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First Year NP

Meet Our New NP Blogger

Published January 11, 2013 10:36 AM by Anne-Marie Gitchel

So I'm a new NP! Yep! That's right! I said it! I'm a NP!!! Do you hear me world? Okay... Well... As a new graduate, we're all excited. We've worked so hard over the course of the last several years and it's finally here. It's anticipated and expected. And then? It arrives. I'm not sure if it's just me, but this is how my last year went. January: "I can't believe it. I'm graduating in 12 months!" June: "Ok! 6 more months to go!"  September: "It's never, ever, ever going to get here." November: "Oh my gosh! One more month! Woot woot!" December: "What? It's here? I have to take boards soon? Hold on a minute! Wait! NO! Not yet! I'm not ready!!!" Please tell me that I'm not the only one that felt this way. Right?!

So I graduated on December 15, and boy was it exciting! Scary, yes, but still exciting. The anticipation of boards is killing me and I know that I can't procrastinate forever. I'm anticipating sitting for them the second or third week of January. After much contemplation, AANP is the certifying body I decided to go with, really just due to the fact that, personally, I hate statistics and everything that goes along with it. The thought of being tested on it during boards makes me sick to my stomach.

I'm really and truly looking forward to writing this blog and interacting with my readers! I know that this will be quite the interesting year coming up and me, being the outspoken person that I am, will be quite the "voice" for others that are in the same position I'm in. About a month before graduation, I accepted a position in a hospital and dun dun dun... I have a degree in primary care.

Now don't get on a high horse with me here! I already know the dilemma and I'm fully prepared mentally to head back to school to get certified in acute care. The only reason I feel halfway okay with accepting this position is because of my strong background in critical care and cardiology. I had another opportunity in the primary care setting, but to be honest with you, I just didn't feel the fit. The group I'm going to be working with really feels right to me. You know what I mean? Just a gut instinct.

So for the next year or two, I hope that you will follow my blog about being a new NP and life's trials and tribulations. Please feel free to leave comments and if you want me to broach a topic, just tell me!

7 comments

I just took the AANP in Novemer and thought I would never be as prepared as I needed to be. After listening to the review CD's by FHEA, I had NO problems with the exam! I actually thought it was easier than my RN boards. You'll never feel prepared, but you'll do fine!

Erin Tracy, Pulmonary - FNP January 31, 2013 11:58 AM
IA

Thanks for you guys' support! I just saw the comments! :)

Alissa, you'll do great honey! Keep studying and get plenty of rest beforehand.

Anne-Marie Gitchel January 18, 2013 11:49 AM

Just found your blog! I am in an adult/geriatric NP program and graduate this May.  Congrats on your recent graduation! I also chose the AANP for my certifying board exam- I am anxious to know how the process goes for you! Best of luck!

Alissa January 12, 2013 7:29 PM
MN

Anne-Marie,

Love your first blog, keep posting every blog in your FB so I can follow it. I'm so proud of you, my friend! Congratulations and good luck to your board exam. No doubt in my mind that you can make it.

Miss you GF!

Sheila

Sheila De Los Reyes, , RN NBHS January 12, 2013 8:01 AM

My darling daughter,

I am truly blessed to have raised such a beautiful, smart and independent woman. You make the world a better place with your presence.  

All My Love and Tears of Joy,

Mom

Karen January 11, 2013 10:44 PM
MO

Thanks alot, Walt! I am going to need the prayers!!! And we're praying for you, as well!

Anne-Marie Gitchel January 11, 2013 2:25 PM
Gaylord MI

I was told lately that I should have had a real Doctor treating me for my health problems and NOT an NP, while going through a court case for my disability rights. My comment is to that statement is, NP's put just as much time and passion into what they do and most of them I trust more than the Doctor themselves. Anne-Marie I am proud of what you are doing and praying that the boards are a success for you. Keep up the good work you'll be fine!!

WALTER MOORE, Disabled January 11, 2013 1:16 PM
Gaylord MI

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