FNP Student Survival
Guide
By
Coppin State University
Master of science in nursing
Family Nurse Practitioner program
Class of 2015
Table of Contents
I.
Introduction
II. Preclinical Requirements
III. Clinical Courses
-Resources
-Study Tips
-FAQ’s
IV. Clinical Sites
INTRODUCTION
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) graduating class of spring 2015 welcomes you
as you have made an excellent decision to become a part of the Coppin family. In partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the Master’s degree/Certificate of Family Nurse
Practitioner (FNP), we collectively made the decision to create an orientation packet entitled,
“CLINICAL SURVIVAL KIT” for future students of this graduate program. Experience became
our motivation in the choice we made to complete this project. We desire to leave a legacy
and a positive imprint for upcoming students to follow to achieve success in their academic
endeavors. We hope that as we exit, the FNP program at Coppin State University remains
strong and meets the needs of the student population it serves. We have prepared this
orientation packet to assist you in your academic journey to experience excellence. We the
FNP Graduate Class of spring 2015, believe that students come first at the Helene Fuld School
of Nursing (HFSON); therefore, we are creating a “mentoring” environment to encourage you
to reach your highest potential. We endeavor to present information you need to know for
preparation before clinical begins to ensure a smooth transition into a successful clinical
experience.
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the FNP Program is to prepare nurses to provide
advanced primary health care to underserved populations in an urban setting. In
order to support your goal of being able to provide excellent primary health care
that is culturally sensitive, we have put together need to know clinical information
and a list of various of settings for your practicum experiences to reduce the
anxiety and pressure in seeking clinical placements. Please note that whether you
are in the traditional MSN-FNP or Post Masters Certificate track, there is an
expectation that you complete a minimum of 500 direct patient care clinical hours
in the preparation for the Nurse Practitioner role. These clinical experiences vary
and are distributed throughout the curriculum to include exposures to primary
health care of: children, women, adult/older adults, and families. Each clinical
component has a specific number of hours assigned. Please refer to your
syllabus/student handbook for specifics.
INTRODUCTION
We have put together important information you need to know and
complete before beginning clinical rotations, as well as compiled a list of several
clinical sites we have used for our practicum exposure. These clinical sites have
approved contracts with HFSON (at this time), however, we advise you to make
contact with potential preceptors as soon as you have registered for the course.
Note, that although we have opened the door to these sites, other students from
other institutions utilize these practitioners and the sites. It would be most
beneficial to you to visit the sites you chose and make face to face contact and
secure your clinical ahead of time. We wish you success on your journey.
FNP Class of spring 2015
HFSON
Clinical/Lab Supplies
These supplies will be needed in the simulation lab and in your clinical settings:
• White lab coat/jacket - $10-30 (Alko, Uniform City, uniform stores, etc.)
• School of Nursing shoulder patch w/ department emblem $5 (School uniform company)
• Royal/sapphire blue name tag with credentials & degrees $10-15 (Staples, Office Depot)
• High-quality Stethoscope w/ diaphragm & bell or bell function - $30-200 (Amazon, EBay,
uniform stores, etc.)
• Blood pressure cuff - $10-40 (Alko, Amazon, uniform city, etc.)
• Percussion hammer $3-20 (Alko, Amazon, uniform store, etc.)
• Penlight (Alko, Amazon, uniform store, etc.)
• Tuning fork -$3-5 (Amazon)
• Otoscope/Ophthalmoscope - $50-100 (EBay for dual attachment set)
• Watch w/ second hand $5-(Walmart, etc.)
