Where can I get the 3 P's

[jfailla]

Hello group,

I am an RN with an MS in psychology. My state board of nursing told me I was eligible for an advanced practice license because I had a master's degree in a nursing sub-specialty. They also told me I'd have to do some additional clinical/supervised hours AND get what are commonly called the 3 R's: Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Physical Assessment. So far, the only way to get these is to apply and get accepted into another degree program i.e. MSN or DNP program. Does anyone know any way I might be able to take these 3 classes without going through another entire program?

Jon

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

Yes, you should be able to do it at most schools as a "non degree seeking" student. I know you can at my school, University of Pittsburgh. I'm sure there are hundreds of others.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

When I got my Master's in Nursing with psych specialty I had to take advanced physical assessment and pathophys, but I needed pharm. I went to an instructor I knew and asked if I could do it by independent study. She said ok, and we geared the course to psych meds, and I presented to her BSN class 3 times. That was the course. I had to enroll as a non-degree seeking student and pay for it, but it was under independent study and she got it set up so it worked for me.

For my additional clinical/supervised hours I went to a lady I knew who had a PhD in psychology. We figured out what I could do to fulfill the hours--I needed about 100 I think, and then I spent the time working in the agency she ran, and met with her weekly until the hours were finished. You don't have to have clinical hours with an advanced practice psych nurse or with a psychiatrist (at least I didn't, but I got it cleared by the people who gave the advanced license first, and got it in writing). All you have to do is get someone who has more education than you to be your supervisor. There were forms to be filled out

Another thing. In lots of states (I'm in Indiana and it's true here), in order to have an advanced practice license, you have to be certified in your specialty (the courses and hours come into play here) and have to have a DOCTOR in your specialty as your collaborator. I don't know what your state does, but it is very complicated.

I think what the BON was telling you is the steps required toward certification, then you go on toward the licensing. Another thing....some states don't require certification or licensure to work as an advanced practice nurse unless you prescribe or bill for services. If you are an educator or do some things within a hospital, you don't need certification or licensure as an advanced practice nurse. I was my hospitals psych clinical liaison CNS and didn't need APN certification or licensure for that.