MEPN 2015

bkz81 · Jan 2, 2015

You'll be interviewed by two people- one faculty member from your specialty, and someone else who is working as a clinical instructor or at a site where UCSF places students. My interviewer worked at a community health center in Marin. We were instructed to arrive at 8, and interviews started at 9. We were given a slip of paper with our interviewers' names. I googled mine on my iphone and found research interests, CVs, and publications on the UCSF website, so I would have something to start talking about.

I'm currently in the MEPN program, and I agree with everything Rhubie has said! MEPN is super tough, but they would not waste time interviewing people who they don't think can handle the work. They know you have the grades, now they want to get to know you.

Here are some questions many of us had:

1. Why nursing and not med school?- this is SUPER common. There are many of us who thought seriously about going into medicine, and our transcripts prove that. If this is you, you'll need to be able to clearly articulate why you are choosing nursing. For me, it was that I want to work in primary care, love community health, spend more time with my patients, and the importance of advocacy (which is integral to nursing, and something we are taught from the first day onward). I also wanted a work-life balance, and I don't think that medicine would afford that. You should also think about the differences between being a RN and NP, and why you're choosing the NP track.

2. Why UCSF?- we all know it is a great school, but what specifically appeals to you? A certain faculty member, a site you're interested in, research/a study you read about, etc.

3. How/why did you choose your specialty?

4. What are some issues in nursing?- I said a rapidly shrinking work force (many of us are approaching retirement age) and lack institutions to keep up with the demand for nurses.

5. How do your current skills translate to nursing?- we all come from non-nursing backgrounds, so it is important to play up your strengths. Basically, any job where you worked in a high-stress environment is helpful. Maybe you didn't work as a paramedic, but you were a waiter in a really busy restaurant? You still had to learn to manage your time, organize supplies, prioritize tasks, calm people down, and work in a complicated hierarchy. Think about what you can already do, and how to take those skills to clinicals and classes.

If you get a curveball, it is ok to be honest and say you don't know! Let me know if you have any more specific questions.

AdamOak · Jan 7, 2015

Hey all, this is my first time joining the thread. My date is the 23rd for the PMHNP track. I haven't heard anything since I got my confirmation letter and am wondering if anyone else has?

elefant3 · Jan 7, 2015

No, but I called recently and was told that there would be two sessions during the day. 8a-12p, and 12p-4p. The person I spoke with said they should be sending out the rest of the info by the end of this week???

tenta · Jan 7, 2015

I just got an email that I'll be part of the morning session from 8am-12pm on the 23rd.

fpjc · Jan 7, 2015

Same here. Afternoon session on the 30th. Anyone else at this time?

elefant3 · Jan 8, 2015

I'm in the morning, 1/30.

AdamOak · Jan 9, 2015

Thanks all, shortly after I posted here I got the email saying I'm in the afternoon on the 23rd.

Easyas123247 · Jan 11, 2015

1. Out of curiosity, what specialties have a year off before enrolling in the second and third year?

2. And, do any students choose to work for a year before enrolling in the graduate program after passing the NCLEX-RN who are not in the question 1 specialty list?

Morning, the 23rd, for me ~

Easyas123247 · Jan 11, 2015

I am questioning because a UCSF non-nursing office, on the phone, mentioned that some MEPN students take a break for one year before attending the graduate school program. If that is true, it differs from the nursing website.

tenta · Jan 12, 2015

1. Out of curiosity, what specialties have a year off before enrolling in the second and third year?
2. And, do any students choose to work for a year before enrolling in the graduate program after passing the NCLEX-RN who are not in the question 1 specialty list?
Morning, the 23rd, for me ~

I know the AG-CNS (and probably the AG-CNS ONC) specialties have a required step out year. In the past when MEPNs were admitted to acute care specialties there were a lot more require step out years. I do know at least two people (both FNP specialty on application) who took a voluntary step out year.

See you the morning of the 23rd!

viksss · Jan 13, 2015

Hi everyone, I'm new here. 2015 MEPN AGNP applicant :)

I just discovered this thread, and am so happy to see i'm not the only one freaking out about the interviews!

I'm also in the US Navy, so kinda curious - Easyas123247 what specialty are you interviewing for?

Also, do you guys happen to know whether they'll arrange the am/pm sessions on the two interview days by specialties, or is it random?

Thanks!

Rhubie_807 · Jan 15, 2015

The interviews are not arranged by specialty. The school interviews local people first and those coming from out of state on the later dates. They're also deciding the time of your interview based on faculty availability. Don't freak out about the interview! Easier said then done, I know.