• Tape measure w/ inches & centimeters (Amazon, uniform store)
• Pocket notepad or electronic notebook
• Pocket or electronic medication reference
Background Check
CertifiedBackground.com or CertifiedProfile.com
Cost- $117.00
Coppin log-in Code- CQ52
Contains access to:
Background Check
Urine Drug Screen information
**All forms, immunization records, etc. will need to be faxed or uploaded to your
Certified Background profile each clinical school year. It is advisable that you keep
a folder or flash drive with these items in it, so that they may be easily updated
and retrieved.**
***This information is solely intended to serve as a guide to help you prepare for
clinicals. It is not intended to be an authoritative or final source on clinical or
program requirements. Please refer to your Student Handbook, course syllabi and
departmental/course faculty for official information.***
Pre-Clinical Requirements
1. Physical Examination (renew every year)
2. Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) titers
3. Varicella (Chicken Pox) titers
4. Hepatitis B titers
5. Tetanus Vaccine or proof of vaccination in last 10 years
6. Proof of negative TB Test or Chest X-ray
7. Yearly Influenza vaccination
8. Current adult, child & infant CPR Certification
9. Current RN License
10. Signed Confidentiality Statement
11. School Honor Code (refer to student handbook)
12. Release of Information form
13. Video and Photo Release form
14. HIPAA Certification (copy may be able to be obtained through current employer)
15. OSHA Certification (copy may be able to be obtained through current employer)
Tips
• Purchase a nurse practitioner certification review book at the beginning of the
program. This can be utilized throughout the program and will give you exposure
to answering questions the way they are asked on the board certification
examinations and possibly on exams throughout the program. Even purchasing an
older edition of the book will give you access to body systems and disease process
overview, as well as practice questions while you are in a particular specialty
course. At the end of your program when you are ready to study for your
certification exam, you can purchase a newer version or the current edition. Check
Amazon & EBay for less expensive copies or even used copies.
-Recommended Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination and Practice Preparation
by Margaret Fitzgerald
•
Don't forget to utilize of all of your "outside" resources such as YouTube and the
internet for difficult to understand procedures and concepts. There are many
videos that can "break down" a topic that you may have trouble grasping from
textbook readings.
Tips
• Formulate study groups early on in the program. Don't always study with
people you are friends with. You all may think alike or be strong in the
subject area. Search out people who have expertise in other areas that you
are not as strong in. They may have the answer to your problem and you are
much les likely to get sidetracked in the process. At the very least, you may
make a new friend...
•
Make "friends" with people in your work area or in your doctor's office.
They may have insight into places you can go for clinical or jobs once you
graduate.
• If APA format is not your friend or a strength of yours, purchase a program
that automatically formats your papers in APA format like PERRLA. It costs
about $40-50 and can be added on more than 1 computer, so you can split
the cost w/ a colleague.
Tips
• Pay attention to the professors teaching style, as it may give good insight on
how to study for the exam.
• Get as much exposure to the topic as possible such as listening to Tegrity, review
power point, read selected chapter and do practice questions
• Do not try to cram information the night before the exam.
• Take good notes in class and pay attention to areas emphasized by the
professor
Nursing 600
Advanced Health
assessment
and
Nursing 660/661 Primary
care of Adults/older
adults
Resources
• YouTube for head to toe assessment: Videos under BMEDINAGO and others
are included on YouTube.
• Review books: Margaret Fitzgerald, Pathophysiology for dummies, or any
other basic pathophysiology book. Most textbooks include online
illustrations, test questions, and discussions for in-depth understanding and
rationale, register for these programs.
• Take advantage of the school’s simulation labs for additional hands-on
practice prior to starting your clinical rotation.
Resources
• The use of the school’s Writing center, located in the Grace Jacob
Building can be helpful when writing your papers. Prior knowledge of
APA formatting in critical in developing your papers.
• The purchase of the most recent APA book or online APA programs
like OWL are helpful when properly formatting papers.
• PERRLA a program that can be downloaded to your computer, can
also be used to help format your papers in APA style. The cost of this
program is ~$39.99
• The use of Writecheck.com or Turnitin are used to identify plagiarized
work. The programs work the same and identifies your papers
similarity index. The cost for writecheck.com is ~$30.00. and the
school currently uses Turnitin for written submissions.
Study tips
• Study in small groups instead of individually. This gives you the
opportunity to learn from other nurses experiences and actively
engages you in the learning process; helping you retain the information.
