Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | What Do You Do?

What a day in the life of an acute care nurse practitioner looks like.
*My experiences aren't universal. Each nurse practitioner has his/her own experiences, scope of practice, collaborative agreement and role expectations.
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The opinions expressed on this channel and/or in the videos on this channel are not necessarily of those of my employer or institution. The views expressed on this channel and/or in the videos on this channel do not represent medical advice. If you have specific medical concerns, please contact your physician. In order to protect patient privacy, all patient identifiers in all videos have been deleted and/or altered. The views expressed on this channel and/or in the videos on this channel are personal opinions. I am not an expert nor do I dispense medical advice or procedural specifications. The information I present is for general knowledge purposes only. You need to refer to your own medical director, teachers and protocols for specific treatment information. It is your responsibility to know how best to treat your patient in your jurisdiction.

[@VKA00376]

I love how down to earth you are. I bet your staff loves you, you are such a fantastic human. Thank you for sharing.

[@NurseNacole]

Aww thank you so much for you support and for watching : )

[@yangchenl.5192]

Nacole, you exude everything I aspire to be in a ACNP. Your aura and calmness can be felt through the screen. This video was super informative to me and others like myself, that are pre-nursing and still figuring out what specialty they want to go into. Thank you so much!

[@NurseNacole]

Aww, thank you so much for your wonderful message and support!

[@nimehifadhiwa....1867]

Thanks for being so authentic and direct in your explanation.

[@myle6749]

Hi Nacole. Love your channel and content. The excitement in your eyes when you talk about your job and colleagues is wonderful. I am also trying to head in that direction, feeling just as excited but very scared at the same time. Your content keeps me inspired. Thank you!!!

[@NurseNacole]

Don't be afraid, we are all in this together. Thank you so much for your support : )

[@cailinkrueger6632]

Love that you can see how truly passionate you are about your career! We need more NPs like you, very inspirational.

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much!

[@samiramohager9282]

You’re fantastic and a wealth of knowledge ! Thank you.

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much for your support and for watching!

[@lennoxwhite1756]

Keep doing what you’re doing. Your and inspiration to many and seem like a very assertive professional nurse practitioner. I hope to follow that path someday. Thank for the post!

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much for support and kind words.

[@ladyt618]

Always bringing the knowledge, as per usual! Very informative 😊

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much for your support.

[@Pman2528]

This was honestly one of the most helpful videos ever. Thank you so much for this!

[@NurseNacole]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hunterburton82]

This was incredible! Your patients are lucky to have you!

[@NurseNacole]

Aww, thank you!

[@overcomerchristtoussaint5307]

You explain everything so well in such an articulate manner

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you for watching.

[@She_is_beauti]

I love your energy. I’m a critical care nurse practitioner as well and it’s very refreshing to come across your video!

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@RoadtoAGPCNP]

Awesome as per usual 😁. You seem like you're a natural in your new role, even though you haven't been in it long, but you always knocking it out the park! Always love your videos ❤️

[@NurseNacole]

You are too kind, thank you so much for your support : )

[@ernestalexander8078]

Wow! Listening to you was fantastic! I am pretty sure that what you are doing is the direction I want to go! Thanks!!

[@NurseNacole]

You can do it! And thank you for watching : )

[@krazysnakelady1492]

OMG!!! I originally began watching you years ago on your sisterloc journey! I'm now on my second loc journey and considering a career in nursing and you pop up all of these years later. Congratulations on your successes and thanks for inspiration!!

[@NurseNacole]

Haha, what a small world. I do LOVE my hair, it is easy to manage and with kids... I don't have time to anything extensive haha. Thank you sooo much for your support.

[@georgelampros4593]

You're a very good speaker!! This video has been so inspiring to a prospective ACNP!

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much : )

[@jackyclarkchisholm1383]

Love your response to what do we can tell you love what you do blessings to you.Miss seeing you teaching

[@NurseNacole]

Thanks so much. I plan on making more video soon : )

[@terikasmith3960]

I really LOVED to see the joy in your eyes when speaking on Acute care NP. I am a PICU nurse and I LOVE what a do. You've really helped me with such a huge decision I had to make!

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much for watching and your support.

[@kawanaedwards7569]

You have inspired me. Thank you for your video. The medical field will anchor my oppotunities for my independence, future, and reasuring person in the world.

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much for your kind message and your support.

[@jacobgriffin3828]

Such a good teacher and very intelligent. Thank you 😊

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you! 😃

[@Nursejanx]

Very interesting video! I recently graduated with my A-GNP and originally started on the acute care track but switched to fine-tune what I wanted to do after graduation! Thanks for your insight!

