I'm trying to think ahead and gather as many details on the potential pros/cons for attending each of the schools listed above for those of us in the direct entry 2016 cohort. I'm sure many of us are looking at similar programs. Consequently, i was thinking it would be beneficial to open up a dialogue where we can collectively discuss our thought processes behind preferring, and ultimately, choosing one program over the other. Perhaps through our posts, we can shed light on concerns and perks behind attending certain institutions which can inform our decision making as we navigate this process :)
For me, some of my biggest concerns are:
- attrition rate, student happiness, life balance during the program, overall satisfaction with the program (general feel of the nursing student body at each respective institution (i.e., how collaborative, friendly, or not, each one seems to be), student and faculty support, significance of graduating with a BSN/MSN vs RN/MSN, how quickly most MSN grads find NP jobs post-graduation, cost of city living, among other things.
Please share your thoughts or knowledge on any/all of these :)
This thread is great! I am currently deciding between UCSF and Columbia and cannot decide!! Here are my thoughts on each program:
Columbia:
Pros: You come out with a DNP. I've been talking to many NP's and reading articles (like this one: https://www.aanp.org/images/documents/publications/doctorofnursingpractice.pdf). We may eventually need a DNP degree, so it seems like a major plus that Columbia offers that. Also, it's an IVY league school. It is ranked #4 as a whole university and #11 for their nursing program.
Cons: Large classes & the dropout rate mentioned in the thread above. Also, I have no idea where I would live.
UCSF:
Pros: Small class & extremely reputable program. Program is extremely promising. Ranked #2 for the nursing program.
Cons: Does not offer DNP
If anyone has more pros/cons i would LOVE to hear them. I am having a really tough time deciding!
I am so glad you posted this! Honestly, I am having the EXACT same concerns. I would love to connect with you and talk because the DNP is a huge draw for me. I really would love to just complete this all in one go and be done with it in 4 years.
@FutureNPisME i tried responding to your private message but it won't let me respond for some reason! Are you a part of the Facebook UCSF MEPN group? If so, you can find me on there!
@juffy358 - in terms of being able to find a job as an RN with just ("just" haha) an MSN, to my knowledge that's generally not an issue. I currently work at a hospital where many of the new hire RNs come from masters-entry programs, so all they have is a BA/BS in something other than nursing and an MSN. Of course this is going to vary state to state and hospital to hospital, but just know that it's not going to affect your chances across the board. At some hospitals it makes you more competitive!
Ok now that I have heard back from a couple more schools, I think my decision is down to OHSU and Vanderbilt (CNM). Any of you have any insight?? For a long time my first choice has been OHSU, but now that I've been learning more about Vanderbilt and talking to current students I almost find myself leaning towards there. I'll have a pretty tough decision to make in the next couple weeks...
I was a direct entry student and selected Yale, because it was ranked highly in my specialty and has great name recognition...but please beware of Yale. They mislead people, make promises that they cannot/ won't keep, and when you ask for a meeting- they will push you off- essentially denying the meeting. Direct entry programs are expensive, even with scholarships, please be careful with which program you select because once you are in, you are stuck and they do not tend to "take care of their own." Learn from my errors and best of luck to all of you!
Hi @doulalala I just got accepted into the FNP program at Yale. I’m interested in learning how your experience was and what you are up to now. For some reason, I’m unable to send a message. Can you see if you can send me one?
Hi @doulalala I just got accepted into the FNP program at Yale. I’m interested in learning how your experience was and what you are up to now. For some reason, I’m unable to send a message. Can you see if you can send me one?
You can't send her a private message until you have at least 15 posts on the site and they are required to be "quality" posts, not just one word answers. Also, don't expect an answer, as she has not been on the site since she posted back in 2017.
@juffy358 - in terms of being able to find a job as an RN with just ("just" haha) an MSN, to my knowledge that's generally not an issue. I currently work at a hospital where many of the new hire RNs come from masters-entry programs, so all they have is a BA/BS in something other than nursing and an MSN. Of course this is going to vary state to state and hospital to hospital, but just know that it's not going to affect your chances across the board. At some hospitals it makes you more competitive!
Where do you work? I am deciding between Vandy and OHSU right now. I am nervous about not getting a BSN at Vandy, but am unsure how that will realistically affect my chances at getting a job. It sounds like the new RNs (and NPs?) at your hosptial don't necessarily all have a BSN, but they have their MSN? I know I want to work in a multidisciplinary setting in the future, probably a clinic, but could be interested in acute care work. I am going to be a PMHNP.
Did anyone from this thread get into a program and want to share some insights? I am applying to Yale, UCSF, SU, and I didn't apply to Vandy and Penn this year but most likely will next year if I don't get in this time around.
FutureNPisMe
50 Posts
I am so glad you posted this! Honestly, I am having the EXACT same concerns. I would love to connect with you and talk because the DNP is a huge draw for me. I really would love to just complete this all in one go and be done with it in 4 years.