NP Psych: Hard to get into School?

sixty3dayswithSarah, BSN, CNA, RN · May 14, 2011

Hey

I have been a nurse for over ten years, worked in healthcare for over 15... Psych is not like most specialties, my specialty is psych. I can tell you that my application and the application of people that I know that have also gone into advanced practice like myself are all very unique.

I have one friend who had a perfect 4.0, 1100 gre and was wait-listed post interview

another who had 2.98, 890 and was admitted post interview

another 3.0, 1200, no interview accepted.

We all got into the same program. Its a really good school. I think that I was lucky. I was told that I wrote excellent essays, my background gave me a lot of weight to my application (personal background) and I was willing to be open and honest about why I felt I was perfect for this major and this field... Why I am a rock star as my kids would say.

So, if you think that you would make a great Psych NP, apply, because they look at everything, and anyone who really knows anything knows that undergrad grades that are over ten years old are not reflective of what we are capable now! Neither are GRE's, as I stated to the interviewer, I admit, I was stumped on the Geometry- I have not done Geometry since I was in the 8'th grade (20 years ago...) However, I am a damn good psych nurse, did you read the recommendation I got from so-and-so?

Go for it! the worst the can say is not, and btw, I applied to 13 schools for this fall because I was afraid I would get all no's, and I was surprised, I didnt?

Nurich

JacquelineRNpsych · Jun 4, 2011

I would love to know what schools you applied to. It is difficult to find ONLINE Psych RN to MSN programs with a bachelor's in another field. I applied to USA but they denied me stating the nursing program was full. I don't want to wait another year! Any help would be appreciated!

Gailcb · Jun 6, 2011

I've been a psych nurse since 1984 and a Family Psych Np since 2005. I had no trouble getting into the University of Washington School of Nursing Grad Program. Working with under served populations goes far with them. GRE scores not a big deal. Overall a very good program. got my BSN there as well in 1984.

Good luck!

:nurse:

resilientnurse · Aug 3, 2011

I have to agree with kacsper regarding the quality of your application. It is definitely not just about GRE scores and grade point averages. I would wager that Psych NP program professors, who review applications, are looking for the spirit of the inner person and searching to understand their background to learn why they would be good Psych NPs.

My advice: Pick the schools that interest you and put a lot of time and effort in your personal essay. I am generally a fast writer, but I must've sat with my personal essay for at least a month re-reading it and tweeking it every few days with fresh eyes. Good luck to you!

Jules A, MSN · Jun 19, 2016

I have to agree with kacsper regarding the quality of your application. It is definitely not just about GRE scores and grade point averages. I would wager that Psych NP program professors, who review applications, are looking for the spirit of the inner person and searching to understand their background to learn why they would be good Psych NPs.

I actually LOL when I read the title of this old thread. Sadly the above advice although right on back in 2011 at this point for most programs all that is needed is a pen and checkbook. If you can pay the tuition you will find a spot in a program. Psych experience or heck even nursing experience doesn't seem to be of value any longer as it has become acceptable to only have 4 pharm credits and then start prescribing to this most vulnerable population.