WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE GOING TO NP SCHOOL | NP School
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2018
- Are you thinking about NP school, or in the process of applying? In this video I'll tell you what I wish I had known prior to jumping into NP school. I don't regret my decision at all! But, I would definitely have benefitted from having thought through some of these things a bit more. I've also included some tips that have been a HUGE help in my NP school journey. Hopefully they will be helpful for you as well!
Lets be insta friends! / im.nurse.liz
Helpful Study Tools:
/ khanacademy -- there are seriously videos about EVERYTHING. this was especially helpful for patho and stats.
How to read a 12 lead EKG:
• 12 Lead Interpretation... . This guy makes a series. and its LONG. like hours and hours. BUT SO WORTH IT. he was so helpful in understanding how to read those things.
As always, if you have any questions or video requests let me know!
I just recently started NP school as well and OMG. I did sooooo much research before applying but of course there are always things people don't tell you.
1- Find your preceptors ASAP! It seems simple, but its time consuming and stressful.
2- DO NOT think you can procrastinate your way through! It ain't happening.
3- DON'T freak out. Like she said, it will all work itself out. Just be patient.
4- Financially prepare for school long before you decide to apply. I don't have children currently, but i can not imagine having to fund children's activities, sports, etc and fund my college expenses as well. Congrats to the moms who can run a family of 6, work and go to school. Kudos to you! If your like me and you've been lucky enough to not have to take out a student loan, don't be afraid of it. It may be the best thing for you financially. Weigh your options.
5- Don't go into NP school if your only going for the "better hours" and "better pay". HAHA These programs are too expensive and too extensive for you to waste your time.
6- Be prepared to miss important things in your family's lives. It's going to happen. Sorry not sorry.
7- You must be committed to your program, degree, and passion. Without dedication you won't succeed in these programs.
8- You have to make time to study. If your going to continue to work, then get ready to pull all nighters and long days.
9- Friends will be your saving grace. Me and my best friend have finished our LPN, RN, BSN and are now tackling our MSN together. I literally couldn't have stayed mentally stable through all these degrees without her help.
10- Have fun. This is only 1, 2, or 3 years. You can do anything for that long. Just enjoy it, have fun and live in the moment. You can sleep later!
Shada Breeze Chunn such great advice!! Thanks for this. So many will benefit from it!
Shada Breeze Chunn
Can you tell me which program would suit me as a medical assistant? Unfortunately, I can’t go to a bridge program because I’m obviously no nurse😑. But want to further my education. But which program is best program for now lvn, adn, or bsn? I don’t want to go one at a time since that is a lot of time and money. My ultimate goal is to be a medical doctor with a PhD in nurse practitioner - still technically a medical doctor 😂!
Thank you both for the great advice, input & encouragement!
what school did you choose?
justsomeawesome dude did you just say a medical doctor with a PHd in nurse practitioner? That makes zero sense.
This was sooo helpful and encouraging! I just did orientation online and of course, anxiety kicked in. I appreciate you and other NP you tubers that give us hope that it’s going to be ok!!
thank you for this high quality video. the clarity of the recording and your rawness is awesome. thank you.
Thank you for the kind words and for watching!
I love your videos so much! I will be starting my BSN-DNP program in September, and I have watched so many of your videos trying to prepare for it! Thank you for all of the amazing advice that you give!
I am still in high school but I have really been thinking about going the NP route as a future career . Your videos have been so helpful and I love your channel so much!! :))
Ally b so glad they’ve been helpful! You are SUPER on top of things to be thinking about that! I was such a scatter brain in high school. I had no idea what I wanted to be. What else are you considering? Thanks for saying hi!
Get your BSN fast and and pass boards ASAP. They're only making it harder and harder to become a nurse, yet they want more nurses in the field. Graduating with my bsn in the spring. Best of luck to you.
Go for a nurse anesthetist instead of NP.
Thank you so much for making this video! I’m currently in semester 2 and just am stressed, and watching this video helped me feel like I wasn’t alone in some of my thoughts! You’re awesome.
hang in there! One day at a time!
Thank you! I am in the middle of Np school and I really needed to hear this it is so true.
Thank you so much for taking your time to share your journey 🥰
One of the most helpful and informative videos out there. Thank you so much
mujjuman thank you for watching!!
Thank you so much for being so honest! I'm about to start in August and I wish I'd have watched videos like this before nursing school. I just graduated my BSN and passed the Nclex. So this is very helpful! Thanks for the advice about the app suggestions! That's one of the biggest stressors since there are so many things available for nursing that I was scared about the availability for NP school! Also thanks for the advice about how to work with articles and to keep the books! I learned that lesson early in nursing school and give that same advice to students I tutor! I really also needed the encouragement and honesty about how it's overwhelming! You're amazing and I can't tell you how great it is to watch your videos!
congratulations on your acceptance!
New subbie! Love your spirit..so refreshing❤ Just started FNP program this January!! Thanks for these great tips!!😊
Carlotta R thank you!! How is your semester going?
Nurse Liz Its challenging...lol but I'm still adjusting to getting back in school after all these years. Its such an adjustment! But I know I will have a lot of growing pains to come..thank you for asking😀 I look forward to seeing your upcoming videos. I'm like a sponge girl! Lol❤
Carlotta R it definitely gets easier once you are back in the swing of things! You forget what having a life is like 😂. Good luck with the semester and let me know if you have any questions!