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you for your support.

[@TS-ow3ch]

This video is so encouraging. I’m just beginning my FNP program. Thank you!

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much for your support.

[@ShaylaCSmart]

This entire video excites me! I am thinking of NP Geriatrics but I want to work as an ICU RN so moving on to Acute NP seems to align with the ICU are path that I want to specialize in. Thanks for all of this yummy info!

[@NurseNacole]

You are VERY welcome, thank you so much for your support!

[@ewilliams8099]

Thank you for what you do. I appreciate the role of the Acute Care NP as a bedside nurse in the ICU. 🙂

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@tiffanybrown254]

Your so smart! ... I just subscribed. Current junior student for my BSN with this goal in mind thank you for all the information and motivation! More questions as this blessed journey continues.

[@NurseNacole]

Welcome aboard! And thank you for your support.

[@AlexiaM]

Loved this video. So helpful!

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you for your support.

[@torreypoon4833]

You have such a beautiful spirit!

[@NurseNacole]

You are so kind, thank you very much.

[@patriciacarrete6585]

I am considering going back for NP and hearing you reminds me of the awesome NPs that I’ve met in the hospital that are just SO inspiring, passionate, hard working, involved, knowledgeable and caring. Thank you for what you do and your support to fellow staff and patients 🙏🏼❤️

[@NurseNacole]

You are too kind, thank you for your support.

[@rafaelreformado9370]

Love love love your vid!!!

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much for your support and for watching : )

[@haugen09]

This was really great! Thanks so much!!

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you.

[@daisyibarra2143]

You are a great inspiration. Thank you for sharing

[@NurseNacole]

You are so welcome, thank you for your support.

[@NurseCindy]

Very helpful information! I just subscribed. This is definitely something I see in my future.

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you for your support.

[@linettemanent]

Just got into ARNP school and this video just got me so much more excited. Thank you for this ❤️

[@NurseNacole]

You are very welcome, thank you for sharing!

[@roselineterebo5122]

Omgg you are awesome! I am currently a nurse in a cardiac step down unit and I’m considering going back to school for AGACNP this year! Please do videos on more on that NP role, day in life and Admission experience with your school

[@NurseNacole]

Will do.

[@LEdHeadW]

I really appreciate you sharing your insight and experience. I'm an ICU nurse considering going to NP school. I'd like to get started sooner (even though I def don't feel ready many days) so I'm not starting when I'm already burned out. It's a tough decision though! Your video is very helpful. Thank you!

[@NurseNacole]

You can do it!

[@madisonwolf4026]

Immediately loved you when you started explaining/sharing, but then I saw the Forky in the background and now I love you even more!! Lol

[@NurseNacole]

Haha, aww thank you so much!

[@adamrabinowitz1519]

I'm an ACNP at a major tertiary care center in Baltimore. Great overview of what we do-very thorough, accurate, and insightful presentation. Thanks!

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much for sharing and watching.

[@TotallyAwwwesome]

So proud of you Nacole!

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you for your support.

[@afm398]

I needed this video thank you so much

[@NurseNacole]

You are so welcome!

[@asiastandifer6283]

I came across this video as I am preparing for a final interview for an ICU NP position. This was such valuable information!

[@NurseNacole]

You are very welcome!

[@lolhey4389]

hope you’re safe during this time!!

[@NurseNacole]

I am and I hope you are safe as well.

[@KarlaRodriguez-mx2od]

This a great video, thanks for sharing!

[@NurseNacole]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching.

[@limitbassfishing2733]

Very informative. Have a year left in my AGACNP program. Worked the past several years in the ICU. I'm hoping to work in a similar role when I'm finished!

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much for your support and for watching.

[@saltyzebra6489]

I am currently in nursing school. I have always known I wanted to be a nurse practitioner, but never knew what specialization I would like. This video has gave me chills. I am 100% confident I want to be an ACNP. Thank you.q

[@NurseNacole]

You are so welcome!

[@MiSSbrittneeKAY]

I appreciate this ! This was very interesting

[@NurseNacole]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Whitney_]

Very helpful insight!!

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you for watching and for your support : )

[@aldo5658]

Really enjoyed this video, gave me an inside scope onto acute care NP

[@NurseNacole]

Glad it helped!

[@saige80]

I love your complete breakdown. I’m a newer nurse (1yr under my belt) and I know I want to go the acute care NP route. Like you, I absolutely love detective work and trying to find the root cause of problems. Thank you for making this video!! I am currently a PCU nurse with high acuity patients and I start an ICU position in 2wks. I’m on the road to my dream position and this video is supporting this dream 💪🏾💯 Thanks again!

