UCLA NP program Fall 2013

jarvic5 · Jun 6, 2013

@Rhythsetradio - yes, that is the class that you can either take in the 2nd session of summer, or in the fall.

jarvic5 · Jun 6, 2013

Thanks for the encouragement! You all are amazing.
Does anyone have any tips on what should be included in the personal statement (i.e. community service, work experience, research)?

All of those! And other things like why you chose UCLA, and what you plan to do with your degree. That's why again, the info sessions are great, they'll let you know exactly what they are looking for =)

mali_santizo · Jun 6, 2013

Hi All! And congrats for your acceptance into the program!!! I want to be a FNP/Public Heath Nurse. I'm consider to be not a new grad nor a experience RN. My question is: if I want to gain experience for my Masters. It will be better to work in the community setting or in a Hospital? Although it will depend where they accept me :). But, where do you think I have to put more strength when applying?

murse89 · Jun 6, 2013

For those taking assessment this month (!), did you already receive what section you will be in? I lost access to my email this week and I'm not sure if I missed any important emails. Thanks!

jarvic5 · Jun 6, 2013

@murse89 - haven't gotten my time slot either

Rhythsetradio · Jun 8, 2013

In terms of job experience, can never down play hospital setting experience. I think it's the best place to learn how to be a RN as well as exposure to numerous illnesses from simple to complex.

Hey guys also, the email came out today with times and everything. Finally, yay!

murse89 · Jun 8, 2013

Got mine too! I'll be in Lab B! Crazy how it's almost starting. Meet you all soon :)

jarvic5 · Jun 11, 2013

Gah! Had a little freak out moment today realizing we have less than 2 weeks!

I'm in Lab B as well!

Pachinko · Jun 13, 2013

I just completed my first year in the UCLA FNP program. I live in LA and work at UCLA, so I had a lot of contacts for getting my questions answered; it made things much easier. So, if any of you have questions but don't have anyone else to ask, you can post them in the thread or PM me.

ETA: your questions don't have to be about FNP specifically. All of the disciplines are pretty much together for almost all classes for the first quarter, then start to split off from there.

RNBSN7777 · Jun 14, 2013

Hi Pachinko,

I am curious to know if you were able to work while in the NP program at UCLA? Is it doable to complete the program and work part-time?

Also, on average, how many years of experience and what kind of experience did students accepted to UCLA for your cohort have?

Any advice on what should be included in the personal statement?

Thank you so much!!

Pachinko · Jun 15, 2013

Hi RNBSN7777--most of the people I got to know did work at least part time during the program. Some worked full time; they got through and did okay academically but were miserable. Classes are mostly Tues -Weds-Thurs, so you will probably need to work on the weekends.

Experience was all across the board. I think many had five or more years experience, but others only had a couple of years. I think that academic performance had a lot to do with admission. Many of the acute care students had acute care experience. FNP students came from all different kinds of backgrounds, including lots of acute care (med-surg to ICU). I don't really see a pattern.

For personal statement, I've not heard anything specific for this program. I'd recommend making sure that you address not just why you want to be an APRN, but why you're choosing whatever specific discipline (FNP, AC) that you're choosing. And, relate your experience to your chosen discipline.

RNBSN7777 · Jul 3, 2013

Thanks for the information Pachinko,

I was wondering if UCLA's NP program requires you to find your own preceptors? Or do they find preceptors for you?

I've been really researching the MSN-NP programs that I am interested in. Most forums say that other schools make their students find their own preceptors. I am curious if UCLA's program does the same?

Thanks again!