Applying to NP Programs Senior Year

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Hi everyone,

I will be a senior in a BSN program this fall. I also intend on applying to PMHNP programs this fall. I have a great GPA, GRE, relevant experience, letters of rec, statement of purpose, but I was just curious if any of you know if applying prior to graduation and taking the NCLEX will seriously jeopardize my chances of admission. Also, should I apply as soon as the application opens during the fall, or wait until winter recess? If any of you have any insight, suggestions, or personal experiences I would love to hear them.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Personally, you are jumping the gun. Get some experience- you are not even an RN yet. I do think applying without a license is a hindrance.

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Specializes in school nurse.

I would worry more about getting nursing practice experience before thinking about "advanced" practice. That's if you pass the boards. (Not meant as a slight, just that not everyone does the first time...)

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Personally, you are jumping the gun. Get some experience- you are not even an RN yet. I do think applying without a license is a hindrance.

Thank you for your reply, and I sincerely do value your suggestion.

I want to mention there are many anecdotal stories regarding people applying and getting accepted their senior year. However, finding guidance on this is more difficult than these stories. There are also studies that have shown "prior RN experience was neither a promoter nor inhibitor of NP role transition." (Exploring the Factors that Influence Nurse Practitioner Role Transition)

Furthermore, there are many direct entry programs that provide somebody, with minimal or no healthcare experience, a BSN and NP degree in three years. Since I have 3 years of healthcare and relevant work experience in traditional a BSN program, it is a little upsetting that many nurses discourage people, like myself, who have comparatively more relevant experience from pursuing higher education, yet those in direct entry programs are given a pass in this regard.

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... it is a little upsetting that many nurses discourage people, like myself, who have comparatively more relevant experience from pursuing higher education, yet those in direct entry programs are given a pass in this regard.

Nah, plenty of us don't like the direct entry programs, either. Just look around the site at some of the existing threads.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Thank you for your reply, and I sincerely do value your suggestion.

I want to mention there are many anecdotal stories regarding people applying and getting accepted their senior year. However, finding guidance on this is more difficult than these stories. There are also studies that have shown "prior RN experience was neither a promoter nor inhibitor of NP role transition." (Exploring the Factors that Influence Nurse Practitioner Role Transition)

Furthermore, there are many direct entry programs that provide somebody, with minimal or no healthcare experience, a BSN and NP degree in three years. Since I have 3 years of healthcare and relevant work experience in traditional a BSN program, it is a little upsetting that many nurses discourage people, like myself, who have comparatively more relevant experience from pursuing higher education, yet those in direct entry programs are given a pass in this regard.

Your experience from clinicals is not considered "relevant work experience". And no one is discouraging you from pursuing graduate study. Just pointing out that - in my opinion - nurse practitioners should have nursing experience as a foundation to that graduate study..

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I am glad you have great stats and all, but, don't you think you should gain some practical experience as an RN before you dive right back into schooling to get your NP? What exactly do you want to specialize in?

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I am glad you have great stats and all, but, don't you think you should gain some practical experience as an RN before you dive right back into schooling to get your NP? What exactly do you want to specialize in?

The OP stated an interest in PMH NP.

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You need to check with your selected schools as to admission requirements. Some schools do take BSNs w/o RN work experience - check with the school. They will also require that you pass the NCLEX before you can start or before you start clinical rotations. The instructions for each school should specify when you can apply and what is required - if you are not sure, call the school. I went straight from my BSN to my MSN.

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Why do you think it may hurt your chances applying prior to graduation and taking the NCLEX? Have you heard anything that caused you to think that? I'm also entering my senior BSN year and have recently applied to 3 schools. But it was a hard decision for me as to what to specialize in, and I'm glad you know. PMHNP is easy to get into these days, I have been told multiple times, because those NP's are in demand.

My school choices did not require a GRE (I think your GPA has to be under something like 3.5 or 3.2 maybe for if you need to take the GRE), and I've so far received positive receptions from the schools. I visited Duke and Chapel Hill in person and spoke to the director of admissions, who did not say anything about my applying before graduation as a set back or undesirable. They (and other grad schools, and hopefully more) are attempting to tailor NP programs now for students who don't yet have bedside experience.

Good luck, let us know!

Edit - Chapel Hill requires 6 months of RN experience before entering the PMHNP program, Duke does not require prior nursing experience. So you will need to check that for your school/s.

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Specializes in Adult Gerontology Acute Care.

I completely understand the need to be prepared and keep your ducks in a row by applying early. However, there is no need to. If you have one more year left of school in your BSN program, then I recommend completing that, and then passing NCLEX. If you apply now to any graduate school and do not attend for a year, then you will have to reapply.

However, as with most people, I would definitely recommend getting at least 1 year of nursing under your belt before applying to any graduate program. Within the first year of nursing, you will learn SO MUCH, and go through several changes in both feelings, confidence, and understanding of how patients and health care operate. This information is vital when completing a masters or doctorate program, however not technically required.

For the PMHNP programs, you are almost guarenteed to get in with only a good GPA and the required pre-requisites. Good luck!

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Specializes in Psych/Mental Health.

Each school has a different policy. You can call or email the schools you want to apply to and ask them directly. Many schools require that you have your RN license by application deadline if you're applying as a post-BSN student; but some might be flexible with that requirement.

As for when you should apply, nobody on this site knows you well enough to offer a credible suggestion. I recommend that you assess your background and situation, and make your own independent decision.

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