What type of degree 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, its rewards, and its challenges. This second edition includes several new chapters, covering electronic health records, the impact of health care reform, promoting the NP role, and choosing a doctoral program. All of the original chapters have been revised or expanded, with updated key points, tables, and vignettes supplying cutting-edge knowledge and skills to help new NPs excel. The only resource of its kind, this book guides the reader through the entire process of becoming an NP, from the initial decision to the selection of the right educational program to licensure. It discusses the contractual relationship with institutions and related health providers, along with legal and administrative issues. Currently practicing 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 humor, the book features learning objectives, quizzes, checklists to facilitate decision making, and other helpful tools. Fast Facts in a Nutshell boxes highlight need-to-know information, and useful tips and resource lists provide information on scholarships, certification, professional organizations, and networking. New to the Second Edition: The dos and doníts of electronic health records Surviving health care reform today and tomorrow Marketing the NP role to the nursing profession, employers, and the public The terminal degree in nursing: PhD, EdD, or DNP? Revised and expanded information in all chapters Updated key points, vignettes, and tables Nadine M. Aktan, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, received her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in nursing from Rutgers University College of Nursing and Graduate School in New Brunswick and Newark, New Jersey. She is currently chairperson and associate professor at William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey, teaching future nurses and nurse practitioners. She also practices as a family nurse practitioner at the Immedicenter, an urgent care/family practice with locations in Clifton, Bloomfield, and Totowa, New Jersey, and as a maternal–child community health nurse for Valley Home Care in Paramus, New Jersey.

This quick-access guide for novice nurse preceptors walks through, step-by-step, how to successfully orient new nurses to the hospital environment. Preceptors are key to staff retention, job satisfaction, improved quality of care, patient safety and transition to practice. For the busy novice nurse preceptor who believes they do not have the time or preparation to be a nurse preceptor, Fast Facts for the Nurse Preceptor, Second Edition explains all the requisites for demonstrating, guiding, and mentoring new nurses through the process of delivering safe, evidence-based, patient-centered care. The second edition builds upon the foundation of the first to address more complicated challenges preceptors face. While reviewing the basics like shift organization, prioritization, communication, delegation, and conflict resolution, this orientation guide delineates the essential qualities of a competent preceptor and their primary responsibilities. It discusses the knowledge and skills a successful preceptor must impart to new nurses while acclimating to a variety of teaching and learning styles. Chapters discuss how to recognize the warning signs of a struggling preceptee, work through a preceptee’s “transition shock,” and help new nurses to develop critical thinking skills. Abundant case studies highlight common and challenging precepting situations. New to the Second Edition: Updated with FIVE completely new chapters: Selection, Education, and Retention of the Preceptor Preceptee Learning and Preceptor Teaching Styles The Challenging Student Precepting the Accelerated BSN and Advanced Practice Nurse (APRN) The Unsafe Preceptee and How to Avoid “Failure to Fail” Key Features: Helps preceptors to serve as excellent role models, mentors, and teachers for new nurses Offers quick-access, step-by-stop guidance with short paragraphs and bulleted information Uses case studies to highlight both common and challenging precepting scenarios Includes evidence-based content throughout Contains competency assessment and evaluation forms

What type of degree 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, its rewards, and its challenges. This second edition includes several new chapters, covering electronic health records, the impact of health care reform, promoting the NP role, and choosing a doctoral program. All of the original chapters have been revised or expanded, with updated key points, tables, and vignettes supplying cutting-edge knowledge and skills to help new NPs excel. The only resource of its kind, this book guides the reader through the entire process of becoming an NP, from the initial decision to the selection of the right educational program to licensure. It discusses the contractual relationship with institutions and related health providers, along with legal and administrative issues. Currently practicing 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 humor, the book features learning objectives, quizzes, checklists to facilitate decision making, and other helpful tools. Fast Facts in a Nutshell boxes highlight need-to-know information, and useful tips and resource lists provide information on scholarships, certification, professional organizations, and networking. New to the Second Edition: The dos and don'ts of electronic health records Surviving health care reform today and tomorrow Marketing the NP role to the nursing profession, employers, and the public The terminal degree in nursing: PhD, EdD, or DNP? Revised and expanded information in all chapters Updated key points, vignettes, and tables Nadine M. Aktan, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, received her bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in nursing from Rutgers University College of Nursing and Graduate School in New Brunswick and Newark, New Jersey. She is currently chairperson and associate professor at William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey, teaching future nurses and nurse practitioners. She also practices as a family nurse practitioner at the Immedicenter, an urgent care/family practice with locations in Clifton, Bloomfield, and Totowa, New Jersey, and as a maternalñchild community health nurse for Valley Home Care in Paramus, New Jersey.

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The first book to provide an insider view of the latest advances and trends in the full range of clinical subspecialty areas. Fast Facts for Nurse Practitioners: Practice Essentials for Clinical Subspecialties takes the busy advanced practice provider or student on a journey through the clinical subspecialties. The author, a highly experienced nurse practitioner, has immersed herself in each of these clinical areas and interviewed medical specialists to identify the latest advances, trends, and tips to more confidently and competently assess, diagnose, manage, and refer patients across the lifespan. The book addresses hot topics in allergy and immunology, cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, hematology and oncology, infectious disease, nephrology, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, pediatrics, psychiatry, pulmonology, rheumatology, and urology. Each chapter provides information on common chief complaints, pathophysiology, diagnostic considerations, and key points for management or referral. This concise reference provides evidence-based strategies for managing ever-changing patient needs in an easy-to-digest format. Key Features: Serves the needs of advanced practice providers and students Offers the latest advances and trends for all clinical subspecialty areas in one concise, quick-reference resource Provides evidence-based guidelines to support the principles of assessment, differential diagnosis, management, and referral Highlights only the most relevant and timely information, allowing readers to save time, stay current, and improve patient outcomes

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An on-the-go reference for hospice nurses and those interested in end-of-life care, this practical guide covers the essential elements in the compassionate and holistic care of terminally ill patients and their families. Nurses care for patients facing end-of-life issues in every practice specialty and, as the U.S. population continues to age, the need for proficiency in end-of-life skills will become increasingly important. Fast Facts for the Hospice Nurse: A Concise Guide to End-of-Life Care is an invaluable resource that provides emotional, administrative, and palliative support, whether in a hospice, long-term care facility, or acute care setting. This vital go-to text clearly and concisely lays out not only how to care for patients facing end-of-life issues, but also how to engage in self-care and cope with occupational stress. Beginning with an overview of hospice care, including its history and philosophy, this book offers a timeline of the growth of the hospice movement in the United States. Subsequent sections include up-to-date information on the clinical responsibilities of the hospice nurse in addressing the physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients and their families in a culturally sensitive way. This book also outlines the administrative duties of the hospice nurse, including hospice documentation, a review of hospice regulations, and quality management. The closing section focuses on occupational stress in hospice nursing and how to engage in self-care. This text can serve as a useful clinical resource and also as a reference for nurses seeking hospice certification from the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center. Key Features Organized within the context of the scope and standards of practice of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association. Addresses key points about issues unique to hospice nursing and highlights evidence-based interventions Addresses important Medicare regulations and reimbursement Offers numerous clinical resources to assist with hospice nursing practice Serves as a concise study resource for hospice nursing certification