Any UCSF Mepn Applicants?

sierrapi · Jan 17, 2009

i had my interview yesterday, it was such a great experience - please don't spend too much time agonizing over it! those who are interviewing you are also experts in care and know that you may be nervous. they don't want you to be they just want to get a sense of you. i'm totally reiterating what's been said in this thread before; in order to prepare, just be sure that you know why you want to go into your chosen speciality, what in your life has led you to choose your speciality & why you think you'd be a good nurse. understand the rigors of the program and make sure that you have examples of times when you've had to work with a diverse group, times when you've had to prioritize, what you think will be the hardest thing about being a nurse &, even more importantly, about being in the program itself. also, have questions prepared - you want to make sure that this program is the right thing for you, and their answers can help you determine whether it's going to be a good fit. good luck to those of you interviewing on the 23rd, enjoy the day - it's really such a big deal that we've made it this far!

mommabear9805 · Jan 17, 2009

I second sammypi! It really was more to get a sense of you. When I walked out I realized I didn't speak on all my experience and accomplishments but that was because they didnt ask about that, they asked about me and all the things sammypi mentioned... they have our files we have told them what we have done and so have our bosses, professors and other esteemed individuals in our lives. I feel I wasnt as articulate as I could have been but I touched on all the points I prepared for. However, some part of me feels I wished I could have still reiterated more of my accomplishments. Oh well now we wait.....

PotreroLCSW · Jan 17, 2009

Glad to hear the interviews went well yesterday. The anxiety we feel comes from us, not from being intimidated by the interviewers.

I recall my faculty interview where it was more of a comfortable conversation rather than a stressful interview. It could also have been right after Scott's deep breathing/relaxation exercise.

Be sure of yourself, be confident about yourself and your decision to apply to the program and specialty.

As for a mixer, I've heard that it's not happening this year, unless the specialties are hosting one for current master's students, MEPN's or applicants. There was one for the midwifery specialty last night, but I'm not sure if that was for both sets of interviewees or just the first round. My guess is that it was for both.

Anyway, relax and enjoy the weekend in whatever you do.

nightnurse007 · Jan 17, 2009

Hey Mommabear! Glad to hear your interview went well. I had the same feeling - it went well but my nerves stifled me a bit... On the drive home I was like awwwwww man I should have said this and I should have said that... But I think it went well overall. Nothing will be gained from agonizing over it! Just be proud you made it this far, pray a little and relax until March--'cause if we do get in..that's 'bout it for the relaxing okkkkkk!!!!!

Hope to see you in June!

Oh yea, and speaking of the inauguration (PotreroLCSW), how sweet would it be to say we started this program the year Obama took office. :yeah:

tsscal · Jan 17, 2009

Hello to all! I, too, had my interview yesterday. I share similar thoughts and feelings as those who have posted about their experiences as well. Lookng back, I feel like I echoed my application a LOT, and am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. What I do know is that I definitely put a face, personality, and passion to my application. I am not sure if I asked enough questions, but the questions I did ask were questions to which I actually wanted answers - not questions that would impress the interviewers. I was the interviewed by the director of my specialty, and am not sure if I should have said or asked more. But, just like everyone else, I left the interview thinking "I should have said that!" or "I shouldn't have used that word!" But this is natural. I am glad it's over and now it is just a patient waiting game. Now, to have fun with my friends and have a good time this long weekend!

benzhuzhu · Jan 17, 2009

I had my interview yesterday. It was quite disappointing. First, they only served sandwiches for lunch. You would expect a little more from one of the top nursing schools (a result of the budget cuts?). In addition, these sandwiches were very fattening and not very healthy (shouldn't we practice what we preach?). The interview was also not thrilling. I expected an interesting conversation, but instead the interviewers just read general questions from a prepared list. There was no interaction and I almost fell asleep. Watching water boil is more exciting. I wish I had applied to other schools. Now I am at their mercy.

nightnurse007 · Jan 18, 2009

I had my interview yesterday. It was quite disappointing. First, they only served sandwiches for lunch. You would expect a little more from one of the top nursing schools (a result of the budget cuts?). In addition, these sandwiches were very fattening and not very healthy (shouldn't we practice what we preach?). The interview was also not thrilling. I expected an interesting conversation, but instead the interviewers just read general questions from a prepared list. There was no interaction and I almost fell asleep. Watching water boil is more exciting. I wish I had applied to other schools. Now I am at their mercy.

Well, since I went through this last year...I am fairly sure that this was all a result of budget cuts and also streamlining the process because the difference is like night and day. I wouldn't be too disappointed tho....I remember one of the MEPNs we spoke with last year, his name was Nat, saying that there are definite glitches in the program but over all, it is a VERY fulfilling experience. I don't think the interviews necessarily reflect how the program is...

I want this so bad...I really hope they could see it through all my stuttering lol...

sierrapi · Jan 23, 2009

Best to everyone interviewing today! Have fun with it, it's a pretty interesting experience:wshgrt:

tsscal · Jan 23, 2009

Good Luck, other MEPN hopefuls! Tip: Don't let the greasy pasta salad stain your clothes! :nono:

Hopeful Nurse · Jan 23, 2009

I'm leaving the house right now to go interview. I've been practicing and can't seem to unravel the tongue-tiedness. WAHH

Hope to meet many of you today!!!

Hopeful Nurse · Jan 23, 2009

Good Luck, other MEPN hopefuls! Tip: Don't let the greasy pasta salad stain your clothes!

I will keep this in mind!!!

06CaliforniaRN · Jan 25, 2009

Ahh...this thread is slightly old now. But I have a question for any alum of the UCSF MEPN program.

I'll be applying to the school this coming October. I know age isn't a factor if your older, but what if you are younger?

I'll be 21 at the time of application. I feel like I've got a good resume in the works though...this is it...roughly

3 months full time paid position at a pediatrician clinic working as an "intern", or "summer student" as they called it. Processing patients, observing, auditing charts, etc.

3 months part-time volunteering at a experimental learning preschool.

3 months (lots of 3 months stuff...i know, it has to do with being on the quarter system) full time working at a township clinic in Cape Town.

I'm also writing a research/assessment paper having to do with the Cape Town experience.

Other than that I work at a bakery and plan to do some volunteer work at the needle exchange and try and job shadow some.

Undergrad GPA is 3.7 , prereqs should be the same

It just seems like a good majority of the people who get accepted (or apply at least from what I've noticed on here) are in their late 20s to 50s.

I know that there is a points system for MEPN, I just have noooo idea how it works. And I know that I'm young, and have time, but I also know that this is what I want to start now, not 5 years from now. I can't t picture my self doing anything but nursing (okay maybe a Professor one day...you get the idea)

And for all of you in the application process right now....GOOD LUCK!