You crack me up, “this is prob common sense, but I’m dumb”. Lol and YES, nursing school teachers can be MEAN. Sometimes i feel like I’m in the movie Mean Girls, college edition.
Shara A. Nelson thanks for watching and saying hi! That could be a really long but entertaining movie 😂
I thought I was the only one that experienced that. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the part about how to read a journal article! In my undergrad, the profs would stress about how it's important to read the *whole* article and not just the abstract, and they could tell if we actually read it or not. Save for the occasional quote pulled from the "Methods" section, I read and cited the abstract, the results, and the conclusion.
I have recently found your channel and I loooooooovvveee it. I am a pmhnp-student and I work during the day as a psych nurse in a children's psych hospital! I love it!
the world needs more people like you!! mental health is SO under addressed and providers are so so needed! Thanks for doing what you do both in your future work, and now with the littles!
Hi ebony I'm wondering how pmhnp school is going?. I have been in psych nursing for 11 yrs and I am just not content anymore... i recently applied for np school.
Lol! I’m glad I haven’t thrown my books away yet. I’ve recently moved and I haven’t unboxed my undergrad books from physiology undergrad and nursing undergrad. Glad I’ve found your RUclips as I decide if FNP school is the way for me.
I was so surprised with how much i used them! Glad you didn't pitch yours yet!
Thanks Liz so glad I found you. I’m graduating from nursing school this May so I have a long ways until NP school but these were great tips. I’m definitely going to look into the EKG series from Khan Academy. Also your daughter is super cute! Thanks again!
Jasmine G thanks :) I think she’s cute too but I’m super biased haha. You are so close! Good luck with the rest of your semester and congrats!
Also check out Osmosis on YT. They make really high quality videos...it really saved me in patho :)
You remind me of Tina Fey. 😊
Sharlecia Blue that is probably the best thing anyone has said to me ever! 😍. Hopefully you like her haha
I appreciate the honesty! I hope to one day become an NP and this shed a lot of real light on the subject. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
you totally remind me of Anne Hathaway from the princess diaries. I loved her in that movie so much hahah and you're videos are absolutely amazing! you're vibe is awesome!
Love this 💕 I’m in a prenursing program right now and have a goal of one day becoming an NP!!
Lexi Despaux good luck on your journey! It’s a challenging one, but is TOTALLY worth it! You got this!
Yeah! Same goal as me. Good luck!
This couldn’t be more accurate!! Such good advice!!
Glad it was helpful!
Wow Liz I thought it was just my program that didn't actually do any teaching....I was so accustomed to lectures in my undergrad that I really struggled when I saw the "50 articles" I had to read for each topic and no lecture and powerpoint notes.....it's a little reassuring that I am not alone. Btw I am currently going to NP school in Toronto and I have 2 months left :)
Happy positive And kind I’m glad it’s not just my experience as well! At first I really thought my school was the only one, but I’ve talked to so so many others who have the same experience. It’s really weird, and not that great for our profession I don’t think. What specialty are you going into? You are almost done with the articles! So close!!
Nurse Liz Thanks Liz...you are so positive :) I am in a FNP but in Canada we call it Primary Care. I believe the NP programs are modelled after medical programs that use Problem-Based Learning which is only as good as your seminar group.
Happy positive And kind that’s a really good point! And you definitely get out of it what you put into it I think.
I think this style is standard graduate school.
blusafe1 I think it is common, but there are definitely many types of grad school that provide actual lectures! Interestingly CRNA for example
Thank you for sharing! I am seriously considering going back to school. One thing I hesitate to apply is my loans from college. I feel like I should pay it off before I go to grad school. But I wanna finish my education ASAP.
I totally get that. Its SO obnoxiously expensive
I laugh when you said: nursing school is mean. I guess this is a universal thing. I'm from Canada and we think the same way.
Martine Salomon love the perspective from other countries! Good to know it’s evil everywhere 😂
Thank you, Liz. I am really enjoying your videos. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I am applying for NP school right now too. May I ask which school you went to? Would love to hear your experience with your program! Thank you thank you!
You have changed my life. I'm so glad I found your RUclips channel. I'm entering my third semester of NP School in the spring. I'm going to get through all of your videos before then. These are life changing tips!!!! Thank you.
I’m so glad they’ve been helpful !
Thank u very much! This video is super helpful 😊
I’m so glad! Thanks for watching!
Great information to know!
Hey Liz, I found your channel recently, I'm loving it!!! I´m in my second semester in Nursing School and one curious fact is that here in Brazil we have a 5 year course. The first 3 years are a part time ( classes only in the morning and early afternoon) the last 2 years we have classes in the morning and clinicals in the afternoon and nights. A lil bit different, but I belive in the end we're all cover up. Thanks for doing a amazing job here in yt , keep it up!!! A huge hug from Brazil.
I love hearing about other countries nursing programs!! Thank you for the insight!
This is brilliant advice-thank you. Thankfully I am done, but it was hell. You speak the truth 100%. Regarding the EKG tutorial- was it a Khan Academy offering or another video- I could not find the link.
