FNP STUDENT

SURVIVAL GUIDE

By
Coppin State University
Master of science in nursing
Family Nurse Practitioner program
Class of 2015

Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Preclinical Requirements
III. Clinical Courses
-Resources
-Study Tips
-FAQs
IV. Clinical Sites

INTRODUCTION
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
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
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.

FNP Class of spring 2015

HFSON

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 clinical. 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
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)

Purchase a nurse practitionerTips

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 examinations 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 Fitzgerald

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 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 Health
assessment
and
Nursing 660/661
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.

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 that can be used later when
studying for the boards.

FAQs
Do I need to buy the required health assessment
equipment?
Yes, you will find it useful for practice and the open skills
sessions.
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.
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. NO SCRUBS!!
(depending on site)
How do I transition from non-degree seeking to
degree seeking?

FAQs
How do I obtain a code to register for classes?
Email your clinical site information to the faculty /clinical
coordinator to obtain a registration code.
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.
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 that your preceptor or the clinical setting
is not a good fit for you, inform your instructor immediately
and find a new preceptor immediately instead of waiting till
the end of the semester.

NURSING 650/651
PRIMARY CARE OF
WOMEN

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

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

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.
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 index cards filled with most common medications used
Know trimester (1-3) management including the prenatal work
up due for each trimester- Again use your index cards!!!
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 as you can.
Be open to with you preceptor Practice! Practice! Practice
makes perfect!

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 during the summer semester.

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)

NURSING 640/641
PRIMARY CARE OF
CHILDREN

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

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)
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 clinical 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
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.

NURSING 513 NONTHESIS VS.

NURSING 720/721
THESIS

Non-thesis Nursing 513

vs.
Thesis Nursing720/721
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 thesis written in collaboration with a
faculty member will reflect analysis, synthesis, and
integration in exploring.

Thesis vs. Non-Thesis

Thesis
Students have to complete
all five 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 nonthesis project
Called Clinical Project,
research is not carried out in
its entirety

Nursing 513 Non-thesis option

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 taken the actually Exam.

Students should time themselves 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.

NURSING 700
PRIMARY CARE OF
FAMILY PRACTICUM

FAQs

What are the total number of hours for Practicum

clinical?
The total number of hours is 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 or in electronic format
(according to faculty specifications) with the following sections:
Resume
Licensure
Education
Copies of CEUs
Papers
Presentations
Clinical Sites
Other items as specified by your course syllabus & faculty

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.
Retrieved from: www.deadiversion.gov

Nurse Practitioner Review Courses and

Materials
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.

NP certification exam Info

Choice of 2 National Certification Exams: ANCC or AANP
Credentials Awarded: FNP-BC
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),

a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA)

http://www.nursecredentialing.org
or
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program
http://www.aanpcert.org
The certification examinations each consist of 150 multiple-choice 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 it 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

NP Malpractice Insurance info

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

Nurse Service Organization

NSO's Professional Liability Insurance for Nurse
Practitioners
http://www.nso.com

Clinical sites
Adult Health:

Dr. Richard Akoto

344 University Blvd W # 326
Silver Spring, MD 20901

Daniel Howard (Also GYN)

402 N Paca Street

Baltimore MD 21201 (410)-779-9609

Dr. Marie Dobyns

14409 Greenview Dr,
Laurel, MD 20708 (301) 725-0788

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

Clinical sites
PEDS
Dr. Neelkantam Kamakshi

2108 Emmorton Park Dr.

Edgewood MD 21040 (410)671-7777
Dr. Juliet Anadu
7500 Hanover Pkwy Ste 202
Greenbelt, MD 20770 (301-318 -7259)
Dr. Juliet Naldo
7411 Riggs Rd # 314,
Hyattsville, MD 20783 (301) 434-0924

Clinical sites
PEDS
Harbor Pediatrics, Dr. John Irwin
3001 S. Hanover St. suite 302
Baltimore, MD 21225 (410) 350-2173
Harbor Pediatrics, Dr. William C. Dash
3001 south Hanover Street #302
Baltimore, MD 21225 410-350-2173
Dr. Nicholas Donkor
10910 Little Patuxent Pkwy
Columbia, MD 21044

Baltimore City Schools (school based health centers)

Mercy Medical Center/Family Health Centers of
Baltimore

Clinical Sites
Lakewood Family Health Center Beltsville md
Franklin Square Hospital
Good Samaritan Hospital
Union Memorial Hospital
Harbor Hospital
Washington Hospital Center
VA Hospital
Mercy Medical Center
Overlea Personal Physicians
United Healthcare

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 the lines of communication open with your professors.
They teach because they love what they do. They are in our
corner and 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. Do whatever is going to work
best for your life.