[@NurseNacole]

You are so welcome! The detective work is the best part : )

[@tiffanyquinn4810]

You are awesome!!! You have a new subscriber. Love this video. Thank you for it!!!

[@NurseNacole]

Thanks for subbing!

[@visionmyasia9466]

YOU are such an amazing NP!

[@NurseNacole]

You're too kind, thank you!

[@evinhoward7562]

Hi Nurse Nacole! That was an excellent video! I'm currently an FNP but looking to do acute care. I've been a medical/surgical/tele nurse for over 8 years. I appreciate your thought process and the way you go about prioritizing the needs of your patients.

[@ewilliams8099]

Evin! It’s Ellita from SGI! How’s it going?

[@NurseNacole]

Hello and congrats on your journey!

[@scottmpoyi7928]

I was impressed by you !!!

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much for your support.

[@TheKagedd]

I am a RN on an cardiac step down unit. I want to become an ACNP and function in a similar role as you are. You are amazing and inspirational. Stay safe!

[@NurseNacole]

Aww, thank you so much. I love me some cardiac : )

[@michellebaker2553]

Your'e awesome! I wish I had the courage to go back to school and do a job like yours!!

[@NurseNacole]

I'm almost 40 going back to school for the millionth time : )

[@nursejuneli2063]

As a new AGACNP student in central Florida this video is incredibly valuable!! So glad I found your channel! Thank you so much!

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much for your support and for watching.

[@nursejuneli2063]

Nurse Nacole Would like your opinion. I am an ICU nurse of 11years going back to school (mostly online program) and wanting to work adult ICU/acute care. I’m starting to wonder if I should change and go to PA school? If you could go back would you have changed anything? Ps. I love nurses and I love being a nurse. I’m just saying stepping into a provider role do you think PA school would prepare me more when I graduate?

[@NurseNacole]

@@nursejuneli2063 NPs and PAs tend to have similar scopes of practice, although PAs have a surgical components NPs tend to not have (my personal opinion). It all depends on what you want to do. Some places seek out PAs if the job requirements are surgical nature. But if it's critical care (depending on the state and track you choose), you can do that with NP school. It depends on your career goal and what you want to be able to perform.

[@nursejuneli2063]

Nurse Nacole Thank you! I love the flexibility of my online nursing program with 2 little kids, but I worry that all these nursing theory classes won’t be applicable to practice when I graduate. I have been looking into NP residency programs in Jax and Tampa after graduation. I think that might provide me the more comfort in practicing post grad. Stay safe on the front lines with Covid 19 🙏🏼 Thank you for all that you do ❤️

[@mrswalker284]

Well done, thinking of doing the program. Very informative 🙏

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much!

[@QuSha285]

Great job with the video. It was very thorough and informative about what how you function as Acute Care NP. Congratulations 🎉

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much for your support.

[@QuSha285]

Nurse Nacole You’re welcome 😊!

[@demishaellis7076]

You are such an inspiration! Loved this video! New subscriber here!

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much for your support and the kind words : )

[@kennedym3629]

Hey nurse Nicole!!! You helped me through nursing school

[@NurseNacole]

Awesome!! Thank you so much for your support.

[@TravelingwithJenny]

Great video!

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you!

[@joefalsetta9181]

Great video! I am in an ACNP program and have just started vlogging my experiences as well. I'm trying to get like you on these videos! haha

[@NurseNacole]

You will be, it's nothing special haha.

[@osahenrumwenosagie5744]

Thank you for being diligent and excellent in your role. It’s black women like you who set the stage for the next generation of baby nurses. Thanks you 💞

[@NurseNacole]

You are too kind, thank you for your support.

[@doctorsandfamilymedicalcen6944]

Interesting. Many gaining from your knowledge.

[@NurseNacole]

Awesome!

[@jennd9485]

Thank you for the insight! #futuregoals

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you for your support.

[@MISSYBSNRN]

I have moved away from the mass chaos that is our Medical Surgical to our Psychiatric Ward "Sunrise". I love it so far. I am considering my next step going NP for psychiatry or maybe Nurse Midwife, if I still think I can move well enough to physically keep up with the staff at this hospital or maybe I will transfer elsewhere. Not overly sure at this point. love your videos keep them coming. Oh and I watched another of your videos where you said you were six months pregnant, OMG 2 little ones how awesome, congratulations.

[@NurseNacole]

You are too kind, thank you so much for your support.

[@uzbekistansiberia8546]

wow. really scientific. i didnt know it was this involved. youre a doctor really. youre a scientist.

[@NurseNacole]

Haha, I don't know about that but thank you for your support.