Here's the first video! ruclips.net/video/URBREKIUALk/видео.html
Love the content!
Thank you so much for the video! So helpful. Just one question.. how many years of work experience as RN do u recommend before getting into NP program? Thank you!
I think at least 2 is a good idea before applying
I have that desk in the background, it’s great.
I loved it! We are probably getting another one for our house now
Just got accepted into FNP-MSN program and this was really helpful to brace myself for starting classes in July! I need to remember to breathe and that I can do it! Thanks for the video :)
YOu can absolutely do this! Congratulations on your acceptance!
I have been a nurse practitioner for 4 years with 10 years of RN experience prior to that, and am currently in my DNP program. I am a certified FNP, however have chosen to work in specialties including ortho and urology, mainly due to my surgical background. I recently find myself out of work after hurricane Michael. What I wish I would have known prior to becoming an NP is that even with experience as a practicing NP, it is very difficult to find employment. Changing practice specialties is extremely challenging because even though you have experience as an NP, not have experience in that particular specialty typically eliminates you as a potential candidate. I will say that having connections is extremely helpful, except when jobs are limited due to natural disasters. When choosing FNP vs. Adult Acute Care, keep in mind if you want to work in the inpatient setting, some facilities require acute care only and you are not considered if you are FNP. The advice I received prior to obtaining my MSN was to choose FNP so I could treat the entire lifespan, so that is what I did. I am glad I did because living in a small beach community, I have treated orthopedic injuries in the peds population as well as in urology. I would not have been able to see these patients as an Adult Acute Care NP. In hindsight, I should have obtained dual certification (this is not an option in my current DNP program). Not sure if I will do a post Doc certification, mainly due to my ever growing student loan balance. On another note, make sure you research potential NP programs thoroughly. UAB has a great program so consider that if it is on your radar.
Thank you for this insight!! It will be so valuable for people!
Christy Martin Do you think the NP field will become saturated in the coming years and physicians will start asking for PA’s since their schooling is more standardized and rigorous? Honest answer please. PS. I want to go to a ABSN and eventually NP but don’t want to spend the money if jobs will be hard to come by.
Christy Martin Do you think the NP field will become saturated in the coming years and physicians will start asking for PA’s since their schooling is more standardized and rigorous? Honest answer please. PS. I want to go to a ABSN and eventually NP but don’t want to spend the money if jobs will be hard to come by.
Where did you get the desk in your background? Can you please do a video on your studying desk area?
splatero platero we got it at Ikea! Loved it! We have moved and if stayed with the house. So I can’t do a video on it unfortunately 😣. I think I briefly touched on it in my how I study video. Sorry!
My wife who is a RN and I are planning on being pregnant right before FNP school. We have a complete understanding on how much time this will take. She was with me while I was in nursing school. My wife wants to get into midwifery when I am done with grad school. 💜 thanks for the tips.
All the baby dust to you!
I'm a nurse educator and I do NOT begin by scaring the students or telling them they're dumb. I learned long ago that you get more success by telling students that it IS a lot but they CAN do this. This ritual scaring has always been a part of professional training programs--medicine, law, the military, policing--and I think it is intended to deflate any hubris or overconfidence in the student body, but also to establish a power dynamic. Over my 20 years of teaching I found it was unnecessary--students already know what's up. They're already nervous. Why make it worse?
YES!
Great video!!!
Thanks for watching!
Wow! I am in my 2nd semester of FNP your video is spot on!!!!
I'm so glad! Thanks for watching :) Best of luck with the rest of your program!
Wish I have met you 6yrs ago!!! We are VERY similar Nurse Liz. Any good way to prepare for advance pharm?
Hi Nurse Liz! I was recently accepted into a DNP program to become a Psych NP! I’m super excited but I’m very concerned about the financial commitment. NP school is very expensive and although I was awarded a scholarship, however I’m still concerned about the finances of it all. Any suggestions on funding opportunities or tips on how to manage the cost of tuition?
I worked full time during my NP program so I could pay for it. Some people research scholarships like you said. Many people take out loans. Whatever works for you!
Baahahhahh!, so funny. I wanted NP but I’m just now getting BSN and I think I will stop here. It’s so expensive and I really want my life back. I’m on nights and I haven’t lumped my days together so I don’t feel like crap. I do one day on, one day off. I think I will do two days in a row, one day off, then another two. I d k. I miss day shift hours but my floor is crazy. Anyway thanks for keeping it real I think I’ll just do more OT and keep it moving.
The flexibility of schedules as a nurse is a HUGE BONUS. i miss it
I thought I would throw this out there because of the amount of questions/debates about becoming an APRN straight after BSN graduation. Quick Bio..Bachelors in Biochemistry....then went to a top BSN program...as soon as i graduated i went straight into NP school. I had a lot of negative people telling me I had to have all of this RN experience to ever be able to be a good FNP. Looking back, haha...as I have my own practice as a very successful FNP.....I WAS READY... i did NOT NEED TWO YEARS....being an RN is a totally different career than a APRN....sooo with that said, to discourage someone from going into NP school before being an RN is a little bit of bad advice....As an RN for a VERY VERY short amount of time during the beginning of my NP program I must say being an RN gave me NO advantage in regard to being a great FNP...sooo that is just my opinion, but I know that an RN for 2 years or 40 years....it does not equal being a great NP....take care and stay motivated.
