Any UCSF Mepn Applicants?

UCSF_MEPN · Nov 7, 2008

Hi All!

My online app still says my letters are unavailable and doesn't even mention my transcripts. I'm hoping this is the case for everyone else too. I'm afraid to call and ask.

jennybeanca · Nov 9, 2008

Hi! Just wanted to say that like several of you, I too was worried about not hearing about my application. I called and was told that I could see my status on the application. That didn't work, so I called again. I was connected to someone else that explained a couple of things that really eased my concerns. He told me that there had been problems viewing application statuses and they were working on fixing that. He also told me that because they have every application, even if it was only started and never completed, they just can't send out individual notices over the computer. He let me know that my transcripts and letters were in and that they received the application, so that made me feel better. So, if you haven't heard anything, don't worry...they don't send out anything saying they got it.

JudeyRooney81 · Nov 11, 2008

Hi everyone, I applied to the MEPN program in Acute Care Nursing. I have been obsessively checking my mail until I read this post today and found out that we wouldn't be hearing back until mid December! That's around my birthday so hopefully the mail-carrier will bring me a nice present.

I am pretty confident with my scores, work experience, classes, etc., but I am somewhat concerned that I am 26 and may not have as much experience as other applicants. Any thoughts on this? Also, does anyone know how competitive the Acute Care track is??

Thanks!

star77, MSN, RN · Nov 12, 2008

Hi everyone, I applied to the MEPN program in Acute Care Nursing. I have been obsessively checking my mail until I read this post today and found out that we wouldn't be hearing back until mid December! That's around my birthday so hopefully the mail-carrier will bring me a nice present.
I am pretty confident with my scores, work experience, classes, etc., but I am somewhat concerned that I am 26 and may not have as much experience as other applicants. Any thoughts on this? Also, does anyone know how competitive the Acute Care track is??
Thanks!

I'm in the ACNP track. I think there's about 5 or 6 of us. I know a few people were waitlisted in this track, but I'm not sure how many originally applied, and honestly? I think that if you have good scores, work, etc, then you should relax and don't worry.

There's a huge range of work experience here- a few of my classmates had never touched a patient, some had volunteered, and then some of us have been doing direct patient care for nearly a decade. Some people have MPHs, some have an MS in another field, and a lot were Peace Corps folks.

UCSF in itself is competitive. Around 1000 people applied to MEPN last year, and 83 of us are here, so that's pretty damned competitive. There are more people applying to the CNM, FNP and ANP tracks, but from what I understand all of the programs are pretty tough to get into, and it all depends on who is applying and what they think of the applicants.

People ask what qualities we see in each other, in the ones who end up as MEPNs (hell, I asked that- what is that quality that gets people in?). Imagine being in class with the most intelligent and compassionate people you've ever met. That's my experience of MEPN.

As far as age goes, don't worry- there's a huge range, and 26 is a good age at which to start this process. I'm older than that, some people are only 23, one is 54, and most people are in between.

Don't focus on the numbers. You'll drive yourself nuts between now and December. And I didn't hear until Dec 22, so really, the best thing you can do now is finish any pre-requisites, travel and have a life (seriously), save money, and think good thoughts.

And then, next year, when you're supposed to be studying for a final, you can procrastinate by logging onto Allnurses.com and check out the UCSF thread. :rolleyes:

Okay, back to med-surge stuff...

ackbast · Nov 12, 2008

I am hoping to find a few other applicants who have applied for the acute care CNS? How many have applied and what experiences do you have? I am worried about requirements and experience as well?

I am also hoping to connect with previous applicants who have gone through the interview process. What were the questions like and how did you feel after your interview?

JudeyRooney81 · Nov 12, 2008

Star77. Sorry if this is disjointed, I am staying up way too late to study for an A and P test. You have done a lot to allay my fears, which means you will be a great Nurse! In my experience as a patient, I think comfort is one of the best things a Practitioner can provide

Yes I have and some interesting life experiences, that drove me to want to be ACNP, so I hope somehow I have conveyed my enthusiasm and sincerity in my goal statement. Now, I am just trying to relax about it. I know that I will definitely be an ACNP someday. It's just a matter of what avenue works best for me (or is available). So now, all I can do is prepare myself and hope for the best!

Later on would you be willing to provide some interview advice? I am one of those who's planing on moving cross-country and will be flying in way out of state so my interview will probably be crammed into one day, but if you have any tips I would love to hear them.