[@muthoni632]

Hello... Congratulations on what you've been able to achieve. You seem so much passionate on what you do. We need more people like you esp in health care system.... I would love to see a video on what it takes to become acute care NP. Thanks

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much, you are too kind!

[@phellipfonseca5701]

Wow, this is so good. You sound so good. I would definitely trust my family under your care.

[@NurseNacole]

You are too kind, thank you for your support.

[@RS-ig1zr]

Great vlog.

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you!

[@JAZZ4509]

thank you

[@NurseNacole]

You're welcome

[@travislittle9889]

I’m excited to see you grow on this platform! Very good video. I wanted to ask. What’s a good way for me to dip my toes in for this field of study? I want to see if this is a path I want to go down. Acute care nurse was number one on my list of jobs I would enjoy. I think it’s because I like to use my head so much. Thanks in advance !!

[@NurseNacole]

Shadowing someone is really helpful and will allow to see the full picture. It's chaotic but I LOVE MY JOB and what I do : )

[@sw9358]

Thank you so much for your video, could you please make a video of central line and arterial line care tips and cautions? THANK YOU

[@NurseNacole]

Sure thing!

[@asantiago1271]

You should make more np videos! Loved it

[@NurseNacole]

I am working on it : )

[@belovedone5607]

I am so happy for you! You are living the dream. May God bless you and your family. You shine in an otherwise stressful setting. Can you repost the clinical request stock form for student Aprns seeking clinical placement? Thank you for this and sharing your daily experience! Awesome as always!

[@NurseNacole]

I'll have to locate it but will try to find it for you.

[@reesesaxy]

Great video! Can you please do a video on your journey completing nurse practitioner school? I interested in going back to school to become a NP and it will nice to have some helpful tips from your prespective. Thanks in advance.

[@NurseNacole]

Will do.

[@anamp7555]

I need you in my life as an ICU nurse and an NP student...❤

[@NurseNacole]

Aww thank you so much and for your support.

[@amisolutions4852]

Very nice. I hope to be a nure one day. First time subscribe

[@NurseNacole]

You got this!

[@antholethleckie6789]

Hi Nacole, I follow you on Instagram and I aspire to be like you as an AG-ACNP. This is the final week in my ACP program and I hope to do my boards in August.

[@NurseNacole]

Congrats! I wish you well, keep me posted!

[@susynne2124]

Thank you very much for the insight! May I ask, how long after getting RN licensure did you begin NP study, and what do you perceive to be the predominant opinion in the field (if there is one) about how many RN clinical hours one should log before starting an NP program?

[@NurseNacole]

About 3 or so years. I don't think there is an opinion on "clinical hours" but most programs require 2 years of bedside experience.

[@dirahmartin7017]

This was an amazing video. Very informative and just overall inspiring. Could you tell if an AGACNP is able to practice in any outpt settings such as the urgent care?

[@NurseNacole]

Will do.

[@k2kconnections734]

Awesome video! Thanks for the information! Very much appreciated! I can tell you were meant to be an Acute care NP! Quick question on the last comment you made:: what is your schedule like? And also do you mind talking about the salary/pay from ICU RN to Acute NP! I’m a ICU travel RN and the salary for Acute NP sounds to be equivalent

[@NurseNacole]

I work 7 on, 7 off. Yeah, intense haha. I will mention salary in my next video : )

[@charlenemyers7599]

Nacole, this is awesome! I just graduated as an acute care np 4 days ago! To say the least, I am terrified! LOL you are an inspiration and I want to be great like you when I do pass my boards. My question to you is when did you apply for your first job as a new grad? Did you wait until after your boards, or did you apply before hand? Thanks for you insight!

[@NurseNacole]

That is awesome! I will make a video for you!

[@charlenemyers7599]

@@NurseNacole Awesomeness!!!!

[@lavannfranklin4547]

awesome content... new sub

[@NurseNacole]

Welcome aboard!

[@kennedym3629]

I’m currently in school for my FNP but just changed it to acute care

[@NurseNacole]

Oh snap! I'm so excited for you!

[@NGtheNP]

Great video! Did you work as an ICU nurse before NP school?? I’m currently a new grad nurse in ICU and would LOVE to eventually become an ACNP in ICU!

[@NurseNacole]

Yes I did, I work there for about 3 years. Oh awesome!