Thanks for your insight! I definitely benefited a lot from my experience as a nurse, to each their own I think! Glad things are going well for you!
Nurse Liz definitely wouldn’t think it would hurt in any way getting that bedside Rn experience but for me it’s just two totally different careers and roles. Happy for you as well :)
This is very misleading and telling. The reason people say that you should have experience in nursing before going straight into a NP program is because that’s how it used to be, and for good reason. Pre-2008 the NP program was made up of seasoned floor nurses who wanted to take that extra step to becoming a clinician by utilizing all of their clinical experience and learning how to re-apply it towards a clinician’s point of view. As of 2008, the nursing societies and associations have ramped up this new version of a “Clinical Graduate Nursing Degree” to facilitate the growth of the NP profession, especially through the doctoral programs. The downside of that, though, is that the curriculum hasn’t changed much. So, you now have a lot of new nurses going through this program which has in the past always been geared towards experienced nurses who just needed a few gaps filled in, and that’s leaving a lot of newer NPs out to dry with a license and degree to practice medicine, but no real guidance on how or what to do.
I don’t know how you can say your nursing experience hasn’t helped you, since you have almost no experience to base it off of in the first place. You’re idea of a “successful” FNP is very subjective, as well. Family medicine is an area of medicine that is made up of a majority of low-risk, low-reward patients. Therefore, a patient could come in with some pain from inflammation or infection and you may prescribe a medicine or some kind of therapy to help them, but either way that patient will most likely get to feeling better no matter if you did the “right” thing or you totally missed the diagnosis. Very rarely will you get a patient you can’t manage or a patient you mismanage but isn’t severe enough to make a difference. It’s naive to think that nursing experience has NO relation to the NP job, especially when my nursing experience has helped me with a lot of my patients and through medical school.
I just started working in Med Teli PCU but I want to transfer to the ED ASAP and I want to start NP school because I am also certified in cosmetic injections/ lasers etc. and want to be able to order my own products eventually.
Very helpful. Thank you.
So glad! Thanks for watching 🙂
PMHNP is my goal right now. I'm about to graduate HS in may and plan on attending my local college in the fall to start a nursing program for the next four years and then do the extra years it takes to get my masters in PMHNP at another school close to me. Do you have any advice for me on how to stick with the plan and not lose all hope? Or just any other advice at all? After watching your video I became really nervous because this is my dream job but losing the time with my family may cause a lot of stress considering they're the ones that help me deal with my stress rather than me having to do it alone. Totally freaked out😅
You just need really good time management and to prioritize 1-2 things other than school or work that will get all your attention! It’ll be ok 🙂
I really think I want to go back to school and get my degree in PMHNP, but I’m terrified of juggling family responsibility and school. I went through my BSN before kids and I now have five children ages 3-12 (they will be 5-14) when I start the program. I just cannot imagine being able to do it all, but I want to get this degree so much. I know there is a huge need and it’s definitely interesting to me, I’m just terrified that something important will fall through the cracks. 😬
I totally get that. You can do it if that’s your passion! I really believe that with enough determination and caffeine, all things are possible 👍🏼
Good info. Starting NP school this fall... what is the name of the app you mentioned? I tried searching for it but wasn’t sure which one exactly. Thanks!
Im not sure, what was the app for?
New subscriber here! Currently in the process of applying to grad school for accelerated RN-MSN with my non-RN BS in Public Health. Real excited and pretty nervous. I'm so glad to have found you because you give such raw insight on your experiences and general tips. Checking out Khan Academy thanks to you!
Diana Alegre hello! Fingers crossed for you on your application! Keep me posted 🙂
Diana Alegre
Where do you plan on applying? I'm a nutrition and dietetics student thinking of doing the same things.
Suggestion: How to choose a good np school/ what to look for in the school.
Good idea! thanks!
Can you make a video about job interview questions for FNP
Yes! That will hopefully be one of my January videos. I'm consulting with lots of other np's to get their experience as well so its not just mine. So its just taking a little bit! But its coming!
I just completed my first term of FNP school and it's very challenging. You definitely have to sacrifice and say no to alot of family/friends gathering in order to be successful. Thanks for the tips and motivation!!!
It’s so true. Congrats on being done with your first semester!
I'm wondering if most NP programs require that you complete the courses in consecutive semesters, or can you take semesters off? Is it possible to do FNP programs part-time or do they usually require that you take on a full load?
That depends on the program! With most of them you have a set curriculum and schedule and can't take much time off without missing a whole year. There are usually part time and full time programs.
Hi Nurse Liz, can you comment on the licensure exam. Is it different from the questions given by the school. What reviewer do you recommend. By the way I am in Acute Care NP. Thanks.
I don't know anything about acute care certification or reviews, sorry!
Haha I don't have to worry about the first one...Single and Young
*Cries in Lonely*
Lots of time to focus on school!
Hey Nurse Liz!
Important question: If, as you say, 80% of patients you will encounter as an NP don’t care what you have to say, then my question is what keeps you motivated to press on in your career?
I am very passionate about primary care because I want to connect with my patients in a meaningful way, and help make a difference in their lives. However, it is discouraging to hear that this may not be the reality of primary care. That’s why I’m wondering, what makes all the years of sacrifice, hard work, and studying worth it for you in the end?
