Things to get in order before a you start an NP program

[runningcrazy]

I think it would be cool to post a few lessons learned while in FNP school..

1. Get your life in order before you start

--NP school is crazy expensive and it sucks trying to work full-time through the program

--Most of the people in my class that started out full time, then went part time, then prn

--Figure out work and insurance and expenses before you start the program

2. On day one you will be told to find your own clinical experience

--this sounds goofy but ask faculty for the following on day one of your classes

--a detailed outline of required clinical hours, preceptor needed credentials, settings they require

--get started on your clinical sites from day one, and use a large teaching hospital. You will want these set up sooner than later. You can spend up to 100 hours planning and networking these so start early before you are freaking out

3. Hidden Costs

--most of use that start a program have had the comfort of a full-time RN salary and we ate ramen noodles in our undergrad....plan on eating that again

--plan on being expected to dress well without any money....prepare for this early but those nice outfits early and plan on gaining a few pounds again

--extra costs of gas, printing papers, research proposals, internet all on a crappy budget :)

--be prepared to live that undergraduate life again

[SierraBravo]

This may be true for some, but I have not had that experience. I'm attending NP school virtually for free thanks to employer reimbursement. My school sets up clinical sites and preceptors for us, no work necessary on our part except to show up and perform to the required expectations.