• As previously mentioned in the use of review books can provided you
with simple, less complex rational for understanding covered material.
• The use of flashcards can also be helpful. It also may be helpful to use
index cards that can be used later when studying for the boards.
FAQs
Do I need to buy the required health assessment equipment?
Yes, you will find it useful for practice and the open skills sessions.
Does the school place students into clinical sites?
No! The student is responsible for finding their clinical site and moving
forward you will need to provide your clinical site before you can be given
the code to register for any clinical course.
How should one dress for clinical?
Professional attire and lab coat with the Coppin patch on the left arm as
well as a name badge. NO SCRUBS!!( depending on site)
How do I transition from non-degree seeking to degree seeking?
Apply for degree seeking, meet the necessary requirements, and also
consult your assigned faculty adviser for further instructions.
FAQs
How do I obtain a code to register for classes?
Email your clinical site information to the faculty /clinical coordinator to obtain
a registration code.
Can one use Thanksgiving or Spring break or any holiday to catch up on
clinical hours?
No, whenever school is closed be it for break, holiday, or inclement weather,
the student is not to go for clinical and the school will not be liable should
something go wrong.
What if I my clinical site is not a good fit?
Clinical is the only practice you will get before becoming an NP so, if you
realize that your preceptor or the clinical setting is not a good fit for you,
inform your instructor immediately and find a new preceptor immediately
instead of waiting till the end of the semester.
Course Requirements
• NURS 600 requires 40 hours of clinical hours, in addition to a graded
head-to-toe physical performed on a classmate.
• NURS 660/661 requires 120 clinical
Nursing 650/651
Primary Care of
women
Resources
• CDC mobile app for diagnosis and treatment of STD’s
• CDC mobile app for antibiotic use
• CDC mobile app for contraceptive use
STUDY TIPS
Lecture/Didactic
• Pay close attention to information reviewed during lectures.
• Join a study group.
• Review basic pathophysiology of the menstrual cycle and
understand the function of hormones, pay close attention to
negative feedback loops. Understanding these fundamental
concepts will help you to understand many conditions associated
with women’s health.
• Review anatomy & physiology of the pregnant female
• Review your category classification
• Case studies – make sure to really understanding the healthy pregnancy
first, next AMA( advance for maternal age), then pathology in pregnancy
STUDY TIPS
Clinical/ Practicum
• Bring index cards filled with most common medications used
• Know trimester (1-3) management including the prenatal work up due for
each trimester- Again use your index cards!!!
• Gyn exams takes practice, so the more you do the more comfortable you
will be at pelvic exams
• Measuring fundus- Practice! Practice! Again , palpating the fundus and
measuring correctly takes practice, again do
• Finding the FHR via Doppler- Again this takes practice, do it as much
and as often as you can.
• Be open to with you preceptor – Practice! Practice! Practice makes
perfect!
FAQ’s
Is the course difficult?
This course is not necessarily difficult but it is a lot information given in a
short period of time. Be proactive with reading assignments and don’t
allow yourself to fall behind.
How many clinical hours do I need?
You are responsible for 120 clinical hours.
Do not delay!!!
You will need at least 16-24 practicum hours a week to complete the hours
on time during the summer semester.
FAQ’s
What should I do to be successful in the course?
Read Chapters/ Review Power Points/Listen to Tegrity.
**Pay attention to repetition **
Complete practicum hours ASAP !!!
Complete clinical logs weekly
Use additional resources (NP review books)
Nursing 650/651
Nursing care of
children
RESOURCES
• CDC mobile app for immunization schedule
• Heart Murmur Pro Mobile APP (Murmurs are common in PEDS, it is
important to distinguish normal from abnormal).
• Lab Reference Values Mobile APP
• American Academy of Pediatrics
STUDY TIPS
• Join a study group
• Do not ignore any document that was posted under your course
• Print the immunization and catch up schedules (shrink and laminate for
quick pocket reference for class/clincals)
• Be sure to understand “A& P” of all the systems. This will help you
identify abnormal functioning, symptoms you would expect to find,
diagnose with proper differentials, and treat.
