Samuel Merritt University FNP Insight

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Hello to all SMU students or perspective students.

I just wanted to put my name out there and see if anyone had any questions about SMU and the FNP program.

I just graduated and I am willing to pass on all my inside information to anyone who is interested.

Hi SkiBumNp I was wondering what is the process to take extra classes from the PA program if you are in the FNP program? Any info you could provide would be great? Thanks.

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Hi SkiBumNP,

I, too, would be interested to learn how you went about taking PA classes. Also, do you think you could provide some more specific insight as to how you created your career path in emergency medicine? I'm currently second semester ELMSN-FNP and interested in a similar trajectory.

Thanks so much for your help! :-)

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Specializes in Emergency,.

So good to get questions about emergency NP work.

All I did was ask. Contact the director of the PA program and ask if there is space.

I did the EKG/Radiology and the Emergency Medicine classes durung my last two semesters of school.

Remember your #1 priority is to get your mandatory clinicals and ace all your classes.

I would recommend you try and do WAY more clinical hours than is required.

Try and get an ED or internal medicine rotation.

I would try and start arranging your clinicals, it is in your hands.

The school does a good job arranging primary care placements.

I would say for acute care it is in your hands.

It can take many many months to get contracts written and pushed though. so give yourself plenty of time.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask!

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How did you work on arranging clinical placements yourself? I'm not a Bay Area native, so I'm not really sure where to start looking for opportunities, especially in local EDs. I'm going to push for a preceptorship in an ED this fall as I finish up the RN portion of the program, but I'm concerned that the NP portion will be focused on clinic work. Any advice on which local EDs might welcome NP students?

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Specializes in Emergency,.

I also am not from the Bay, go for the ED as an RN, that is a great idea, and make friends there, start networking, go to CANP meetings, and make cold calls. it takes more to get what you want. make it happen! I would check out every single ED in the bay. if you don't ask it won't happen.

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Thanks for the advice! I'm sure I'll be back for more before too long... :-)

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Did you take PA classes as an audit or for a grade? I'd like to take classes that are more based on medical model as well for learning experience. I'll be joining the 2012 FNP hybrid curriculum :)

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Hi Ski, I'm a little worried about coming out of the FNP unprepared and having a hard time finding my first job as a FNP without prior experience. Did you encounter this problem? I spoke a my friend who finished his ABSN program last yr n was told it was hard for him to get into a entry level nursing program at a hospital bc you're competing with a lot of other new nurses for limited spots in a new grad program. Did you have to enter a similar new grad program as an FNP? I would also like to work in the Emergency dept as an NP. Was it hard for you to transition your FNP degree to acute care? And was it easier for u to get the job u have now bc of your connections doing your clinicals in the emergency dept?

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Also do you agree with the other alumni that mentioned that the SMU FNP teachers are not good, and the school doesn't do anything to help you get a job when you're done. Was it difficult for you to get an entry level fnp position?

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I have the same concern about FNP. I'm interested in applying to ELMSN for FNP programs. But I know it's been quite difficult for new grads to find jobs, especially NPs in California. If someone can provide some insight for us, that would be awesome and greatly appreciated.

Secondly, I know the Samuel Meritt's ELMSN for FNP is 10 semesters. Does that include summer? So the program would take about 1 year and a half to complete?

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Hi SkiBumNP

I am starting the FNP program at Merritt this summer and I am definitely interested in Emergency NP. Do you know what are the options for specializing in this area and increasing the chances of eventually working as an Emergency Department NP?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Emergency,.

DM me with your email address and I would be happy to answer any specific questions.

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