- and my old co-workers are usually like "You're doing WHAT?!"- but I get such a kick out of...
28 bed neuro-surgical ICU. Helped a surgeon place a becker drain my first day of orientation and almost passed out. Lol. Wasn't sure about going back on day 2 but ended up loving it and stayed in the ICU my whole RN career.
nursemel326 replied to HIstudent808's topic in NP Students
I can't tell that anyone has answered the question you are trying to ask about mental health and peds certifications. In order to sit for Psych-Mental Health NP certification, you must graduate from an accredited Psych-Mental Health NP (PMHNP) progra...
nursemel326 replied to hdhnurse's topic in Advanced
This was my experience as well. Having years of RN experience didn't carry much weight during interviews. I was asked mostly about skills learned in clinicals.
nursemel326 replied to Nurse2B in TN's topic in NP Students
I worked weekend-option while going to school full-time. Not working was not an option. I did clinical hours through the week and studied early morning/ late night. Just a word of caution that you may find some course work more difficult without havi...
nursemel326 replied to melp4's topic in NP Students
I completed NP school with 3 children under age 5 (youngest was 6 months when I started), so I know without a doubt how difficult it is. But I also know without a doubt that it can be done!! My husband and I discussed my waiting until the kids were i...
nursemel326 replied to med_life_for_me's topic in NP
From personal experience while interviewing for my first NP job, prospective employers were not as concerned with my RN experience as with what I gained during NP clinical rotations. That being said, I can say with certainty that grad school would ha...
nursemel326 replied to WorriedNurse25's topic in Relations
Me: Hi, Doc. Your CICU pt is having frequent runs of vtach, some lasting >30 sec. She's alert, but short of breath and having quite a bit of chest pain. Doc: Have you had to cardiovert? Me: No, not YET. Kind of hoping to avoid that. Doc: Call me b...
nursemel326 replied to applesxoranges's topic in NP Students
Trying to find preceptors was one of the most stressful things about grad school. I eventually set up all my rotations through personal contacts. For example, two NP friends contacted their old preceptors and I set up my family and peds rotations tha...
Night shift is so hard on the body in so many ways!! I recently joined the "land of the living" after working night shift for 10 years, so I definitely understand your pain! 2 things that worked for me: 1) I kept a "normal" person's eating schedule...
nursemel326 replied to EdwardsRN89's topic in Emergency
First of all, the fact that you are able to organize all your "issues" into a list of questions is a good thing! It shows that you are able to recognize your weaknesses and things you need to work on. I was an ICU nurse for 11 years before becoming ...