NP here.
I had a breast tumor diagnosed today on ultrasound.
I will need further work up.
I’ve been struggling with a lot of work stress this morning.
Would you guys feel it would be reasonable to take the rest of the week off?
I really am trying to decide whether I should push through the rest of the week or just use PTO for my own mental health.

Hello!

I graduated from my AGPCNP program August 7th and started the Sarah Michelle Live Review course August 15th. I have a BoardVitals question bank, Leik book/Question bank & exams, and the SM review.

Today marks the halfway point of the review so heres what I have completed so far:

Reviewed 50% of the content on the SM course

Took the board vitals ANCC practice exam 175 questions: 71%

Took a Leik AANP practice exam 150 questions: 70%

Board vitals Q bank 255 questions : Scoring 79%

Sarah Michelle Q Bank 200 questions: Scoring 72%

Leik Q bank: 100 questions Scoring 70%

The SM analytics say 98% chance of passing so far, but I feel like her questions are easier considering her lectures teach straight to the questions.

I plan on using pretty much all of my Q banks and finishing the review.

I applied for ANCC 2 weeks ago but didn't realize it can take up to 6 weeks to get approval to schedule. I was hoping to test by Sep 25th because I have a trip the next day and wanted to be done prior to leaving. Im starting to just want to get through the remainder of the content/practice in the next 2-3 weeks and get boards over with. I am considering applying for AANP since you can get approval to test more quickly.

Looking for guidance on how my scores are so far and recommendations for scheduling AANP or waiting for the ANCC approval.

Thanks in advance.

I’ve recently applied for endorsement for Texas aprn 8/19 and have sent in all the requirements. Licensed in CA and IL. It’s 9/1 and they haven’t even put that they received anything. They did open up the email with my transcripts but have yet to mark it as received. (Parchment sends verification when it has been downloaded). Any recent experiences? Should I be calling them?

Looking for feedback on if this is normal or not. I’ve been interviewing for another NP job and made it past the final round. I got an email asking to submit 5 references, including 2 supervisors, within 24 hours. I have only had 1 NP job so far but I did not have to submit references until after accepting the offer for credentialing.

The problem is - all my references would have to be my current bosses and MD colleges who will be shocked that I am leaving and I would have to turn around and tell them tomorrow. I haven’t even heard a salary range for this position and last I knew they didn’t even know what location I would be working at. Would it be wrong to message the recruiter and establish this info and ask for conditional terms or is this the norm?

I applied to a job and got an email the very next day to interview. I did the initial interview then it took 2 weeks to schedule the on site interview. My on site interview was on August 21st and I haven’t heard back from them since. How long does it usually take to hear back and is the delay normal?

As someone who is planning to take their boards in January and enter the job market (albeit a rough one right now), I was wondering how long it roughly took for most people to get their first job?

Granted, I know there’s a ton of variables that go into this and the job market is always changing, but I was curious to hear everyone’s experiences.

Hi all. I know outpatient clinics opening at 11AM and closing around 8PM or later is for patient access. I see it a lot in sexual health clinics where I generally work (and love working). Can someone else rant about this with me? I feel discouraged when I can't spend daylight hours with my partner or when I try to imagine parenting and getting home around 9/9:30pm. I'm not sure where to look for better work and hours. I know I'm being a bit of a baby here but you only have one life, right?

EDIT: this was for FNP

Just wanted to add my 2 cents regarding study materials for future students. I paid for Fitzgerald online review course as part of my program tuition, my significant other went through the same program 2 years before me and didn’t like the review videos and recommended Leik FNP review. I don’t consider myself a great/efficient studier. I tend to write too many notes when reading textbooks. I studied 3-4 days a week as I only work part time, starting around 7/10/26. I didn’t take practice exams until I finished reading my review book, I used ChatGPT to make my a study plan which was usually about 1 chapter per day or 2 if they were shorter. Leik and FNP mastery were basically my bread and butter.

