FNP Student Survival

Kit
By
Coppin State University
Master of science in nursing
Class of 2015

Table of Contents
Introduction
Preclinical Requirements
Tips
Clinical Courses
Study Tips
FAQs
Clinical Sites

INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL SURVIVAL KIT

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 Masters
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 TO CLINICAL SURVIVAL KIT

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 TO CLINICAL SURVIVAL KIT

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.

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
Clinical requirements include:

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 exminations 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 Fitgerald
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 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 assessment and Nursing 660 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 schools simulation labs for
additional hands-on practice prior to starting your
clinical rotation.

FAQs:
1. Do I need to buy the required health
assessment equipment?
Yes, you will find it useful for practice and the
open sessions
2. 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.
3. 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.

FAQs:
4. 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.
5. 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

FAQS

6. 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.
7. How do I obtain a code to register for
classes?
Email your clinical site information to the
faculty /clinical coordinator to obtain a
code.

Resources
The use of the schools 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

Course Requirements
NURS 600 requires 40 hours of clinical
hours, in addition to a graded head-totoe physical performed on a classmate.
NURS 660/661 requires 120 clinical

Nursing 650/651
Primary Care of
women

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 womens health.

STUDY TIPS
Lecture/ Didactic
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 you index cards filled with most
common medications used
Know trimester (1-3) management including
the prenatal work up due for each semesterAgain use your index cards
Be open to with you preceptor Practice!
Practice! Practice makes perfect

STUDY TIPS
Clinical/ Practicum
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

FAQS

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 dont 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.

FAQs
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)

Resources
CDC mobile app for diagnosis and treatment
of STDs
CDC mobile app for antibiotic use
CDC mobile app for contraceptive use

Nursing 650/651
Nursing care of
children

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)

STUDY TIPS
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

FAQs
How many clinical hours do I need for this class
120 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.

FAQS

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.

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

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

NURSING 513 NONTHESIS VS.

NURSING 720/721
THESIS

Thesis v.s. 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 non-thesis. 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
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
Students
should
time themselves
taken the
actually
Exam.when practicing for the Comprehensive
Exam. The actual exam is timed, this will decrease anxiety on exam day.

Dont be nervous, and know that you have the information. Eat a healthy
balanced breakfast before the exam. Take deep breaths and relax.

Thesis Nursing720/721 v.s Non-thesis

Nursing 513 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 Masters
Thesis. The thesisis written in collaboration with a faculty member
will reflect analysis, synthesis, and integration in exploring.

Nursing 700
Primary care of Family Practicum

FAQs
What

are the total number of hours for Practicum clinical?

The total number of hours are 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
with the following sections:

Resume
Licensure
Education
Copies of CEUs
Papers
Clinical Sites
Presentations

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.

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.

NURS 700 PRIMARY HEALTH CARE OF FAMILY

PRACTICUM
SPRING 2nd YEAR
Nurse Practitiopner Review Courses and Material
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.

Credential Awarded: FNP-BC

NURS 700 PRIMARY

HEALTH CARE OF
FAMILY PRACTICUM
SPRING 2nd YEAR
NP certification
exam

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),

Nurses Association (ANA)

http://www.nurse
credentialing.org

a subsidiary of the American

NURS 700 PRIMARY

HEALTH CARE OF
FAMILY PRACTICUM
SPRING 2nd YEAR
NP certification exam

American
Academy of Nurse
Practitioners
Certification
Program
http://www.aanpce
rt.org

The certification examinations

each consist of 150 multiplechoice 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 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

NURS 700 PRIMARY

HEALTH CARE OF
FAMILY PRACTICUM
SPRING 2nd YEAR
Nurse Service
Organization
NSO's
Professional
Liability
Insurance for
Nurse
Practitioners
http://www.nso.com

You must have malpractice

insurance. It can costs an
estimated $2500 to $2800 a
year , some employers may
pay for this.

Clinical Sites Suggestions

Womens Health
Dr. Nasreen Kango, MD - Internist in
Takoma Park
7701 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
(301) 270-7606

Women's Health
Dr. Nancy P. Youssefi, MD
7350 Van Dusen Rd Laurel, MD 20707

Peds
Dr. Juliet Anadu
7500 Hanover Pkwy
Ste 202
Greenbelt, MD 20770
(301 318 7259)
http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Juliet
_Anadu.html#ixzz3VVU9uE63

(301) 317-6281

Peds
Naldo Juliet MD
7411 Riggs Rd # 314 Hyattsville, MD 20783
(301) 434-0924

Clinical Sites Suggestions

PEDS

Pediatric Location Site

Harbor Pediatrics
Dr. John Irwin
3001 S. Hanover St. suite 302
Baltimore, MD 21225
(410) 350-2173

Family Practice (Adult)

Dr. Daniel Howard
405 N. Paca Street
Baltimore Md. 21201
(410) 779-9609

Dr. Nicholas Donkor

10910 Little Patuxent Pkwy
Columbia, MD 21044

Adult Practice
Dr. Richard Akoto
344 University Blvd W # 326
Silver Spring, MD 20901

Clinical sites: Assessment

& Adult
Dr. Richard Akoto
344 University Blvd W # 326
Silver Spring, MD 20901
Daniel Howard

402 N Paca Street

Baltimore Md 21201
410-779-9609

Clinical Sites Suggestions

Womens Health

Adult & GYN

Daniel Howard
402 N Paca Street

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. Wahsington, DC,
20018

Baltimore Md 21201
410-779-9609

Peds Clinical
William C. Dash, MD
Harbor Pediatrics
3001 south Hanover Street #302
Baltimore, MD 21225
410-350-2173

Peds PRECEPTORS
Dr. Juliet Anadu
7500 Hanover Pkwy
Ste 202
Greenbelt, MD 20770
(301-318 -7259)
Harbor Pediatrics, Dr. John Irwin
3001 S. Hanover St. suite 302
Baltimore, MD 21225
(410) 350-2173

Assessment &
Adult

Clinical sites:

Medstar Hospitals
-Harbor
-Franklin Square
-Good Samaritan

Clinical Sites: Assessment &

Adult

Lakewood Family Health

Center
Beltsville, MD
United Healthcare

Womens Health
Franklin Square OB- Cheryl Giese CRNP, dual
certification Womens/Adults
9000 Franklin Square Drive. Baltimore, MD
21239
Mercy Medical Center-Certified Nurse Midwife as
preceptor (they do lots of in office women's health
Dr. Nasreen Kango, MD - Internist
7701 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
(301) 270-7606

Womens 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

PRECEPTORS
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

Clinical Sites Suggestions

Lakewood family health center Beltsville md

Medstar Health

Franklin Square
Good Sam
Union Memorial
Harbor Hospital
Washington Hospital
Center

VA Hospital

Mercy Medical Center

Overlea Personal Physicians

Class of 2015 Words of wisdom

Choose your track early, thesis vs. non-thesis
Always , always remain professional and dont forget
that you are a RN already.
Keep communication open with your professor, they
teach because they love what they do, they are in our
corner, our biggest supporters.
Make friends with your classmates immediately, stick
together and keep each other on track.
Part time vs full time, it doesnt matter just as long as
you make the commitment to do it, whatever is going
to work best for your life.