What fields of nursing are good for NP preparation?

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Specializes in Med surg, cardiac, case management.

Yet more questions! ;)

Most RNs work after graduation prior to entering NP programs, and I've heard that it's generally a good idea to do so. So what areas would be good to help with NP preparation?

I'd think that the ER would be good, you'd see all kinds of things and practice clinical judgment. Probably similar for ICU, maybe for med-surg (although less autonomy). Any others I've missed?

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

Dang, Joe..... you're like the guy in lecture who won't shut up and stop asking questions so the rest of us can go home..... just kidding!!

Most RNs work after graduation prior to entering NP programs, and I've heard that it's generally a good idea to do so.

Couldn't agree more!!!!

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I would venture to say that it depends on what specialty interests you. As an FNP, you would see all pt ages, so I would be that the ER would be a good place, as would a solid M/S base for your primary care...

PNP: Obviously Peds ER, Peds, PICU, Peds heme/onc, etc....

ACNP: adult ICU. Could also depend on your goals. A cardiology NP would probably benefit from some CCU/CTICU experience, as well as cath lab time.

NNP: NICU, WBN.

GNP: Any acute care M/S, tele, etc floor should be great prep.

ANP: Really broad. Any adult acute care floor would help.

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Specializes in Med surg, cardiac, case management.
Dang, Joe..... you're like the guy in lecture who won't shut up and stop asking questions so the rest of us can go home..... just kidding!!

:chuckle

Yeah, I'm a bit neurotic that way. It might be in reaction to some of my classmates, who are advocates of the "Wait until the last minute" school of school. Though some of them still do pretty well in spite of it.

I was thinking ER was good too, for FNP (which I'd probably do). M/S I could do, though I don't think it'd be as good. ICU might be interesting but I'm not sure if it'd be too narrow a focus.

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i am a float nurse w/ my hospital so i work all units and i think it has given me great perspective into the FNP. I see the acute side of things but you also see the chronic as well and ICU you can learn alot about those heart drugs and antihypertensives...as well as COPD etc.

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my vote.. er you see primary care conditions, acute care conditions and learn to deal with unique personalities.

Jeremy

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).
my vote.. er you see primary care conditions, acute care conditions and learn to deal with unique personalities.

Jeremy

My only thought is that as a FNP, you would be dealing with long-term health issues, many of which are not addressed in the ER. You're focusing on stabilization and treatment before referring the pt to another service.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Yes, but in the ER, you learn quick and solid assessment skills: who is really sick and who can wait.

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Specializes in Emergency, Cardiac, PAT/SPU, Urgent Care.
My only thought is that as a FNP, you would be dealing with long-term health issues, many of which are not addressed in the ER.

:chuckle - if only the general public who come to the ER would realize this! (Sorry, I'm really just joking - but couldn't help myself ;)).

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I MADE myself go to the ER for two years just to improve my rapid assessment skills. I'm still an NP student, but I'm very thankful I did that. Of course, I got out as quickly as I could, but it was a great experience. I have spent years in cardiac care so I feel my patient teaching and chronic disease mgmt. skills were good. My ob-gyn and abdominal pain skills? Not so good, hence the ER.

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Yet more questions! ;)

Most RNs work after graduation prior to entering NP programs, and I've heard that it's generally a good idea to do so. So what areas would be good to help with NP preparation?

I'd think that the ER would be good, you'd see all kinds of things and practice clinical judgment. Probably similar for ICU, maybe for med-surg (although less autonomy). Any others I've missed?

Hmmm read over the rest an all good comments but one field of nursing I didn't notice mentioned... Home health care: Independent thinking, great judgment skills, diagnostic capabilities (even though they can't be called that), etc.

My route: EMS to Nursing in most every unit a hospital has to offer to FNP.

EMS your have to be pretty much self reliant (it's just you and your partner). I did the 3-11 and 7P-7A thing for the most part also (another care of teaching self reliance).

The best nurse I ever worked with started out as a secretary, became a EMT than a pharmacy tech than a nurse. Talking about having all the skills available.

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