Looking for a clinically focused ACNP program

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Specializes in Level II Trauma Center ICU.

Hi all,

I'm applying to several ACNP programs for Fall 2011. My problem is that I really want to attend a program with a strong clinical focus. I've read several posts on this board from NPs who can't read xrays or interpret labs. Several members have replied that NP students must be willing to teach themselves. I don't agree with that. I feel that the institution I pay thousands of $$ for tuition has a responsibility to teach those things. I realize that theory is a required component of all NP programs, but I do not want to attend a program that focuses on theory at the expense of clinical instruction.

So far, I've applied to Vandy, Rush and USA. I'm also looking to apply to UAB, Johns Hopkins, Duke and University of Pennsylvania. I have 7 yrs of ICU experience and I'm graduating with my BSN in May. Any NP grads that can help me with my search?

Thanks so much for your help!!

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

...just based on the schools my ACNP colleagues graduated from and seem to be raving about their respective programs: UCSF, Columbia, Yale, Case Western. I went to a state university in Michigan, not as well known, but I thought it was good as well. Rush has a well known ACNP faculty, Dr. Kleinpell (well published as far as the ICU NP role), Penn has a large NP service in their university hospital, Pittsburgh I hear is also very good, somebody who posts here is attending that program.

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Specializes in Level II Trauma Center ICU.

Thanks so much Juan. I had initially looked at UCSF when I began my ACNP search. It looks amazing but I'm a single parent living in IN. I'm willing to relocate but I felt that would be too far away from family to take my kids:(.

Thanks again for your input!

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Specializes in Registered Nurse.

CCRN Diva,

I'm posting my reponse to your PM here since I don't have enough posts to send a PM apparently. Hope this helps!

Hi,The only fellowship I know of at MD is for doctoral students- are you in a graduate program now? Maryland has a BSN to doctorate program that takes about 4 years. I did my undergrad at MD as well so I didn't come from an outside school however many people I went to school with did. I've heard MD does take their own first but plenty of students from other schools get accepted. I would advise getting excellent recommendations from people such as nurse managers, charge nurse, professors, etc. I've been told they view doctor's recommendations as less "valuable" when compared to recommendations from nurses. I've loved the ACNP program- it's tough but totally worth it in my opinion! Let me know if you have any other questions!

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I know you're looking for something clinically intensive but since you live in IN have you considered USI? They are the only ACNP program in IN that I know of.

EDIT: I take that back, IUPUI has an ACNP program, probably a pretty good one too but I am not familiar with them.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

IUPUI has one...but I know the OP, she already started an ACNP program at another institution.

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Haha, guess I should have looked at the date on the OP

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Specializes in Level II Trauma Center ICU.

Yes, I am currently enrolled in an ACNP program. I am looking to supplement my program with a fellowship after graduation though.

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Hi,

did you get accepted to johns jopkins?? I read ur post and and somewhere felt sad when you said you were denied for a couple of times:(.

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