Question about testing...

Trauma Columnist · Sep 28, 2008

I'm a CNS and I had to wait until I graduated and the school sent my transcripts to the ANCC so I could test. There will be an NP coming along soon I'm sure to tell you if that is different.

As to working full-time, studying and clinicals - I did it and used my PTO time for clinicals. Another option which I did was that I was working days (like you) and I would do 8 hours of second shift clinicals when I was in the hospital - I also did clinicals on the weekends I wasn't working.

Joan Z · Sep 28, 2008

Hi,

There have been a couple of threads about how long it takes to schedule... it apparently is taking longer as more NP-wannabes are graduating, so if you need the money don't schedule your quit date for graduation!

You have to graduate to schedule the exam. I am not sure if you could send in part of your application beforehand, or if that would help at all. You can certainly download applications from ANCC or AANP and have them all ready to go pending notice that you've graduated.

As for work/clinical (never mind family/life), I know it is feasible to work full time, get all the clinical hours in, AND study but it is difficult. I went to the float pool for my last year, so I could pick up as much as I was able. I had saved a bunch beforehand, plus I have a working spouse.

Good luck!

ANPFNPGNP · Sep 28, 2008

I'm a CNS and I had to wait until I graduated and the school sent my transcripts to the ANCC so I could test. There will be an NP coming along soon I'm sure to tell you if that is different.
As to working full-time, studying and clinicals - I did it and used my PTO time for clinicals. Another option which I did was that I was working days (like you) and I would do 8 hours of second shift clinicals when I was in the hospital - I also did clinicals on the weekends I wasn't working.

Were you allowed to do clinicals at your place of employment? The TXBON won't let us do that.

ANPFNPGNP · Sep 28, 2008

Hello everyone....I am about 1/3 way through NP school. A couple of questions--
Do you have to wait until you graduate to schedule the National exams?
What is the average time to wait to test from that point?
Thanks all...
I am currently a school nurse--and trying to figure my schedule. Is it feasible to work full time..do full time clinicals (we do 240 hours that last semester)...and study?
Thanks guys.

You will have to graduate before you will be allowed to sit for the exam. Your school will have to send your final transcript to the credentialing agency in order for you to be able to schedule your test.

It can take anywhere from 2 weeks to several months before you can take your exam. I know several people who graduated in May and some of them are just now getting to take their exam b/c an unprecedented number of NP's graduated this year.

I can't imagine working fulltime, studying and completing 240 clinical hours in a 4 month period. Apparently, other people have done it though.

westcoastgirl · Sep 29, 2008

I worked part-time about 20-30 hours a week in my last quarter and went to school full time with the clinicals also had my master's thesis to finish,

the testing/Boards paperwork took several months so during that time I studied for the boards while continuing to work part time and occasionally picked up extra shifts. I couldn't have added it on to my last quarter and been sane.

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · Sep 30, 2008

Yep, your graduate school of nursing has to send in your final transcript in after you graduate, so you cannot take the NP exam before you graduate. While I have heard my former classmates say they worked full time, went to school full time, did clinicals, and raised a family, I would tell you to try to cut back your work hours as much as you can (if at all possible), because doing all that is a lot! I went to NP school full time, did clinicals 24 hours/week, but cut back to working per diem (mostly weekend shifts) at my RN job at the hospital. It really helped cut back on the stress level, and also gave me more time to complete homework assignments and study for exams. But of course everyone's situation is different. You have to do what is best for you. Good luck! :)