[@JackOKing12]

I’ve seen your videos from 2009 and 2007

[@NurseNacole]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@iamnephiza]

First of thank you so much for this video. It was very informative. I have been accepted to an AGACNP program to start this fall which I am excited and terrified about lol. So my background I have 4 years of ER experience. I recently started looking for ICU positions because I noticed lot of ACNP nurses I have see have ICU experience. The demographics of the patients we take care of in my ER are really complex, on the plus side sometimes our ED to ICU transfers have to stay in the ED for a couple of hours because we are very busy. I feel like I have an understanding of how to care for these ICU patients. I also have experience with titrating medications and so on. Do you think I will be ok with my ED background or continue to add ICU if I can? Thanks

[@LEdHeadW]

ICU RN here getting info on starting my own journey similar to yours. I think you'd be alright with your experience as you do work with critically ill and unstable patients, but I would encourage you to seek out more icu experience (shadowing, cross training, etc) because ED and ICU really are different beasts with different workflows and I think it would be good to have a feel for all those aspects. I work with some nurses who cross trained via a program at work and they all have commented that it takes a while to get used to the different flow (and not turning your lines into rat nests 😜) More experience doesn't hurt! But I only have my own experience as an ICU nurse. Good luck in your journey!

[@NurseNacole]

Oh yes. ED folks see everything. You got this all day!

[@juliethao9370]

You need to teach NP program.

[@NurseNacole]

Haha, aww thank you so much for your support.

[@brandonsmithmusic9694]

Where did you go to school? Also do feel like there is a difference in online and in person schools for agacnp? Looking to complete mine and am unsure what school to consider!

[@NurseNacole]

University of South Alabama. They have an online program but you have attend campus every few months for check-offs - great program.

[@Sha-Money]

Do Acute NPs in N.J have all this autonomy??? As far as inserting central lines???

[@NurseNacole]

I don't know, you would have to research the nursing board within that state regarding that topic.

[@madelinehamilton3019]

Do Nurse Practitioners do procedures also or is it mainly overseeing patient care and managing? I want to become a nurse practitioner because I've decided the Physician route is not for me, but I would love to be hands on with my patients. I know you mentioned that you intubate patients. Do you also do procedures RNs would do like IV insertion?

[@NurseNacole]

I perform procedures, each institution is different though. I insert central venous catheters, yes. I love doing procedures, but I had to do extensive training and many, many check offs in order to do so. But it was worth it : )

[@POV00005]

I WISH ALL healthcare providers were precise and caring like yourself! GO AFRICAN AMERICAN HEALTH PROVIDERS!!

[@NurseNacole]

Aww, thank you so much!

[@ER22C]

If I wanted to work in pediatric oncoloy would being an acute care nurse practioner be right for me to do? There seem to be very few schools that have a pediatric oncology nurse practioner specialization. I am not sure if I want to work in the ICU or emergency department but oncology really interests me and I feel like it would be a good idea to get a masters degree. Any thoughts with that?

[@NurseNacole]

I'm not 100% sure but pediatrics has it's own certificate (even neonatal has it own thing now). My acute care is for adults only. Just make sure your certificate matches you patient population : )

[@truemoniqueflowers4928]

Do you know of any mentor programs for undergrads who want to pursue np career and needs motivation.

[@NurseNacole]

I don't, I wish I did. I'm sorry.

[@EddieLou_NP]

What does your schedule look like? Do you work more hours as an NP compared to an RN?

[@NurseNacole]

My schedule is a dumpster fire, haha. And yes, more shifts and you're salary. Was a hard transition for sure, haha.

[@ernestalexander8078]

How's the schedule? Weekly shifts, weekends, holidays, seniority, etc.... Is a life outside work a willing sacrifice that has to be made?

[@NurseNacole]

I work 7 on 7 off, usually and I tend to work most holidays as the hospital is always open and COVID has exploded things a bit.

[@oksanaoshidar1732]

Hello! I was wondering does all NP work in the ICU?

[@jessicavicente5191]

no it depends on the speciality !

[@NurseNacole]

Not all of us, it depends on your certification. I have an acute care certificate - so I do. But if you are neonatal or family nurse practitioner, you would not be.

[@MonieC1031]

What would not be in your scope of practice as an ANP?

[@NurseNacole]

Many things, too many to mention. Collaborative agreements are between you and an employer - who then allows you to apply for credentials for you to do certain, exact things and procedures. I can't do bronchoscopies for one.

[@peimonmajlessi8338]

questtion do you live in samall town? is that why you work with travel doctors?

[@NurseNacole]

I live in central Florida, not really small - many tourists and many people move here. Just too many people and not enough medical professionals (in my opinion).

[@ShaylaCSmart]

Do you/can you call time of deaths?

[@NurseNacole]

Yes I can.

[@ShaylaCSmart]

Nurse Nacole thanks for responding to/answering both my post!

[@NurseNacole]

@@ShaylaCSmart No problem, thank you for your support.