Fast Facts for the New Nurse Practitioner: What You Really Need to Know in a Nutshell

What type of schooling do I need to become a nurse practitioner? How do I choose the right clinical preceptor? How can I best prepare for my first year of practice? Written for those considering NP practice, current NP students, and newly certified NPs alike, this quick, easy-to-use manual covers everything there is to know about transitioning into the NP role and its rewards and challenges. Completely updated, this second edition provides several new chapters covering electronic health records, the impact of health care reform, promoting the NP role, and how to choose a doctoral program. All original chapters have been revised and/or expanded, and updated key points, tables and vignettes describe cutting-edge knowledge and skills that will help new NPs to excel. The only resource of its kind, the book guides the reader through the entire process from the decision to become an NP to selecting the right educational program to licensure. It discusses the contractual relationship with institutions, and related health providers, along with legal/malpractice issues. Current NPs offer words of wisdom on how to survive the first year of practice, and stories from the author and her colleagues provide an intimate look at everyday realities. Organized for easy access to information and filled with humour, the resource also contains learning objectives, plentiful checklists to facilitate important decision-making, charts, tables, and hot topics sections. Fast Facts in a Nutshell boxes highlight need-to-know information, and useful tips and resources address professional organizations, networks, scholarships, associations, and websites. New to the Second Edition:: The dos and donts of electronic health records Surviving health care reform today and tomorrow Marketing the NP role to nursing, the employer, and the public The terminal degree in nursing:: PhD, EdD, or DNP? Revised and/or expanded information in all chapters Updated key points, vignettes, and tables