Any PhD in Nursing Applicants?

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 18, 2009

I'm way beyond the application process as I graduated 13 years ago ... but I did want to respond and offer a little support. I remember how stressed I was as I was waiting to hear. I did my telephone interview with a glass of wine, which worked real well for me.

They told me that I would get a final answer in just a couple of weeks, but it took about 2 months. I went absolutely crazy during that time. I remember being so stressed that I bought a bright purple suit that was a size too small to wear to give a presentation at a conference -- and got shoes and a purse dyed to match! It was total stress purchase -- retail therapy for anxiety. I never wore the suit, the shoes, or used the purse. What a waste!

Good luck to you -- and whoever else my be waiting to hear the results of their applications.

calinp · Dec 18, 2009

Thanks for the support! The application process was interesting and also incredibly frustrating. Each application was so different. Some wanted writing samples, some wanted GREs; some were on-line, some were on paper, one was both. One had three sets of instructions, I'm not kidding. Needless to say I missed a step on that one! I've had letter of recommendation issues and stresses. And now that it's done - it's almost worse!

I feel like now everything is out of my hands. And suddenly there are so many things that I should have done, or would have done. I've already told myself that if I have to repeat the whole process next year, it won't be so bad.

So your support and the knowledge that the process is doable is REALLY helpful! Thanks again!!!

Moogie · Dec 19, 2009

The application process was interesting and also incredibly frustrating. Each application was so different. Some wanted writing samples, some wanted GREs; some were on-line, some were on paper, one was both. One had three sets of instructions, I'm not kidding. Needless to say I missed a step on that one! I've had letter of recommendation issues and stresses. And now that it's done - it's almost worse!

Hi, Calinp!

I hear what you're saying about the journey. It is interesting but STRESSFUL! I have completed some graduate credits but did not complete my master's, so when I decided to go back to school, I looked into MSN programs as well as a BSN to PhD program. The program I really wanted, the BSN to PhD, ended up not having a January entrance class, so I had to decide whether to wait until Fall 2010 or start the master's. I wanted to get back to school, so I decided to pursue the master's rather than wait. Of course, it was necessary to complete a new application for the MS program, though the school was able to use the same references and transcripts for both applications. I also had issues with a reference, which delayed the process, and, weeks after I thought everything was complete, I got an email from the graduate office stating that one of my transcripts---from thirty years ago---was missing. :eek: Considering I found this out when I was recovering from major surgery, things were VERY stressful for a while.

It was also stressful trying to figure out if I could transfer any credits from my previous program to a new master's program. Unfortunately, the credit hours weren't the same but I am okay with not transferring anything. I might try to transfer in one course as an elective but, as far as the foundational courses are concerned, I don't want to shortchange myself, even if it means repeating some course material.

In the meantime, I pursued an application with another school---my second choice---and had a personal interview only a few weeks after my surgery. That, too, was difficult and stressful.

Everything got straightened out with the graduate school office and the school of nursing and I was admitted to the MS program, and will start in January. I am, however, keeping my application active for the BSN to PhD program. If I get in, I can transfer the credits from this upcoming semester to the doctoral program. If I don't get in, I will finish the master's degree---I am planning on doing it in four semesters---and reapply for the doctoral program for next year.

The only thing that disappoints me about this whole process is that I took the MAT this summer and did much better than I had expected. However, I would prefer not to have to take it again---or the GRE, for that matter of fact. The doctoral program at my university requires the MAT or GRE no more than five years before beginning the program so, if I get in this coming fall or Fall 2011 (or anytime before Fall 2014), I am still good to go.

It is no fun to be in educational limbo and I do understand how you feel. At this juncture, I don't feel nearly so stressed out anymore and am just glad to be getting on with my education and, okay, my life. I won't know until April or May if I get into the BSN to PhD program, so I will be waiting with you, maybe a little longer than you!

BTW, there are many wonderful people on AN who will be more than supportive of your educational goals and will listen when you need to commiserate. I've found excellent support here and would have been much more stressed had it not been for my friends here. Good luck to you and I hope you get into the program of your choice!

calinp · Dec 19, 2009

I'm so glad that you got into the master's program of your choice and I have my fingers crossed that you also get to slide directly into the PhD program! Also, I hope that you feel recovered from your surgery. Finding out that there was a problem with a transcript while recovering sounds awful.

I'm hoping to find out sometime in March, but for at least one program, I could still be waiting in April. Good luck to us all!!

SharonH, RN · Dec 20, 2009

I just wanted to give my best wishes.

calinp · Dec 20, 2009

Thanks SharonH!

I'm hoping that the holiday helps me get through some time. The busier I am the less I think (read worry) about the process.

Mission · Dec 21, 2009

Just wanted to say "Good Luck!" to you. I haven't run across too many PhD discussions on these forums. I'm currently a second year PhD student, getting ready for my last semester of classes and comps, yikes. I remember the stress of the application process. I found out I was pregnant shortly before submitting my app and already had a little bump showing by the time I went for the interview. I am really happy with my choice of getting a PhD (switched out of an NP program). What are your research interests? Try not to stress!

calinp · Dec 22, 2009

It's nice to meet someone who is a PhD program now and juggling life! I hope that your first year with a baby and your program went well!

My research focus is women's health, I am a WHNP and CNM (though I only practice as a WHNP) and I've worked in women's health my whole career. I tried to apply to schools that had strong research in women's health, so that the fit would be good. I also contacted profs at three of the schools and introduced myself and discussed research options, etc. One of the programs would be a public health PhD, which I'm interested in, but I'm not sure how much of a chance I would have without a MPH.

Basically, I was feeling pretty confident (which may have been my first mistake!) until I had some letter of rec issues. Anyway...I came here looking for other PhD applicants, students or graduates because facing the next 3-4 months without other people to worry with seemed like a long time!

I haven't seen many PhD threads either here. I also tried at the gradcafe.com but nobody responded to a PhD in nursing thread there at all.

Moogie · Dec 22, 2009

Just sent you a friend request. Feel free to drop a line and chat whenever you'd like. Like I said earlier, I know how you feel about waiting being the hardest part!

I just got done registering for my spring semester classes. Most of the folks I know here on AN who are in PhD programs have just gotten through fall semester and may be a tad burned out, especially with the holidays coming right after finals. I'm already planning how I will handle stress when school has started but so far have not found many things that relieve stress better than chocolate!

You sound very accomplished and should have no trouble getting into the program of your choice. Still, at this point, you want someone with a crystal ball to just tell you that you're in---even if they said you didn't make the cut, at least you could go on with your life without this hanging over your head. It's tough being in limbo!

I hope that knowing you really are not alone helps you deal with the waiting. Many gentle hugs to you!

calinp · Dec 25, 2009

Thanks Moogie!

Just having been able to worry out loud a little in this space has helped :)

ctbtrini · Dec 26, 2009

Hey everyone! I turned in my application for a PhD program a few weeks ago. The application process was grueling but I keep thinking if I get into the program, THAT will be more stressfull than anything else (YIKES). I think I must have written and re-written my personal statement like 5 times. At this point, it is out of my hands, so nothing else to do but sit back and wait. Im sure I'll be a nervous wreck once the official interview process gets underway. I wish everyone luck who is trying to get into the FALL2010 cohort.