Brandman University DNP

kansas1234 · Nov 28, 2012

I just got accepted to the program...I will be attending in January....

For Rich all I heard is great things about this school....

Good luck to everyone who is seeking admission....

Sally Ann

trinarn94 · Nov 29, 2012

So kacsper:

How is it going so far. I just graduated with an MSN in Nursing Administration from CSUDH and I wanted to apply for fall or spring 2013 admission. I would be doing the PMHNP program.

kansas1234 · Dec 3, 2012

I 'm getting ready to go to Calif. in Jan. for my first 4 day session. Will be traveling with my twin sister who will drop me off when the program starts and pick me up after it ends...

I heard great spirits about everything that will go on...

Sally Ann

trinarn94 · Dec 4, 2012

So Sally Ann:

I had responded to kacsper because it sounded like (a bunch of threads back) that he was starting right away (a year or more ago), but now that I've read through all the threads it sounds like he's rethinking his options. I just finished my MSN and want a break before I start, so I'll be applying the next application period. What specialty are you doing? I live in Southern CA so it's only a couple of hours drive, or I can save mileage and fly. I've been also looking at programs in other parts of the US, but it sort of makes sense to do a program that's a little closer to home. Did you apply to other DNP programs?

LPN2RN2BSN2MSN · Dec 4, 2012

Does anyone know how to change your screen name? Looks like I won't be going from LPN2RN2BSN2MSN but instead I'll be going straight to DNP! I'm looking forward to meeting you all in January. Heads up to all you new Brandman DNP enrollees, school starts on a Sunday. See you there.

perioddrama · Dec 4, 2012

Does anyone know how to change your screen name? Looks like I won't be going from LPN2RN2BSN2MSN but instead I'll be going straight to DNP!

See this: https://allnurses.com/frequently-asked-questions/can-we-change-782645.html

kansas1234 · Dec 5, 2012

I applied to 5 other schools and did get accepted to all 5. I was offered 4 grants from 4 of the schools and that is free tuition... Free doesn't always mean good.... I

will let you know how things go in a few months when things get rolling.

Sally Ann

kansas1234 · Feb 15, 2013

So far so good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sally Ann

DNP-SSD · Mar 27, 2013

I am a FNP currently enrolled in the post MSN-DNP program. I chose the PMHNP option, which Brandman calls is "adding" a specialty. Think very carefully before enrolling. The school is neither good, nor bad. As someone said previously, you'll get what you put into it.

1. On average, I spend 20 hours a week in between reading assignments, writing papers, responding to comments posted on discussion boards, etc. Some students spend less time, others spend more. Your choice. Once I make a commitment, I give it my best shot, whether I like it or not. No sense wasting time and money. No half measures here.

2. You are required to be employed while you are a student. Your assignments require you to have access to patients.

3. Yes, many classes/assignments seem like a waste of time. Somebody designed them with some required requisites for the DNP in mind. Senseless? Yes. Required? I suppose. A bunch of PhD/doctoral-types got together and came up with the minimum requirements for 'doctorally-prepared' nurse practitioners, so we follow those requirement. But hey, I felt the same way about "Nursing Diagnosis" while I was studying to be a nurse, and I still have to learn them, and use them. Something to do with the "LANGUAGE OF NURSING" in order to be a truly recognized discipline, we must have our own language. Again, doctoral-speak. Cant fight them.

4. Clinicals: You will be required to complete 32 hours a week (YES!). This will be accomplished while you do your readings for the concurrent class associated with the clinicals, as well as maintaining your work obligations, family affairs, showering, et al. NOT doable, IMHO.

5. I had to move my clinicals to the end of my Ed Plan. SNaHP not happy but if they had mandated that I keep the schedule with the clinicals in the middle, I would have dropped from program. I am planning on taking a leave of absence from work, and it is possible that they will fire me instead. So I couldn't afford to take that chance, since I need access to my worksite in order to complete the dissertation project. YES, you will be doing both things at same time.

6. One class per 8 week is usually the format, but oftentimes you are required to take two classes at the same time. NOT doable for me, as I work full time, and have family obligations that cannot be relegated until the end of the program. Kids would be grown up by then.

7. Online format allows for doing the school work at any time: a plus when we are too busy and cannot commute to and from school several times a week/month.

8. You will meet lots of other nursing professionals that will give and receive support from you! That is priceless.

9. Program could be better organized. Likely due to fact that all professors have full time work elsewhere, and no one on particular give the program their all? That is my guess-timation, not corroborated in any shape, way or form.

10. I will graduate. I will get my DNP and I will be a psych NP.

DNP-SSD · Mar 27, 2013

I forgot to mention, in re to being accepted into program, I only applied to this school since it offered the mental health option in an online format, and the cost was way more reasonable then the University of San Diego (my alma mater): a great school but I didn't want to fight traffic, parking, and having to attend campus 2-4 times a week; i have no time for that! I got accepted faster than I had imagined, and had not prepared mentally for the challenges. That was, in hindsight, probably a good thing. Currently in the middle of my fourth class out of 13.... If you were accepted, congratulations. Get your affairs in order, hire some help, or a clone and enjoy!

trinarn94 · Mar 28, 2013

DNP-SSD

Thank you for your very informative review of Brandman's PMHNP Program. It looks like that is the route I will be taking. Although I hear the difficulty in your message, it sounds like it will be the only option for me. My only other choice is to wait until I'm retired and go to USD at that time (that doesn't make a lot of sense, now does it?). I interviewed at USD last week and the professor I interviewed with told me in no uncertain terms that I would not make it if I tried to work fulltime. I believe they will be accepting me for their fall, 2013 start date (should hear 04-10), but I just can't stop working all together right now. My husband is retired and I'm the primary support right now, as well as responsible for carrying our health insurance (although he could get Medicare if he wanted to). To make matters worse, I don't work in clinical nursing. I work in managed care (insurance) as a case manager and my job is being eliminated probably by July. I am interviewing for positions, so I won't be a long-time employee by the time I will need to ask for LOA to do clinical. On a positive note, I expect I'll be working in a hospital or large healthcare system, so I'll have access to patient experiences, but not necessarily psych. Why do they ask you when you apply to list 5 places where you could do your psych clinical? I just assumed they would be helping to arrange for that. Anyway, I'm in a quandary, but know I can't stop working altogether and just go to school as I've got bills to pay (not to mention tuition). So we shall see. Thanks again.

Trina

STL nurse · Aug 13, 2013

Hi Sally Ann,

I will be starting the acute care BSN-DNP in Jan. and have some questions. I see that you already are a NP, how do find the program to be going? When you received your NP was it also online? Any feedback would be great!

Thanks!