Yale's GEPN program for Fall 2008

Asherah, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2007

Kensington,

I'm still on the fence about applying to the Yale program. I'm also applying for the Acute Care specialty, but at this time was considering only Columbia and JHU (as you know). I guess I'd better make up my mind, as time is a wastin', I'm just unsure of how competitive I would be for Yale due to my lack of extensive research experience.

Good luck to you though!

lolalissima · Sep 7, 2007

Hey all I'm also applying to Yale's GEPN along with Columbia and Duke (ABSN). Asherah, I definitely understand the hesitance about Yale. I'm feeling it too, although my primary concern is not receiving a bsn along the way and don't really wanna start off my nursing career limiting future prof options. I'm going for women's health/possible midwifery dual so yeah Yale's a pretty phenomenal option.

Kensington · Sep 7, 2007

Hey, you two! I'm glad that we have each other to talk out some of these issues.

Please let me know what you guys know about the whole research thing. :)

Thanks!

K

Kensington · Sep 7, 2007

Hey all I'm also applying to Yale's GEPN along with Columbia and Duke (ABSN). Asherah, I definitely understand the hesitance about Yale. I'm feeling it too, although my primary concern is not receiving a bsn along the way and don't really wanna start off my nursing career limiting future prof options. I'm going for women's health/possible midwifery dual so yeah Yale's a pretty phenomenal option.

Oh, and I hear you about the BSN dilemma. I think it's smart to have that to fall back on.

shortcake15 · Sep 10, 2007

how much research experience do you need to be a good candidate for yale? i'm also applying for entrance next fall in the ACNP specialty but I didn't think research experience was THE thing to have for acceptance. i mean, what kind of research are they expecting? i would think clinical experience would be more appropriate especially if you're applying for NP tracts.

Asherah, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2007

how much research experience do you need to be a good candidate for yale? i'm also applying for entrance next fall in the ACNP specialty but I didn't think research experience was THE thing to have for acceptance. i mean, what kind of research are they expecting? i would think clinical experience would be more appropriate especially if you're applying for NP tracts.

Although I've asked a few current GEPN student, I honestly have no idea, but my concern was triggered by this question (among the many required by the application):

Discuss your familiarity with the research process and its relevance to advanced practice nursing. If you have had specific research experience, describe the project and the extent of your participation. Undergraduate and independent study projects may be included.

I'm sure its not a make-or-break thing, but as they are bothering to ask it, it just don't feel as confident about it as I could be...bleh! These goal statements/application responses are oh so fun!

:uhoh3: PS...If I actually do apply, it would also be for ACNP.

Kensington · Sep 10, 2007

Although I've asked a few current GEPN student, I honestly have no idea, but my concern was triggered by this question (among the many required by the application):

Discuss your familiarity with the research process and its relevance to advanced practice nursing. If you have had specific research experience, describe the project and the extent of your participation. Undergraduate and independent study projects may be included.

I'm sure its not a make-or-break thing, but as they are bothering to ask it, it just don't feel as confident about it as I could be...bleh! These goal statements/application responses are oh so fun!
PS...If I actually do apply, it would also be for ACNP.

So if you are like me, and have "zero" formal research experience, how best to answer that question? That's the only question I've yet to write an answer to, and I just don't know what to say. Ideas, anyone?

Asherah, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2007

Kensington,

I would imagine the best course of action in that regard would be just be honest about your lack of experience but also state that if you'd had any dialogues with advanced practice nurses to get an idea of what type of research is conducted and how it relates to their practice I don't think there is anything wrong with admitting a lack of direct experience (nothing you can do about it now anyway), but demonstrate that you're eager to step into a new niche of graduate studies and perhaps that you know a bit of what you're getting into.

Someone without a ton of experience could focus their response more towards the first portion of the question: Discuss your familiarity with the research process and its relevance to advanced practice nursing.

If your other responses are strong, I'm sure they'll weigh everything appropriately. As these application packages are made up of so many components (with Yale, interview included), I can't imagine they will find that every candidate has excelled in everything! :uhoh21:

May_baby · Sep 11, 2007

As I current GEPN student I can tell you that not everyone in my class has extensive research experience. One classmate has a Masters Degree in Literature!

Yale really prides themselves on having a GEPN class with diverse life experience. So if you feel like you'd like to apply to Yale, don't second guess yourself.

As far as Yale's "reputation" in the nursing field, I'm curious to hear why that matters so much. I'm confident that the education I will receive from Yale will be a strong foundation in nursing practice. And I believe HOW I practice will be much more important than WHO granted my degree.

spygirl19 · Sep 12, 2007

Hi everyone,

I am also working on my application for 11/1 for Yale and the research question kinda stumped me as well. But I am just going to be honest and say how I dont have any experience and I don't really want to. I don't want to be a researcher, I want to interact with patients.

Kensington · Sep 12, 2007

Kensington,
I would imagine the best course of action in that regard would be just be honest about your lack of experience but also state that if you'd had any dialogues with advanced practice nurses to get an idea of what type of research is conducted and how it relates to their practice I don't think there is anything wrong with admitting a lack of direct experience (nothing you can do about it now anyway), but demonstrate that you're eager to step into a new niche of graduate studies and perhaps that you know a bit of what you're getting into.
Someone without a ton of experience could focus their response more towards the first portion of the question: Discuss your familiarity with the research process and its relevance to advanced practice nursing.
If your other responses are strong, I'm sure they'll weigh everything appropriately. As these application packages are made up of so many components (with Yale, interview included), I can't imagine they will find that every candidate has excelled in everything! :uhoh21:

Thank you! Your advice is very encouraging, and that's just what I'll do! :) I can't be something I'm not, so I can only tell them the truth.