-I tend to be an anxious test taker but always do pretty well on exams. I filled up 2 Apica Blank Cover Twin Ring Notebook - Semi B5 - 5 mm Graph 30 pages per notebook. With notes except for about 5 pages total across both just to give you an idea. I always thought I needed to write a lot of note but I’m not actually sure that helps me much.

Some general things to consider, these materials didn’t always provide the latest guidelines and AANP at least didn’t easily state which years guidelines they use, although they do provide a list of references they pull from. Example: somewhere I had a question regarding COPD Gold groups A-D when I mostly studied COPD ABE groups. Leik vs Fitzgerald had slightly different developmental milestones timelines and reference ranges. I would primarily focus on the rationales of questions I got wrong.

-Practice relaxation techniques, give yourself positive affirmations especially day of exam. I did maybe 10 practice questions the day before my exam and reviewed the notes I took down from my practice exams. Don’t change your answer unless you’re really sure. I feel like a challenging question can mess up my mental so sometimes I would skip a boards question, or take a deep breath to ground myself again before looking at the next question. I would also flag a skipped question to return later and I would strike out obviously wrong answers, usually leaving 2 options.

-Leik: I read the whole ebook, doing the chapter quizzes afterwards. Pretty concise, sprinkles in clinical pearls as well as exam tips. Each chapter has an end of chapter quiz ranging from 15-35/40 questions. Ebook provides 4 practice exams vs physical only provides 2 , 2 explicitly stated to be based off AANP although they included select all that apply (SATA). Ebook is also cheaper than the physical. Note I did find at least 5 instances of typos, some of which may have been incorrect info. Because it’s so concise it took a few chapters of reading to feel comfortable reading it, if that makes sense? All quiz/test items provided a rationale for why each answer option was right or wrong.

-Fitzgerald: didn’t watch any videos, I only did their practice questions and exams after completing Leik. The content overlapped very well with Leik, there were a few things they differed on. They would tag question difficulty- Easy through Expert. Some questions were formatted poorly like having to match a descriptions 1-4 with conditions 1-4 but it doesn’t label each item with a number or letter so I almost felt I had to write it out. Sometimes the answers would not provide rationale on why an option was correct or incorrect which was annoying. I did two practice exams as well as 259 questions that were basically the end of chapter quizzes combined. 66% correct on those.

-FNP Mastery app: I Loved this as it let me do practice questions while at work or exercising. In the free version you get 10 free questions per calendar day, I paid for 1 month subscription that ended roughly 2 weeks before my exam date. The paid version lets you do a lot more as well as easily tracks how well you do based on content such as peds, adult, system, meds. They provide pictures, audio,mmeumonic tables you can download/ screenshot, a 13 page DM document covering things like pathophys and drug classes and similar documents for other topics such as ABX. Questions were tagged Easy-Expert. You can “bookmark” a question and sort questions by how you tag them as didn’t know, kind of know, or Know, or bookmark. A rationale for each answer option as well as a brief condition overview at the bottom including things like SS, first and second line treatments (not always provided). Each question also had a discussion thread at the bottom. I did questions daily for 80 days (50 of which were not the premium version) I did a minimum of 50 questions daily ( some days as high as 100-120) They also provide 2 practice exams one based on AANP and one ANCC.
—My stats: 2700 Qs answered, 1899 unique Qs, 73% correct.

-ChatGPT: I try to limit my AI use, I would use this to double check some things in Leik. I would also use it to make tables comparing conditions. For example I had it compare SS of MMR, Pertussis, Croup since MMR can have different grade fevers and rash progressions. I took a picture of this and periodically reviewed it while exercising, at work, or as part of my daily studying.

