Advice on applying to Vanderbilt MS program

[jordans]

I am an RN, BSN and I am applying to Vandy's psych NP program for next fall. I am looking for any advice anyone has on the application process. I have been writing and rewriting my goal statement for months and I'm just not clear on what they're really looking for. Same with the interview questions. Also, I know that it is rolling admissions and I'm wondering if anyone can give me an idea of how long it takes to hear back after submitting your application? Lastly, I am wondering who to get letters of recommendation from. I work in GI currently and my manager is not a nurse. I have 2 nurses above me who are clinical coordinators but neither are APNs. Is it acceptable to get letters from physicians? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!!

[mammac5]

Hope I can help...

I am a graduate of the ANP program at VUSN, so psych is a bit different perhaps. Write the statement as honestly and truthfully as you can, understanding that your goals may be "tweaked" as you go through the program. And then be done with it.

My understanding is that VUSN seeks students who are the right fit for their program - and vice versa. They're not necessarily looking for brilliance, they will be able to assess that from your past academic performance and your GRE. They're looking for fit. They also are looking at your writing ability since there is a tremendous amount of scholarly writing required for the program and they need to know that you have the basics to get started as soon as your feet hit the ground.

As for references, I believe all of my references were physicians I worked with who were able to speak to my work ethic as well as my potential as a future health care provider.

I'm not certain what time frame the PMHNP program is on for making admission decisions. I applied in February and was offered admission within one month.

Best of luck!

[jordans]

thanks so much for the quick response!! i mostly work under physicians but i wasn't sure if it was appropriate to have letters from them rather than nurses. i'm also not sure if i need an academic reference from nursing school becuase i have been out for a few years and haven't kept in touch with my professors. i did well above the Vandy requirements for the GRE and i had a good GPA so i'm not worried about that as much as the goal statement and letters. i am a decent writer i'm just not sure how to put my goals into such a short statement!

[mammac5]

You'll find that being able to put your ideas to paper succinctly will be a HUGE help to you as you pursue your MSN. I can't tell you how many times I thought I'd put together a good paper only to realize I was over the page limit and had to start drastically cutting!

[esla]

I am very sorry to bother you. Did you graduate from Vanderbilt already? I would like to apply, but I want to know a little bit more. Would you please share>?