Thanks for the amazing videos you create and phenomenal guidance you provide to others. Your wisdom is certainly helping to steer curious students in the right direction. 🙂
I don't honestly know. I'm currently struggling with this same thing for the same reason. You definitely do form some wonderful relationships and some patients do listen, but not everyone. Ask me again in 2022 when the world is no longer ending lol
@@NurseLiz Thank you for your candid, straightforward answer. I really appreciate your honesty.
For someone who wants to make a difference by improving access to healthcare for underserved patients, would you recommend going to PA school for the ability to easily change specialties (possibly helping to reduce burnout), or would you recommend skipping direct patient care altogether and going into something like executive healthcare leadership?
Thank you for your valuable feedback. :)
What about if I become an Psychiatric NP? That's what I want to do. I want to become an RN then go to NP. My question is if the schooling is still as hard and time consuming. It was a little disappointing to hear that you have no life whatsoever.. sounds like med school? But if you go into psychiatric NP is it still just as hard as being a general NP?
Eric ee I believe those programs are quite time consuming as well, there may be a big less to do, but I’m not the expert on those programs at all!It all depends on how much you work during the program I think.
My goal was to go to school to become a CRNA. Life took me in a different direction. My husband was building a business that’s now very successful and now I’m a SAHM. I still think about it but I don’t know if I want to give up 60 hrs of my time with my family. I’ve considered NP because it’s online and would be more reasonable but I’m just not sure if it financially makes sense. In my area, unless you work for a surgeon, you don’t make much more than an RN.
Hi Liz I’m doing a project on being a nurse practitioner and I would love your help
Feel free to message me on IG!
I'm a little confused about the time scheduling with working hours/clinicals/nights/days? What are clinicals again? Are those clinicals usually held in the daytime or night time?
Clinical is where you are doing in person training for the job you are going to school for, so its like unpaid on the job training sort of. You work with an experienced provider and learn from them. They are almost always during the daytime.
Can I ask how many years of RN experience you had before starting NP school? A lot of new RN grads in my state say it’s near impossible to find a hospital position unless you have years of RN experience already, so I thought about doing grad school right after my BSN. Any tips is well appreciated!
I had 3 years before I started! I wouldn’t recommend doing np school right after your bsn. I think finding your feet as a nurse and just focusing on that for a few years to gain some experience is crucial if you eventually want to peruse an advanced degree!
Full disclosure, I’m a physician, but my brother is a DNP, so I thought it might be helpful to some to know there are ways to salvage your relationship while in Medical School it NP school.
Before going to medical school, I told my wife that this is probably going to be THE hardest times of our lives in terms of balancing our relationship, aside from maybe residency. It was nice, though, because my medical school has a tradition of holding a family/spousal support session during the orientation week when medical students are off doing their thing. So, they bring in spouses, mothers, fathers, etc. to talk about what to expect, what is to be expected of them, how they can help their medical student, etc. and even better, how the school and other families can help each other out when times are getting tough. So they offer a support system not only for medical students, but also the families. Additionally, I did my best to communicate with my wife on a near daily basis to see how she felt about the way things were going. If she felt lonely, I would set-up my studies at home (study much better at the school study pods). When big tests came up, I would see if she wanted to go see her family or friends while I was gone (weekly basis). Little did we know we would run into huge barriers that would test our relationship to the max.
Part way through medical school her father had passed away, this was going on through finals week and he passed just weeks after I finished my semester. It was devastating. To make matters even more difficult, we found out we were having our first child while in medical school, just a few months after her father had passed. If that wasn’t enough, we were dealing with distant family members who were trying to come out of the woodworks and take her fathers belongings because they felt they “deserved it.” Nonetheless we made it through and times have and still are tough, but we are getting through one day at a time and our baby girls is doing amazing.
How does this tie into NP schooling? Well, I took these things and applied them to my brothers situation who just started his DNP program at a brick-and-mortar university. He chose to keep working in the ER while having a wife and 2 kids and taking in many tasks outside of school.
What I’ve come to realize is this:
If your spouse is prepared for what’s to come and isn’t caught off guard by your long nights and endless hours of studying, etc. the. They can better help to relate and feel more involved. I would also highly recommend sending your spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend a copy of your schedule each week if you have one. This allows them to make plans, know when to expect you to be home, and just helps keep them included in your life. Always communicate, never get mad if they don’t truly understand your struggle, just help them understand, and lastly you should ALWAYS make time to spend with JUST THEM. Put your studies away, phone away, and get your mind off of school for that time you’re with your loved ones. School is temporary, but they’re you’re forever family.
thank you so much for this thoughtful reply! Your advice here is wonderful!
Taylor Made, Thank You tremendously for sharing & your wise counsel. You also nicely summed up the impact of an intensive education on your wife & family. Absolutely wish I had known your sage advice before starting MSN program. Have 1 semester to go & will use many of your suggestions.
For everyone:
1. Regardless of how much a person worked or had extracurricular activities in undergrad, don’t think you can do as much in grad school. Be prepared to temporarily give up doing some things (volunteer work or weekly house cleaning).
