Six months until NP school begins -- What to do until then?

Hey everyone ;

I'm starting NP school in September at MGH (Boston). Does anyone have advice on what to do to prepare for the next six months? Books to read, stuff to get, things to do? I've not had much luck at getting CNA training in time to be useful, but I volunteer in the ED at the Brigham and Women's hospital for some exposure.

I'm feeling dangerously unprepared even to begin school-any advice you might have would be awesome.

Thank you

; Dave

[VivaRN]

I was a December BSN grad and started NP school the following September. In between I got a job as an RN. After 6 months of FT I was done orienting and comfortable, so once NP school started I dropped to PT (12 hr shifts weekends) and kept that through most of school. The work experience was valuable - just being on my own and responsible for patients. It also helped with expenses while I was in school.

Is there a reason you can't get a job as an RN, especially if you are feeling unprepared? It will teach you more than any book. Is this a direct entry program?

[pugdaddy]

I'm sorry I wasn't clear enough. I'm entering a direct entry accelerated MSN program that includes a RN. Over the next three+ years or so I will get an RN and then an MSN for Family NP.

Before even beginning anything, I'm looking to get started. Books to read, equipment to purchase and practice with, stuff like that.

[MissDoodaw]

Try Medical Surgical nursing by Lewis or an advanced patho physiology textbook -I don't know of one that is better than any other.

Try to get a job in an ER as a tech -not CNA

Good Luck

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

I would use the time to relax and enjoy your family & friends - you won't get much of it once you're in school!!

[JDCitizen]

I agree:

Find out the Medical Surgical Nursing by Lewis and/or Advanced Patho-phys textbook you will be using and do some lite reading ...

I really agree:

Also relax and enjoy your family & friends - you won't get much of it once you're in school!!

[pugdaddy]

Thanks guys!

[JDCitizen]

Did we mention stay calm have fun.....

[oldiebutgoodie, RN]

Hi, Dave,

How is your knowledge of statistics? I assume you will have a graduate level stats class. You might want to think about taking a stats class at the local community college or online somewhere, to reacquaint you. I did that, and it was very helpful.

Oldiebutgoodie

[VivaRN]

Nursing Against the Odds by Suzanne Gordon

Anything by Suzanne Gordon

[SteveNNP, MSN, NP]

Best Advice:

Don't read or study anything. Enjoy your 6 months before school. For the next 3 years, your life will be a studying, paper-writing, clinical-performing hell. Enjoy the break while it lasts.

[patrick1rn, MSN, RN, NP]

I'm sorry I wasn't clear enough. I'm entering a direct entry accelerated MSN program that includes a RN. Over the next three+ years or so I will get an RN and then an MSN for Family NP.

Before even beginning anything, I'm looking to get started. Books to read, equipment to purchase and practice with, stuff like that.

How long is your program ?

How long is the RN /BSN portion

How long is the MSN portion.

Ive never been a big fan of direct NP programs

but thats just me.

yea I think its a great idea to work as a nurse aid

before you embark on your goals. It will make you appreciate

working as a Rn more and as a NP more