Any UCSF Mepn Applicants?

gNATTY · Apr 3, 2007

I am not doing the ACNP track, but rather the Critical Care/Trauma CNS - so you might not find my input valuable, but I volunteered for a year on an ICU. T

Hey yo Chicken, are you newly admitted or have gone through the first year? I too am going the Critical Care/Trauma CNS route and would love to pick your brain. You mind dropping me an e-mail so I can address my questions to you directly?

[email protected]

~Nat

Karotte · Apr 25, 2007

Wow, looking for books already? You're on top of it.

Don't worry, you'll get a book list mailed to you soon. You'll also be partnered with a current MEPN "buddy" and hopefully that person can hook you up with their books, or point you in the right direction. That's how it worked out for many of the current MEPNs.

bambou · Apr 26, 2007

You are right!

I have time for the books. I got a little too excited after I got my letter of acceptance in March!

hb97 · May 4, 2007

hi-

i was wondering if anyone out there was accepted into the integrated anp/cns psych program at ucsf. i'm thinking of applying to this specialty for 2008 mepn. what was your background experience and what do you think is the most important quality they are looking for in this specific specialty? i'm just trying to figure out if i'm actually competitive applicant or not. thanks!

bambou · Jun 15, 2007

---------------------------------

Karotte · Jun 15, 2007

Oooh, that hot topic.

There were a few people trying to get pregnant, and two student who were vocal about their pregnancies at the end of the year.

Yes, there's a summer break after MEPN from June until the beginning of September. I think most pregnant MEPNS choose to take a year off to be full time moms. Trying to get jobs when pregnant can be difficult and there are often a lot of conflicting priorities.

It seems like it's doable to make it through MEPN while pregnant, although it all depends. Hyperemesis gravidarum? It would be hard to keep up the pace if you're not feeling well..

As you probably know, a lot of women can't perfectly time their pregnancies, even after "taking charge of their fertility" and measuring temps and cervical fluid. So, that makes scheduling a little tricky. I think it's also important to consider the challenges of being in the Master's portion with an infant at home...or while breastfeeding? childcare? all of that.

Good luck with your planning!

jaxnaud · Jun 15, 2007

Hi- I haven't been through MEPN before (I'll see you in 10 days) but I have had two kids while working full time. it's tough for sure and from what I can tell, the 1st year of the MEPN program is going to be even more demanding. Of course- if you have your heart set on it, then anything is doable, but from a mom who has tried to do it all and marginally succeeded, sometimes I'd vote for the easy route.

Will this be your first child?

I'm interested in having my third but I'm planning on waiting and seeing how the second year is before I decide to go for it.

Good luck.

bambou · Jun 15, 2007

Thanks for your replies...

jaxnaud · Jun 15, 2007

Hi Bambou,

If you'd like, you can email me directly at [email protected].

As for the question on how old is too old... gosh, you'll hear a ton on this subject. If you're feeling like you're ready or you feel like you're getting too old, then maybe it is your body telling you something. I was 25 when I had my son, 29 when I had my daughter and even though it was just 4 years- I could feel the difference. Most of my friends had kids in their mid 30s and some much older. A lot of people will tell you that you can wait until you're 40 to have kids and you have no reason to rush- which may or may not be true. Fertility does start to decline at 28 but just how much varies from person to person. I'm sure you know all of this.

With that said, pregnancies aren't always easy and certainly caring for a newborn isn't either. I met a girl with a newborn in one of my prereq classes and she ended up dropping it because she didn't feel like her mind was totally there... sleep deprivation is a powerful thing. I could imagine it would be tough in this program. You could luck out and have a baby that sleeps like an angel, maybe you have someone to help you out, and maybe it won't be a problem at all. My experience was that it was exhausting, emotional, and draining (and yes, wonderful too) and I felt lucky I had a job where I felt comfortable to go home when I was tired and zone out a bit when need be. But- if I did get pregnant during the program, I'm sure I'd survive. We're moms, we're tough :-)

As far as the acute care step-out requirements... have you asked "what if I have a baby?" Certainly you will be entitled to some time off. Maybe having a baby sometime into that year would work out? You'd need to find out their expectations with that step out year... maybe you could postpone it a bit or extend it so you got your year in with a little baby time off in between.

Okay- so here is some actual advice (the rest just being me sharing my thoughts)... if you are going to try and time it... as unromantic as it sounds, I would start charting temp, cervix, and mucous at least a few months in advance. Learn when your body is the most fertitle. i wouldn't just wing it (as fun as that is) if you're aiming for a specific date. And don't start charting the month you want to conceive. If you start charting early, you'll really improve your chances of getting pregnant when you want to. Even then, it can be tough. The younger you are though- the more likely it is to work out.

Good luck.

lovingpecola · Jun 18, 2007

I can't speak to your question directly. I just want to offer encouragement and to say kudos to you for "taking charge of your fertility" and really thinking about all of this before you do it!

LP

doulalove · Jul 14, 2007

Hi everyone!

I hope all of you that started the program this year are doing wonderfully. I'm working on my application to begin next year, and I'm wondering if there are any others lurking around that are doing the same?

Barium · Aug 15, 2007

Hi everyone!
I hope all of you that started the program this year are doing wonderfully. I'm working on my application to begin next year, and I'm wondering if there are any others lurking around that are doing the same?

Hey, I am also trying to get ready to finish my application up in time to start in 2008. I am want to get into the Acute Care specialty. Can anyone who started this summer let me know how many Acute Care students were accepted? Also, how are you all enjoying the program so far?