2. Be able to say “No” or “I can’t take that on right now” to friends, and family (including parents or significant other), even when you are being pressured, outright or passive-aggressively. Need “tough skin” so there will not be guilt about saying “No”.
3. Know your limits & become a planner. Are you the type who absolutely needs at least 5-6 hours of sleep every HS? Plan it carefully & protectively.
4. If there is a lot of driving & you are sleepy, pull over or go to nearest coffee shop or gas station and/or call someone you know will keep you awake & talking. Use restroom, walk around. Monster drinks or Red Bull may get you home safely.
5. Try your best to study anywhere but at home, it rarely works out successfully (unless no one is @ home). This was one of my biggest mistakes, did most of my studying @ home (not anymore).
6. Be clear about what you need; don’t beat around the bush & don’t sugarcoat it.
7. Believe in yourself, you can achieve your dream!
Wow! sounds like a wise, mature, and loving man! Now, you also get to be a doctor! Amazing! Your wife is very lucky to have you by her side.
Hi! I wanted to ask you , I am from Slovakia and I want to live in USA with my bf and study there NP. What are my chances to being admitted if I am non USA citizen?
Hi! I’m honestly not sure sorry! You’d have to take the nclex though to make you a nurse here. After that I’m not sure! I’d contact some schools to find out
You have to find a university with a nursing program and contact them to see if they accept international students to the program. The nursing profession has strict legal requirements and it's difficult for a foreigner to clear those legal requirements. If you find a university that will accept an international student to their nursing program, you will come on a student visa and complete the pre requisites for nursing school. Then once you get admitted into nursing school after your 2nd year and during 3rd year, you will need to change from student visa to another type of visa (there's several kinds) that will allow you to work as you will need a tax number which you can only get on a visa that allows you to work to meet legal requirements like background check, etc. and your forbidden to work on a student visa, thus no tax number. You have to be able to clear background check to be allowed to be in clinicals in a hospital, which is why you need the tax number. But once you meet that requirement you will be in the clear as long as you renew your visa. It would be a very very long and extremely difficult road but that's how you would do it.
Hey, I was wondering what class I need to take I'm high school to become a np or in college
I have not took no class and I Berly no any thing in np
What I need to kown and what class I have to take
And what I need to learn can you please help me
Any science based classess as well as statistics will be helpful
Hi, Liz . I am confused between RN and NP program. I wanted to apply for accelerated nursing program since I have bachelor degree in non- nursing. There are some schools who offers accelerated program but my passion is for Women’s Health and I want to go for WHNP. Should I go for accelerated nursing program or apply for directly NP program. There are some schools who offers directly NP programs. What would you suggest for me? I am confused......I want to become a nurse but for women’s health. Help me!
You could work in women’s health as a nurse without being a whnp, which is a healthcare provider. I would get your nursing degree and work in women’s health as a nurse for a few years. Then you can continue on to the provider role if you like!
Would you consider DNP? Im still trying to figure out between NP and DNP
I would definitely consider it if it was the only in person program in my area! I talk more about the MSN vs DNP program options here! ruclips.net/video/e1EExbndEio/видео.html
Hi Liz, since you have gone through NP school I wanted to get your opinion on an important decision I have to make. I will be starting my part time FNP program in the fall. I want to continue working full time (3 12-hr shifts) and I just applied for a position that would pay several dollars more and would cover my tuition but it is on night shift (postpartum)! Do you think that going to school and working nights shifts is a bad idea or do you suggest I take advantage of this amazing opportunity? I feel so split. Right now I have a day position at my current job
I worked nights for most of my program! So it is totally doable. The fact that they are willing to pay your tuition is HUGE! If it were me I would totally go for it. Just clump your days so you have plenty of "normal days"because when clinical starts you'll need to have a normal human schedule. I loved working nights because sometimes if it was quiet I could also sneak some studying in!
Nurse Liz thanks for the feedback! I followed my gut and considered similar to what you said about studying during night shift so I accepted the position! I feel like I would have regretted saying no anyway! Thank you! I’m excited!!
Wh73v3R congrats on the new job!! Hope it works out super well for you!
HI, I have master's in management already and bachelor's in psychology and did all premedical and prenursing prerequs. I am thinking about going into healthfield to not waste my science courses. Is it easier to get BSN or MSN? because BSN still can be in management and director positions right? I see a 15 month bsn accelerated program starting early vs. a MSN 2 years program. I am 41 yo. and just need some help which is worth it because my master's in management has not given me the salary and job security I needed unfortunately huh...
Hey! So most hospitals require a masters for manager and director positions. At least the ones I’ve seen. I’d take a look at job postings in your area and see just to make sure.
Bernadette Nadine Almeda in my area, managers can have a BSN, but directors and above need a Masters (in anything) unless you are in nursing home leadership, which sometimes you can get away with just an RN. As someone who went back and got a BSN after having a BA in non-healthcare field, I wish that there had been a program to get my MSN and become a Registered Nurse when I did go back. You might be fine getting a BSN and use your Masters in management to move up. It would probably be cheaper to get the undergrad. If you have little healthcare experience see if you can shadow a unit manager at your local hospital before doing anything. Have you checked into Health Care Administration/Management degrees? That might be a better option. And your science classes will still help.
