Hi everyone, I am looking for some advice. I am a RN of 6 years, a 2017 graduate. I have worked full time since passing NCLEX in a variety of settings: med/surg, step-down, SNF/rehab, endoscopy/ outpatient surgery, and ER/Trauma. I've been in the ER the last 3.5 years (4 years in May '24).
I recently applied to BSN-DNP programs at Emory University and Vanderbilt University for their Fall 2024 FNP/ ENP programs. I found out Friday I was denied from both schools. I can't help but feel bummed, and feel like I may never get in to grad school after being denied twice... My sister pointed out that Emory is an Ivy Leavgue school, their acceptance rate is 28%, which I was not aware of. I'm not sure what the acceptance rate is for Vanderbilt.
I am going to post my transcripts with my name removed. My GPA is okay, not the best, not the worst. I'm concerned what may be hurting me is that I did fail a course in Fall '22. I had a lot happening in my personal life with my mother being in the ICU for several weeks, then needing short term dialysis, my own mental health, working full time, and the O. Chem course.. something took the back burner, and unfortunately it was the course. I totally dropped off with school, totally forgot about it. When I received my transcript and saw the F, I was so embarrassed. I did submit a statement with my applications explaining the reasoning behind the F.
While I'm sure failing a course doesn't help, realistically, did I aim too high applying to Vanderbilt? I am certain I was not a great candidate for Emory with their 28% acceptance rate. Should I apply to regular MSN programs, and avoid the BSN-DNP programs? I wasn't given any feedback on my applications for grad school, so I don't know what I can do to make myself a more competitive, appealing applicant.
If anyone has any recommendations for FNP/ ENP programs please let me know.
Transcripts: Blue (ADN degree 2017), White Ohio U (RN-BSN 2020), White Owens Comm. College- misc courses.
Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
Starfish111 said:
And I have to agree with the post that where you attend school is irrelevant. This is absolutely true in the workplace. I've been an NP for >10 years, worked several jobs. Where you attend school is irrelevant unless it's on your company's website for the clinic.
I must disagree. When I graduated from Johns Hopkins, I had multiple job offers. When I went to the interviews over and over I was told "We wanted to talk to you because you went to Hopkins."
As a hiring manager, I do care where new grads went to school. Even for experienced NPs, I check. If they only went to for-profit schools, I pass.
Candidates do not have to go to a top school, Community college for the RN and a state school is fine for the NP. I do not want to see for-profit schools. Sorry, but I have just had a lot of bad experiences with graduates of those schools. If someone went to one for-profit school, I'm OK with that, but I don't want to see every single school being for-profit.
Honestly, why would anyone want to do that? Go to a school that will accept anyone with a pulse? In addition, for-profit schools are often more expensive! That really makes me question someone's judgment - paying extra for a subpar education.
And I am sick of seeing posts on this forum titled something like: what is the fastest and easiest NP Program? We are supposed to be professionals providing quality care, as good as what MDs provide. Do you think future med students are looking for the "fastest, easiest" program?
Hiring managers definitely take notice of schools, especially for new grads. And don't kid yourself - they are going to give first preference to candidates who went to good schools.
Also, the good schools tend to have strong alumni networks. That, along with name recognition are a leg up when looking for jobs.
FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP
2 Articles; 1,950 Posts
I must disagree. When I graduated from Johns Hopkins, I had multiple job offers. When I went to the interviews over and over I was told "We wanted to talk to you because you went to Hopkins."
As a hiring manager, I do care where new grads went to school. Even for experienced NPs, I check. If they only went to for-profit schools, I pass.
Candidates do not have to go to a top school, Community college for the RN and a state school is fine for the NP. I do not want to see for-profit schools. Sorry, but I have just had a lot of bad experiences with graduates of those schools. If someone went to one for-profit school, I'm OK with that, but I don't want to see every single school being for-profit.
Honestly, why would anyone want to do that? Go to a school that will accept anyone with a pulse? In addition, for-profit schools are often more expensive! That really makes me question someone's judgment - paying extra for a subpar education.
And I am sick of seeing posts on this forum titled something like: what is the fastest and easiest NP Program? We are supposed to be professionals providing quality care, as good as what MDs provide. Do you think future med students are looking for the "fastest, easiest" program?
Hiring managers definitely take notice of schools, especially for new grads. And don't kid yourself - they are going to give first preference to candidates who went to good schools.
Also, the good schools tend to have strong alumni networks. That, along with name recognition are a leg up when looking for jobs.