I think what has made me just as excited about being a nurse is the community that the MEPN program seems to develop. I would love to surround myself with people who really care about patients and are passionate about nursing. So, for now I am going to think happy thoughts (and A and P thoughts) and drift off to dreamland.:zzzzz

Oh, one more question, did you do a year of work after you finished the first year? I heard a rumor that was required. Just wondering. Also, did you get in your first time applying? I don't mean to be intrusive.. ha..ha.. I am a statistician/epidemiologist by training so I obsessively look for trends.

At any rate, thanks for your encouragement. Now, I am going to try to put it out of my mind and focus on enjoying my job, and school in the meantime.

star77, MSN, RN · Nov 12, 2008

Star77.
Later on would you be willing to provide some interview advice? I am one of those who's planing on moving cross-country and will be flying in way out of state so my interview will probably be crammed into one day, but if you have any tips I would love to hear them.
Oh, one more question, did you do a year of work after you finished the first year? I heard a rumor that was required. Just wondering. Also, did you get in your first time applying? I don't mean to be intrusive.. ha..ha.. I am a statistician/epidemiologist by training so I obsessively look for trends.

Aww shucks, thanks Judey. I'm still in the first year, and yes, ACNP are required to take a year off to work, which I believe in anyway. As far as interview tips go... check as you get closer. I wrote about it in my blog, and honestly, the interview day was different for everyone. I feel that if I write about it right now, it's gonna get lost in the thread, so around Jan I'll post something. It was mellow though, for me.

I got into the ACNP track the first time, yes.

Hope that helps! Ok, I gotta get going on my final. GI system review...

JudeyRooney81 · Nov 13, 2008

Hey, as you already read I applied to the MEPN program. Now, it's not that I am a pessimist or feel like I am unqualified, I just need to plan every detail of my life to the nth degree because as of May 2, 2009 I will be packing my bags and moving from Cleveland to SF to be with my future husband.

If I am not fortunate enough to get in this time around, I want to start making plans for a more concrete plan B, which would be to start pursuing an RN someplace else, while re-applying, or preferably going to a B.A. to BSN program then applying for the Masters Program at USCF. Since I am not from the area, I don't know much about the educational opportunities/nursing schools etc in the bay area.

Does anyone know of such a program?

southbayLCSW · Nov 14, 2008

Hi All-- Judey, I'm sorry not to have an answer to your question, as UCSF is the only school in the area with the track I've applied to...so even though I'm local I'm not familiar with other area programs.

My question relates to prerequisites. I'm finishing up anatomy and statistics now, and plan to take physiology next semester. I'm running into scheduling issues though, and last night found an online class through Berkeley extension. It's much more expensive than the community college route I've gone for anatomy--but obviously easier to schedule. Does anyone know if the program will accept one of the science classes taken online?

Thank you!

JudeyRooney81 · Nov 14, 2008

Thanks for your input. This may sound silly, but does the Online program have a lab? ( I have taken classes where you had to go to campus for the lab component). I think UCSF requires two semesters of lab with A and P. That would be my only concern, otherwise, I don't think it would be an issue.

Good luck scheduling. It's been rough on this end, since I live across the country and am planning a wedding at the same time. Keeps things exciting though!

Jude

star77, MSN, RN · Nov 15, 2008

Thanks for your input. This may sound silly, but does the Online program have a lab? ( I have taken classes where you had to go to campus for the lab component). I think UCSF requires two semesters of lab with A and P. That would be my only concern, otherwise, I don't think it would be an issue.
Good luck scheduling. It's been rough on this end, since I live across the country and am planning a wedding at the same time. Keeps things exciting though!
Jude

Actually, I don't think UCSF requires the lab portion, although it's good to take. You learn more in a lab looking at body parts then checking out internet stuff. Other programs will require a lab, just fyi.

UC Berkeley extension does labs at Merritt college, not online, even though the Anatomy and Physiology classes are online. They cost about $650-700 apiece. If you can take Anatomy and Physiology at a community college, that is just fine as far as I know.

As far as direct entry Master's programs go in this area: Samuel Merritt has an ELMSN (entry-level MSN), USF has a Clinical Nurse Leader program and a DNP (I think). SFSU also offers a BSN/MSN program as far as I know.

Hope that helps.

star77, MSN, RN · Nov 15, 2008

Does anyone know if the program will accept one of the science classes taken online?
Thank you!

My Physiology class was taken online. I just went and did the lab in Spring before entering UCSF, which was *really* helpful.

-Star