@@tagalonggal thanks so much for that great reply. I am thinking what other alternative is there than going back for 2 years again with no pay and studying all night again it's not easy im sure . I might just apply for healthcare management jobs in hospitals since I already have master's in management with health science undergrad . just no response to my resume yet huh...
Hi there! I am an ADN nurse (soon to be graduate in June) and I have officially received an offer for a free ride on my bsn! yay. I just want to ask, is it okay for me to feel that I would want to continue my education to become an ACNP? I really don't want to stop as I have seen so many nurses simply stagnate after their ADN or BSN.
That’s awesome congrats! If you’ve had some experience as a nurse I think that’d be fine to piggy back it
How did you get a free ride for your bsn?? Im about to start my adn.
Hi Liz,
Thanks for sharing. I have a few questions that I hope you don’t mind answering. How long did you work as a nurse before applying to NP school? And did you attain your MSN or a doctorate degree?
MsSherrisJ hello! I worked for three years before starting, and then worked full time during the program as well until my last year when I went part time! I did an MSN and will go back for my DNP in a few years once I’m out of the having babies stage 😝
Oh ok that makes sense. I am applying to a BSN programs now but I know that in the end I want a DNP. I was thinking about going into an entry-level masters (ELM) program but I am on the fence because I do not have any nursing experience. The ELM program I am looking at is geared towards professionals who are looking to change their careers, so nursing experience isn't required. However, when I speak to my peers and family they are encouraging me to take it one step at a time by acquiring a BSN, working for at least a year, and then pursue a DNP. What are your thoughts?
MsSherrisJ I have really gotten a lot out of my experience as a nurse. So that’s what I would choose again if I had a life do over. But everyone is different! Personally I’m not in love with early entry programs. But to each their own!
Understandable...thank you so much for your response and honesty :). Best of luck with your future endeavors!
MsSherrisJ thank you, you as well!
Do you have to become board certified to be a NP? Or is that something extra? I’m hoping to work in surgery!
you have to be board certified in order to practice and be licensed.
thank you
THANK YOU
NurseAggz ❤️❤️
I'm in np school atm and I hate writing! English as my second language really is a struggle. Expressing myself in the correct wording takes tons of time to compose my writings. =-/
So much respect for you! I struggle and english is my first language. Way to go!
English is my second language which is a biggest challenge on understanding stuffs. Anw, I'm still trying to improve it.
Could you do a video on student debt? How long was your total amount of school .. how many years?
Anna Kokosinski I have a video on that! ruclips.net/video/GChgl-KI5mg/видео.html
For school, 4 years original undergrad, 1.5 years accelerated bsn, and 3 years grad school
Hey Liz. Sorry for all the comments lol. You said you had about 40 Grand of student debt left. Was that 40 Grand just from nurse practitioner School. Or was it from four years of college plus the nurse practitioner School?
Anna Kokosinski if was just from my accelerated nursing program. 😣
Oh poop lol. If you dont mind me asking how much was the total for the four years of undergrad
Anna Kokosinski I’m not 100% sure as it was awhile ago! Sorry
What’s the name of the app for clinical that you said? I didn’t quite hear it in the video!
What was it in reference to? I dont remember which one i mentioned, sorry! I have a whole video on apps I used in school if that would be helpful!
Nora H Epocrates
Why are they soooo mean?!!! And yeah I’m in an ADN program and some professors just guide you...to those 150 pages. 😩 pulling hair out.
I have a few videos on how I skim reading in my nursing and np playlist that may help! I definitely didn’t read everything. You got this!
I’m still in undergrad but my goal is to be an NM/WHNP
Such an awesome profession!
So I’m in highschool right now and I think in the long run I want to be a pediatric NP or a women’s health NP. The university I want to go to doesn’t have a nursing program but they have the prerequisites that could help me get into a nursing program in my state, and they say to major in something you are interested in. The reason I want to do this is because I really want the 4 year university life with the sororities and the college life before I dive into nursing. I was thinking I could major in something like human development or biology and take my prereqs, and then apply to an accelerated BSN program or a BSN then DNP program at a school that offers it, one of the schools in my state I was looking at has a 15 month accelerated BSN and then immediately after a 3 year DNP program, where you apply to both. What do you think? I know I’m young right now, so I might change my mind.
That certainly could work! I'd take it as it comes and see what sounds appealing as you go!
Nurse Liz thank you!
I'm wanting to be an NP and specialize as a NNP, but I am beyond terrified about not having time for my future spouse and my kids :( That's the only thing driving me away from being an NP :'(
Totally get that. It was a rough few years, worth it now though! It’s helpful if you don’t have to work full time as well
I read my articles like that all the time. Hahaha I thought I was being horrible lol
Ta-Nisha Emmanuel no! Just super efficient!
Hi were u in a online program??
It was a hybrid program so we were on campus 1-2 times a month
Starting soon and I hope it goes well. 😔. Fingers cross.
Fingers crossed for ya! Congratulations on your acceptance!
Do hospitals make scholarship for their employees?
None that I know of. Some do offer tuition reimbursement
I see! Thank you.
Do NP's really document more than RN's?
There’s more charting and paperwork at my np job than my Rn job
If you dont mind me asking how much work did you take home with you? How much homework did you have?
