What course should I begin with?

[krisssy]

I am starting my psych nurse practitioner's MS program this winter. I was just reading a post on an old thread about a NP student wanting to quit during the first semester. She started with pathology and thought it was difficult and unrelated to what she wanted to do (Kreb's Cycle specifically mentioned). I was thinking that pathology might not be the best course to start with. I would like to begin with an interesting course that is not going to throw me at the beginning. I haven't been in school for a number of years, but I do hold a master's degree in another area. Can anyone suggest a good course to begin with?

[suzanne4, RN]

I suggest that you speak to your advisor at the school. Most have a set program that you need to follow.

[sailornurse]

Try Advanced Role or Theory course if they are required. That's what I did before taking research, advanced patho & advanced pharm.

[JBudd, MSN]

I called and asked the NS grad program secretary what she recommended. She told me which classes the students had the most difficulty with, and which were good to start with. I'd been out for more than 20 years! Just like our secretary in the ER, she knew everything that goes on.

I started with policy and politics, then theory, now research. My office friend was right, if I'd taken the research first I'd have had major doubts about what I'd taken on!

Congrats on starting!:balloons:

[carachel2]

I am starting my psych nurse practitioner's MS program this winter. I was just reading a post on an old thread about a NP student wanting to quit during the first semester. She started with pathology and thought it was difficult and unrelated to what she wanted to do (Kreb's Cycle specifically mentioned). I was thinking that pathology might not be the best course to start with. I would like to begin with an interesting course that is not going to throw me at the beginning. I haven't been in school for a number of years, but I do hold a master's degree in another area. Can anyone suggest a good course to begin with?

Honestly, you are just going to have to jump in with both feet. I can't imagine doing Pharm or assessment without patho first. It is soooo intimidating that first week or so to open your notes and text and have to begin to decipher oxidation and reduction and the Krebs cycle bit by bit but you can do it and I disagree with that post...you DO need to at least understand where it all comes from, you know ? I'm sure I won't refer to it every day during my practice, but I now have a healthy respect for where we get our energy, how we make more energy and how it affects every single part of us.

I think you can do it...and the s t r e t c h i n g of your brain won't be so painful once you've started.