-Notes app: early on I started a list in my notes app of common conditions and their 1st-3rd line meds, based on Leik. Example: diphtheria, bepharitis, AOM, Rhinosinusitis, skin infection, purulent skin infection, etc. I tried to review this at least every other day/ when I was at work, but fell off once I was almost done with Leik. I also made this a blank quiz that I printed out to practice. I only listed the condition and meds since I feel like pharm is one of my weaker areas. And my nursing experience is inpatient not outpatient.

-photo library: I have a photo album of things I screenshot from all platforms including things like a picture of an arm with different dermatological skin presentations (think macule, papule, etc), CN and how to test each, mnemonics pictures, or question rationales I thought were worth reviewing periodically. I would review this at work, while studying, and while exercising.

-Misc: Mnemonics really work for me such as the two for cranial nerves regarding names and whether they’re sensory/motor/both. My CUPLETS>35 for PO birth control contraindications. Other examples for STIS is CG=DC, PID= CG+ Flagyl, or PID= CG+ BV/Trich(omoniasis). Don’t know why I remember this but it makes me think of AC-DC. Chlamydia and gonorrhea = Doxycyline and Ceftriaxone, respectively. PID = doxycycline, ceftriaxone, and flagyl. BV and Trich are both treated with Flagyl. SO PID treatment= CG + BV/ Trich treatments. These specific ones helped me remember first line for each condition. If you want to get in depth CG= DC or PID got expanded to Doxy/Azithromycin ( if pregnant, Amoxicillin if pregnant+macrolide allergy[??]) + Ceftriaxone ( + Flagyl if PID). Another example for ortho is LCL vs MCL, LCL= Varus/ Varum, MCL= VALGUS/ VALGUM like gum between both knees so they stick together, I got this one from LEIK. I would underline the letters G and R in each word to remember. Other examples are MR PASS and MS ARD for murmurs. I expanded this to MR PASS + MVP + TR-A/VSD-PS ( think MR PASS TRAPS) and MS PR-ARD-TS ( think MS PRADTS like a name) and with these I underlined the S and D in PASS and ARD to remember systolic vs diastolic.

- Practice Exams: I didn’t really do any practice exams until I was done with Leik so I can’t say what a baseline score before I started studying was. I basically took one exam each study day and primarily reviewed the rationale for questions I missed or highlighted( if I wanted to dig deeper into said question). I would write this in my notes to help solidify it/review later. All exams were 150 Qs unless stated otherwise. I think the official AANP practice exam is worth it and was helpful to familiarize myself with the testing platform as well as give an idea of question difficulty.

- Exams roughly in the order I took them and scores: FNP Mastery 81%, Leik 79%, Fitzgerald 77%, Fitzgerald 75% (only answered 192 of 354 Qs), Leik 75%, AANP 90% (50 Qs). Note: my Leik scores jumped to 81% and 79%, respectively, when excluding SATA( roughly 5-9 questions per test).

-Total stats roughly: 842 Qs from exams across all platforms, 2158 unique, non-exam Qs between Fitzgerald and FNP Mastery, didn’t count up how many non exam Leik questions (chapter quizzes).

Another example of inconsistencies: I think a Fitzgerald question about say Chlamydia treatment but the correct answer was the 1g of azithromycin ( which is in consideration of concerns of follow up/patient completing ABX regiment) I only saw this on Fitzgerald and Leik did not present the information this way.

I apologize if any of the above information was incorrect, I did not review my notes before making this post lol. Also sorry if the post wasn’t as concise as it could have been.

Finished school about a month ago and subsequently found out I’m pregnant. Thought I was late due to stress and finishing my program but surprise! So basically have had extreme fatigue up until this point. I got my ATT last week and scheduled my exam to be done in 3 weeks. Looking for any tips on how to study and useful resources.

I did well in my program. We used Barkley for review and I attended the live review as well. But since school has finished I have been in recovery mode and now suddenly feel as if I’ve forgotten everything. My plan is to use the Barkley Review notebook and complete Sarah Michelle practice questions spending 4-6 hours a day reviewing. I do have 2 DRTs available through Barkley as well.