• Know common diseases that occur in the different age groups.
• Complete the case studies
FAQ’s
How many clinical hours do I need for this class?
120 clinical hours
What clinical sites are available to me?
See clinical list provided. Start contacting clinical sites during your break
before your class starts. You may need to sign a contract for a clinical cite
that is new to the school. This process can take months before approval is
obtained
What if I do not find a clinical site?
Notify the school and your instructor immediately. Continue to look and ask
classmates if you can pair.
NURSING 513 NON-THESIS
VS.
NURSING 720/721 THESIS
Non-thesis Nursing 513
vs.
Thesis Nursing720/721
Course Description
Non-Thesis Research Project
This course provides opportunities to develop, implement, and
evaluate a research project. The project, designed in collaboration with
a clinical faculty/preceptor, will reflect analysis, synthesis, and
integration in exploring a topic related to advance nursing practice.
Masters Thesis Guidelines
This course provides opportunities to develop, and write a Master’s
Thesis. The thesis written in collaboration with a faculty member will
reflect analysis, synthesis, and integration in exploring.
Thesis vs. Non-Thesis
Thesis
• Students have to complete all
six chapters of research
• Three faculty members have to
serve on the Thesis committee
• Student has to defend research
topic
• Student does not have to sit for
comprehensive exam
• Called “Research” due to
student carrying out the entire
research
Non- Thesis
• Only first three chapters are
completed by student
• Committees are not used for nonthesis. Two reader minimum is
required
• Oral presentation on clinical
project is required
• Comprehensive examination is an
requirement for non-thesis
project
• Called “Clinical Project,” research
is not carried out in its entirety
Nursing 513 Non-thesis
option
• For Non-thesis students- it is important to start studying for comps after
the fall semester. This will prepare the student to do well and increase
ones chances in passing both sections of the Comprehensive Exam.
• Non-thesis students should practice writing and rewriting daily to
prepare for the Comprehensive Exam. Practicing writing will decrease
chances of error when taken the actually Exam.
• Students should time themselves when practicing for the
Comprehensive Exam. The actual exam is timed, this will decrease
anxiety on exam day.
• Don’t be nervous, and know that you have the information. Eat a
healthy balanced breakfast before the exam. Take deep breaths and
relax.
Nursing 700
Primary care of Family
Practicum
FAQs
What are the total number of hours for Practicum clinical?
The total number of hours is 180 clinical hours
Can clinical sites be combined?
Yes, clinical sites can be combined, but no more than 40 hours in specialty
areas. Specialty areas include: pediatrics and women health
Portfolio for Nursing 700
The portfolio is a representation of student academic achievements. The
portfolio is to be submitted in a binder or in electronic format (according to
faculty specifications) with the following sections:
• Resume
• Licensure
• Education
• Copies of CEU’s
• Papers
• Presentations
• Clinical Sites
• Other items as specified by your course syllabus & faculty
FAQs:
What is a DEA number?
A DEA number (DEA Registration Number) is a number assigned to a health
care provider (such as a medical practitioner, dentist, or veterinarian) by the
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration allowing them to write prescriptions
for controlled substances. Legally, the DEA number is solely to be used for
tracking controlled substances.
Retrieved from: www.deadiversion.gov
Nurse Practitioner Review Courses and
Materials
• 1. Fitzgerald Health Education Associations
• Check www.fhea.com for NP certification exam review Courses dates
and locations.
• Review book: Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination and Practice
Prepartion Third Edition. ( I suggest buying this book day one of the
program and start reading it and practicing questions)
2. Barkley & Associates , www.npcourses.com
3. Necessary Workshops ( Marye Dorsey Kellerman)
• https://www.necessaryworkshops.com
• This is a three day local course (towson) Day 1 & 2 8am to 6 pm, day 3
7:30 to 1 pm. It cost $475 , and allows you to retake course again prior to
your test for $100.
