Calling all UPenn NNP Students/Graduates

[Thenewnicunurse]

I have been looking at UPenn's NNP Program since it is one of the few exclusive NNP programs out there. To those who have been accepted, what do you think helped you stand out? GPA, GRE, certifications, work experience, committees, research?

[babyNP., APRN]

What do you mean by "exclusive NNP" programs? There are about 38 NNP programs right now in the US.

[Thenewnicunurse]

21 hours ago, babyNP. said:

What do you mean by "exclusive NNP" programs? There are about 38 NNP programs right now in the US.

I mean programs that specifically cater to NNPs. I am aware that there are more, but I did say UPENN is one of the few, compared to hundreds of other specialty NP programs out there.

[NICURNSF]

I believe work experience is one of the biggest determining factors.  Have you worked in a level IV NICU, had delivery room experience, taken on any leadership roles if you only have a few years experience?  Then after experience, I think grades matter.  If you have tons of experience I think they matter less but if you are applying with only a few years of experience then I believe grades matter a lot.  Research, committees, certifications are all icing on the cake I believe.  UPenn offers many webex admission events for the NNP and Pediatric MSN Programs and they touch on this a bit.  I believe my experience, GPA, and essays (they spoke a lot about the importance of your admission essays) were what got me in.  But if I had to point to something I would say mostly my experience (10 years all NICU, 6 years Level IV, 4 years Level III) was what got me in.  Best of luck to you!  You do not need to wait 10 years like I did to apply but I would recommend at least 4-6 NICU years and some delivery room and some Level IV experience if you can.

[Thenewnicunurse]

On 12/9/2020 at 5:41 PM, NICURNSF said:

I believe work experience is one of the biggest determining factors.  Have you worked in a level IV NICU, had delivery room experience, taken on any leadership roles if you only have a few years experience?  Then after experience, I think grades matter.  If you have tons of experience I think they matter less but if you are applying with only a few years of experience then I believe grades matter a lot.  Research, committees, certifications are all icing on the cake I believe.  UPenn offers many webex admission events for the NNP and Pediatric MSN Programs and they touch on this a bit.  I believe my experience, GPA, and essays (they spoke a lot about the importance of your admission essays) were what got me in.  But if I had to point to something I would say mostly my experience (10 years all NICU, 6 years Level IV, 4 years Level III) was what got me in.  Best of luck to you!  You do not need to wait 10 years like I did to apply but I would recommend at least 4-6 NICU years and some delivery room and some Level IV experience if you can.

Thanks so much for getting back to me. I ended up getting accepted!! ?

[NICURNSF]

That's awesome!  Are you Full-time and start this Summer 2021?

[Thenewnicunurse]

Thanks! I am part-time and already started

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Moved to Student NP forum