Does anyone have any additional advice? Trying to remain calm, esp since pregnant, but it feels impossibly overwhelming right now.

Hi everyone! I am researching schools to attend for either an MSN or DNP in FNP. I am feeling overwhelmed with the amount of diploma mill type schools.

For some context, I live in Oregon and plan on practicing here and/or Washington state. Ideally, I would prefer the program to be online and am okay with having to travel every now and then as needed. I do not want to have to find my own clinical placements/preceptors.

So I would love if you could share which school you went to and if you would recommend it? What did you enjoy/like about your program? And if you didn’t like your program, please feel free to recommend one that you know has a good attrition/pass rates.

Thank you so much in advance!

I did primary care for 8-9 years and got sick maybe once in that time. My husband used to call me a super solider. I never even had COVID…
Fast-forward to this past year- I’ve been sick 5 times in 10 months working the UC.

I wear a mask. I don’t touch my face. I wipe down my space multiple times a shift. Hand wash frequently. But dang- these people who come in sick almost never have a mask on. Management is the type that just wants good reviews so doesn’t enforce or even encourage masks to sick patients.

I’m just over it. I have about 1.5 months left here, have an interview Monday for an entirely different specialty.

If you work UC how do you keep healthy?! I take vitamins. We don’t eat junk food. I get solid sleep.

Saw this article about preceptor shortages on Doximity, and I was wondering, who here precepts?

I do, but only students who have nursing experience, and come recommended by a fellow nurse (usually they find me through an old colleague of mine). I don't really care about the caliber of the school, but the student absolutely has to have been a nurse prior. Some of the best schools in my area have direct entry NP programs, and they can just look elsewhere for preceptors. I don't want a student who needs supervision on basic assessments.

For those who precept, what are your requirements?

Edited for typo

I am wondering if any NPs who are mothers have taken 1-2years off after having a baby. Did you feel like it was worth it? Was it easy to get back into the workforce afterwards? How about keeping up your license?
I have a 6 month old and I’m working part time now in primary care since he was 12 weeks and I just feel like I’m missing out on a lot and wish I could take him to all the free events and classes for babies. Now he’s starting to try some food, too and I just want to be more involved. I’m just looking for others who have gone through similar.
Also, anyone who left on good terms and returned to their job in a year? I know doctors take sabbaticals….

Hi mga op! May I ask po how po kayo nag apply sa The medical city clark? Anyone here po working there? Balak ko po sana mag apply if open po sila for hiring, thank you po in advance! 🥹

Is this Cellulitis?

Cellulitis vs Stasis Dermatitis

Cellulitis vs DVT

For NPs prescribing HRT: what CME did you find most useful? Is it worth investing in a certification?

Just looking for insight from current or former students. Or from anyone who knows anything?
I’m starting this fall and would like to know what to expect as I search for clinicals and take classes online (slowly over the next few years)

PS I’m in the Boston area if anyone is willing to precept an FNP student! I need 50 hours from October to December for advanced health assessment in an urgent, primary care or community health center of some kind. I’m awaiting potential placement with 2 healthcare systems near me but they were late requests so I’m trying to shoot a wide net to find a preceptor!

Just finished my first semester of my FNP program. My clinical site is a FQHC in the bay area. My background is 15 years ICU (level 1 trauma centers, to critical access facilities in the middle of nowhere and everything in between).

Basically, i hate my clinical experience so far. I was the first student in my class to pass the exam allowing us to start clinicals, and was set up with this clinic. I felt so grateful and excited, however it hasnt gone well imo.

The clinic is busy of course, we see 18-20 patients per day. I was set up with a preceptor who is very seasoned however i only see her once a month. She splits her time between here and another state so shes only in our clinic a few days a month. Shes the senior practitioner there and kind of runs the show. Since she is not in clinic all the time, i have been working with a NP who has a little over a year of experience. She is wonderful and I’ve enjoyed learning from her and learning together. We kind of ping pong patients throughout the day if its busy. Ill go see a patient and when i return she will be with another patient. Not all day, but it can get to that point. I learn some, but its so busy i feel like i just get through the day.

