How much experience is needed to get into ELMSN/Direct Entry MSN programs?

[eminthesr]

Hi All,

I will be graduating from a University this spring with a B.S. in Human Development. I have a 3.7 cumulative GPA and my science GPA is a 3.4 (I am taking Micro right now and I'll be taking anatomy next quarter, so I'm hoping to get that GPA up to a 3.5-3.6 if possible). I received B-s in both quarters of chemistry, so that really screwed up my GPA.

Anyway, I have planned on going to an ABSN program since I decided to go to nursing school. However, after talking with RNs and volunteering, I realize that I don't think I would like floor nursing. My passions are in public health, women's health, neonatal and perinatal. I've heard that these areas are particularly hard to get into and that is discouraging.

Now I am considering going directly into an ELMSN program. What kind of experience will I need? I have volunteered in OB/GYN, Radiology, and the Recovery Room. I also volunteer for a clinic at a hospital that is for women with post partum depression, and I call patients each week to check on them. I have extensive leadership experience, and I also have experience with infants (age 6mos - 24 mos) and I have worked part time all through college.

Does anyone have any advice? I am afraid that my age (21) and the fact that I am not a ccareer changer may hinder my chances of getting in.

Thank you for any help.

[hopefulnurse24]

Not much advice to offer, but I'm currently applying to schools and I am in a similar boat as you with regards to age and experience. With your grades and extracurricular experience, I think your chances are good. I don't think it matters that you're not a career changer - some of these schools ONLY offer ELMSN programs for nursing (Vanderbilt and Yale immediately come to mind). I too, have wondered if my age will hinder me, but I just worked hard on gaining extensive experience in the community with diverse populations and in the health care setting, leadership experience, and also gaining experience in the specialty I'm interested in, because I believe that's crucial in regards to writing a strong statement of purpose and proving that you've done your research on specialties.

Finding a direct entry program that offers the NNP is actually really difficult, however... not many schools offer that as a direct entry option. Marquette, Northeastern and UPenn are the first 3 that I can think of off the top of my head, but UPenn makes you take time off in any critical care specialty that they offer... so it's only direct entry in the sense that you only have to apply once and you automatically get in. I think the other two just have you work while you are in the masters portion of the program.