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 1 Article; 520 Posts Feb 28, 2009 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 32 Posts Feb 28, 2009 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 175 Posts Mar 1, 2009 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 CNAGood Luck
allnurses Guide ghillbert, MSN, NP 3,796 Posts Specializes in CTICU. Has 27 years experience. Mar 1, 2009 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 708 Posts Mar 1, 2009 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!!
oldiebutgoodie, RN 643 Posts Mar 1, 2009 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 1 Article; 520 Posts Mar 1, 2009 Nursing Against the Odds by Suzanne GordonAnything by Suzanne Gordon
SteveNNP, MSN, NP 2 Articles; 2,512 Posts Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic). Has 9 years experience. Mar 3, 2009 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 1 Article; 420 Posts Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner. Mar 3, 2009 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 portionHow long is the MSN portion.Ive never been a big fan of direct NP programsbut thats just me. yea I think its a great idea to work as a nurse aidbefore you embark on your goals. It will make you appreciateworking as a Rn more and as a NP more