I was maintaining, but then i had a day with my presiding preceptor yesterday. We have never worked together so i was not sure what she expected of me. I would have asked her but she disappeared the first 2 hours of the day as she was meeting with other employees?? She wears many hats at the clinic. I get to patient 4 of the day and by that time i felt overwhelmed bc i had been creating management plans for patients with no feedback and had not finished any of those charts. To make matters worse the computer i was using went down and i was on the phone with IT for 30 minutes. The MA came in to give me the next patient and i politely said “i dont think i can see them, can you ask Lisa (my senior preceptor) to see them?”

She didnt and the MA came back in and said “lisa said you have to see them”. So i went in blind and didnt know jack about the patient as i had no computer and it was a mess. I feel i also spend more time working through clinic issues than actually learning disease management.

Lisa can be a bit abrasive too. That morning she told me to clean her workstation with the cavi wipes. And barked at me in front of a patient to take a manual BP. Then later in front of another NP student, she got sassy about me saying i couldnt take that patient. She said “you better be taking all the patients!” She made it sound like i was being lazy or something. It was super embarrassing. Ive worked my entire career in chaos and am no stranger to working in extraordinary situations. I dont take kindly to accusations of my work ethic. Also, im a full adult?

The whole day really turned me off. At the end of the day, she told me she just wants me to “get used to a busy practice”.

Im trying to stay grateful i even have a clinical site. Should i just keep my head down and get through it? Is this normal?

It looks like I’m going to be offered a job that is 10 hours, 4 days a week. It’s a primary care practice, and I think they would expect me to see 19-20 patients per day. It includes a half day of admin. I currently work 5 8-hour days in a busy clinic where we are scheduled for 23 patients a day and are expected to see 18, but I often see more like 20.

Does anyone have experience with working 4 10s in primary care? I would love to have a weekday off every week but am nervous about the longer day being exhausting, and then ending up spending my day off recovering.

Thanks for any advice!

I have everything done and ready to go for my accepted job, and can’t proceed with anything until I have my DEA license. I applied for my DEA license over a month ago, called the federal registration help line twice, and they said only notes they have are from my previous calls- it takes 4-6 weeks, but since I’m in NY it will take a whiiiiile. Rounding week 6 now and still processing with zero updates. They said it’s likely NYS’ problem, you can try to call NYS but good luck with that one because no one answers the phone.

Called NYS, left messages. No response.

Called local (Buffalo) office, office administrator said she was not the one to call and told me to call the diversion department and try there. Did that. No returned phone call. Tried a 517 number I found in a different post but apparently that no longer works either according to people commenting 11 days ago.

No reason at all I would be denied. Never even had a traffic ticket.

Any suggestions?? Might just start spam emailing senators and Kathy Hochul at this point

I sorta got bullied into it, but I know how hard it was for me to get placements, so I figured might as well pay it forward… anyway, I’m not excited & worry they’ll just be bored- I do addictions and have like a 50% no show rate, so I told them that like 50 hours was as much time as they’d really find useful with me… anyway would love suggestions of how I can make it a useful rotation

I am wondering if there are any of you out there working in interventional pain. If so, would you share base salary and if you are RVU and what that usually is? Location too. Trying to figure out if my compensation is competitive. Thanks, fam.

How do you keep up on multiple licensures, other than through nursys? For example with jobs that are remote, they often write in the posting “ the ability to obtain multiple licensure 2 weeks from hire “ how is that even possible? Most states take weeks if not months. Plus the cost of that would be insane for higher cost states. I have a few states from moving around throughout my career but not more than 4. Just curious from experience how people make this work or obtain so many for those jobs to start.

TIA!!