In our acute care setting, we deal with death and dying on a daily basis. It truly amazes me, the differences in between patients' reactions when facing a ''death sentence.'' I'm sure this can be noted in all walks of the healthcare system, as well, but it's by far been most noticeable to me in the hospital. Take Mr. G, for example. He's ...

The time has come! I've passed boards, obtained my state license and I am scheduled to have ''temporary privileges'' at my facility next week! This is such an exciting time for my family and me! We've worked so hard for so many years and this is it. The really amusing thing? I opened the mail a couple of weeks ago when my license came through ...

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: ...

Time, because of its duplicitous intangibility and quantifiable nature is, to me, a perennially elusive phenomenon. You can measure it but you can't hold it and yet it dictates the rhythms of life. While I reflect on these ephemeral characteristics, the advent of 2013 ushers forth the commencement of my second year as a Nurse Practitioner. I ...

Every day is an adventure at the correctional facility and at times it is not from the inmates. Oftentimes, it is from the person I like to call ''The Lovely Doctor.'' I do not know why I call him that, but maybe it is because it is the nicest name I can call him...yes! It is sarcasm at its finest. One of the perks that has been rescinded ...

Dear Career Coach: I will be graduating this May as a new nurse practitioner. I am concerned about the advice not to skip dates because it may cause my application to be rejected by HR computer systems. Before beginning my studies I had no direct health care experience and so I am unsure about how to make a resume that doesn't have a big gap ...

Over the past month I have had some very challenging patients. I will often question, why and how did someone end up here at the correctional facility? I believe it is better I do not know. Actually, it is none of my business; it keeps the care unbiased and pure and it does not impact how I treat them. If one of the inmates upsets the ...

It's ironic that I wrote my last post on October 15, 2012, the 1-year anniversary of my one and only job as an NP. What a year! Or, rather, what a year and a half! The worst of times, yes (the end of a 30-year marriage in June 2011), but also the very best of times (Duke MSN/FNP in May 2011, certification in September 2011, dream job in ...

Have you visited our blogs lately? Last week, new NPs and nurse veterans battled on the value of floor experience. Our NP & PA Student blogger Terry Clarke, currently enrolled in a fast track NP program, expressed his views on what experienced nurses have going for them and what they still have to learn. Here are a few of the comments your ...

There was a disturbing incident that occurred a few weeks ago. I also look at this experience as an eye-opener for me. I have long come to this realization, but it was never more evident than when the incident happened. First, let me start off by stating, prior to my opportunity to work in corrections, I was judgmental and biased and I ...