NP certification exam Info
Choice of 2 National Certification Exams: ANCC or AANP
Credentials Awarded: FNP-BC
The ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner board certification examination is a competency based
examination that provides a valid and reliable assessment of the entry-level clinical knowledge and
skills of nurse practitioners. This certification aligns with the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation:
Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Education. Once you complete eligibility requirements to
take the certification examination and successfully pass the exam, you are awarded the credential:
Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (FNP-BC). This credential is valid for 5 years. You can
continue to use this credential by maintaining your license to practice and meeting the renewal
requirements in place at the time of your certification renewal.
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA)
http://www.nursecredentialing.org
or
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program
http://www.aanpcert.org
The certification examinations each consist of 150 multiple-choice items, which include 15 pretest
questions that are not counted in the candidate's score.
Things to Consider Before
Taking a NP Job
Schedule
• Will it be M-F, 8a – 5p, no
weekends no call?
• Anticipated patient volume. Will
it be 20-25 ppd
Salary
• Will it be $85-120k with a
comprehensive benefit package
• including 4 wks vacation,
malpractice, health insurance,
retirement, and 1 wk paid CME.
• Relocation assistance and
possible sign on bonus.
• Salary vs. Hourly
NP Malpractice Insurance
info
You must have malpractice insurance. It can costs an estimated $2500
to $2800 a year , some employers may pay for this.
Nurse Service Organization
NSO's Professional Liability Insurance for Nurse Practitioners
http://www.nso.com
Clinical sites
Adult Health:
• Dr. Richard Akoto
344 University Blvd W # 326
Silver Spring, MD 20901
•
Daniel Howard (Also GYN)
402 N Paca Street
Baltimore MD 21201
410-779-9609
Clinical sites
Women’s Health
• Franklin Square OB- Cheryl Giese CRNP, dual certification
Women’s/Adults
9000 Franklin Square Drive. Baltimore, MD 21239
• Mercy Medical Center - Certified Nurse Midwives (they do lots of in
office women's health)
• Dr. Nasreen Kango, MD - Internist
7701 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
(301) 270-7606
Clinical sites
Women’s Health
• Stella Jeffiries, CRNP
Affordable Health Care Nurse Practitioner Clinic
11120 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20904
301-593-8300
1615 Rhode Island Ave, NE. Washington, DC, 20018
• Dr. Nancy P. Youssefi, MD
7350 Van Dusen Rd Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 317-6281
Clinical sites
PEDS
• Baltimore City Schools (school based health centers)
• Mercy Medical Center/Family Health Centers of Baltimore
• Dr. Neelkantam Kamakshi
2108 Emmorton Park Dr.
Edgewood MD 21040
(410)671-7777
Dr. Juliet Anadu
7500 Hanover Pkwy
Ste 202
Greenbelt, MD 20770
(301-318 -7259)
Clinical sites
PEDS
• Harbor Pediatrics, Dr. John Irwin
3001 S. Hanover St. suite 302
Baltimore, MD 21225
(410) 350-2173
• Harbor Pediatrics, Dr. William C. Dash
3001 south Hanover Street #302
Baltimore, MD 21225
410-350-2173
• Dr. Nicholas Donkor
10910 Little Patuxent Pkwy
Columbia, MD 21044
Clinical Sites
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lakewood Family Health Center Beltsville md
Franklin Square Hospital
Good Samaritan Hospital
Union Memorial Hospital
Harbor Hospital
Washington Hospital Center
VA Hospital
Mercy Medical Center
Overlea Personal Physicians
United Healthcare
Class of 2015
Words of wisdom
Choose your track early, thesis vs. non-thesis
Always , always remain professional and don’t forget that you are a RN
already.
Keep the lines of communication open with your professors. They teach
because they love what they do. They are in our corner and our biggest
supporters.
Make friends with your classmates immediately, stick together and keep
each other on track.
Part-time vs. full time: It doesn’t matter just as long as you make the
commitment to do it. Do whatever is going to work best for your life.