Anna Kokosinski hmmm. I probably spent about 10 hours a week on discussion boards/assignments/papers, etc. and then probably 30 hours a week on lecture, reading and notes.
Nurse Liz did you do your program online or through a traditional brick and mortar school?
So is the amount of school worth the salary, student loans, etc. ? I just don't know if the extra responsibility is worth the $ because I have made as much money as a NP while being an RN (>80K). Many of the starting salaries for FNP seem to be 80K-ish. I would love to do dermatology but it seems these spots are reserved for PA's. Any thoughts?
I definitely wouldn’t go into it for the money. Because like you said it’s not that much more and there is a lot more responsibility. You can make GREAT money as a nurse if that’s your drive! I really liked the job, so for me that made it worth it. For derm, two girls in my program graduated with derm jobs lined up!
How much was your program?
Cuentos de la Cripta $45k I believe
@@NurseLiz ok
Thoughts on online NP school?
Be super careful where you go. Some Are wonderful. Other's not so much
“they don’t really teach you a lot” 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Still shocking to me haha. I want to be a NP school teacher and get paid to "moderate" discussion boards.
I think if your Nursing instructors are behaving as such, you should run FAR away! Well.... you've already paid for it so maybe after you graduate. Fortunately and I may be the exception, but my nursing instructors have been nothing but accommodating and encouraging. They were in our spot once and realize the stress is immense. You have to remember that you're paying them. It's your education and if you're not getting what you want say something. If they're mean they need to find another profession, and you need to ensure that you're stating such in your reviews.
I think you got super lucky with your school! There were definitely instructors who were kind, but I dont think thats the "norm" unfortunately. Glad yours were awesome!
Ughhh charting same as case notes in social work. Ayaya so many things to consider when you’re thinking of switching over from Social work to the medical field
Xiomara Jamie I know. Charting is a horrible black cloud over everybody’s head 😩. What are you thinking of switching to? Also. Thanks for doing what you do! I can’t imagine my job without social workers
Nurse Liz @nurseliz Thank you for replying! In a perfect world I would love to do both at the same time but I understand these two field can bleed together. For example some of the nurse I work with are case manager nurses who work with the county for department of health services. In my current position my job is to make sure my clients are medically compliant. This has peaked my interest in the medical field but the schooling has always scared me away. But it continues to tug at my heart strings and I kinda don’t wanna regret not trying cuz I know I could be a good nurse specially with my background. I’m considering taking it all the way to NP cuz I plan to get a masters regardless because in these fields that’s if I wanna move up and have job security, I feel it’s best to get your masters. I would love your advise and point of view. If I’m wrong it mis guides please tell me! I need direction cuz it’s a big change !!
You would definitely bring a TON to the table with your background in social work! Can't go wrong there! If you are feeling like that is what you may want to do, go for it! Personally I would so much rather go for it and then realize it wasn't for me, than deal with the "what if" for the rest of my career. I think you could do so much with your experience, and could definitely blend the roles a bit depending on where you worked! Best of luck!
Nurse Liz your words mean so much !! Thank you!!
damn
Well now I am scared to go back
I'm sorry you're feeling that way! You are not alone if that fear, but you can absolutely do this!!! 💜💜💜💜
Wierd but this is what nutrition and dieteticss is like but ofcourse nursing is on steriods. We teach our selves MNT and read thousand of research articles on nutrition, medications (food drug interactions, moa ECT), formulas for tpn, caloric intake, so on and the professor never mentions the info but its on the exams looool
That is so frustrating! I feel like there should be more tracing on this important stuff!
Does anyone think the NP field will become saturated in the coming years and physicians will start asking for PA’s since their schooling is more standardized and rigorous? Honest answer please. PS. I want to go to a ABSN and eventually NP but don’t want to spend the money if jobs will be hard to come by.
I think it depends on where you live and what you are trying to get into. I'd check out job postings in your area and look on some facebook groups to see if the area you live in seems to have people waiting around for awhile or if people get hired quickly.
Nurse Liz all the posting are PA/NP so I guess either or. I just want to make sure I’m marketable when I do graduate or should I just go the PA route... 😞
What field are you wanting to work in?
Nurse Liz I honestly want a dual concentration in PMHNP/FNP.
Hahah bought a new couch
Where are you going to NP school? Sorry, I'm new to the channel.
Michigan state!
I wasn’t sure what your thoughts on how long to wait before going to NP school or another advanced nursing practice. I am currently at the end of my junior year of nursing school. Thanks!
I think waiting at least two years is a good idea. You learn SO MUCH. For example I had a really good understanding going in what was primary care appropriate and what would require inpatient care, because I was very familiar with working inpatient. Does that help at all?
It is very helpful! How long did you work as a nurse prior to applying and starting NP school?
Keith Stevens 3 years. Applied in my second year.
I went through divorce after 10 months
My X got tired of being by himself while I was writing or studying
Yes it is a price to pay plus the student loans 😩
Oh gosh I’m so sorry 😣. That is so tough.
Nurse Liz yes
That was a year ago
I have a boyfriend now
The same
I’m studying all time
I don’t know how it will last
I guess if it does
He is for me right!!! 😉
Mayory RN any kind of nursing school is the truest test of relationships I think
Nurse Liz yes dear
Thank you so much for your advice
Blessings 🙏💜