Hi everyone, I'm hoping to apply for admission to the UVA MSN direct entry program in the next application cycle (starting spring 2016). For those of you who are more familiar with the process, how much volunteer and healthcare experience is enough to be competitive? I'm in grad school currently, which puts a severe restriction on what I can do volunteer-wise until around May (when I hope to move back to VA), and there isn't a ton of time between May and the October deadline. I have a strong academic background and rec letters, so I'm mainly really worried about the volunteer and healthcare experiences

I have a lot of experience being on the patient side of healthcare when I was younger, and the wonderful nurses I had then are a large part of why I want to change direction and go into nursing. What types of volunteer/healthcare experience would be good to do before applying? I volunteered at INOVA Fairfax for several years in high school, but that was mainly helping with discharges, etc., and not a ton of clinical experience. Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Hey Flurophore,

I'm currently in the CNL program for the Class of 2016 cohort. I'd say close to 50% of the class had no hospital experience prior to this program. For many, our first clinical was the first time they had done any hospital work. The admissions staff really looks at the total person, not just specific pieces (i.e.: grades, volunteer experience, work experience, etc). We have people from varying backgrounds - recent 2014 grads to a former University Professor. I'd say if you can get some volunteer experience in, even if its a few times a month, then awesome. But if not, I do not think it will negatively effect you. Good luck with your current schooling and if you have any other questions. Let me know!

PS - just make sure the SON doesn't change their policy and require volunteer experience before you apply. They added Microbiology as a prereq prior to my application deadline.

Thanks so much for the response! That's incredibly reassuring to hear :) I'm definitely going to try to get some volunteer experience in, but it's nice to hear how that many people didn't have hospital experience before the program!

Does everyone receive an interview? This wait feel like it is taking forever already. I am worried that my essays were weak because I really didn't have anyone to read over them. I didn't include my past experience working as a temp. in a hospital and really didn't explain why I want to go to UVA adequately. I am really hoping that I will get an interview.