PMHNP which school?? Wilkes, EKU

[IndyGypsyNurse, BSN, RN]

Hi All,

I have been contemplating becoming a PMHNP for years and think that I am finally ready to take the plunge back into school. I have been researching on and off for years now but could use some advice. I live in INdianapolis, IN and IU (IUPUI) has a Psych NP program now but the deadline was 2/15 so I missed it and they only admit once a year. I have found some other schools that are distance learning and have more of a rolling admission. EKU and Wilkes are the two that have stood out for me. Can anyone comment on these programs and schools? Is anyone attending them? How is it going? I will admit that I prefer to actually go to school, I am a social learner and do not find Online learning to be particularly fun...I am a bit worried about this. I did my BSN online and did not find that to be enjoyable...all work, no play or connection with others..I really want an enjoyable, progressive, thought provoking experience..any recommendations? Thoughts?

EKU is 46 credits total, no onsite visits

Wilkes is 42 credits total, 3 onsite visits of 3 days per visit (9 days total) located in Wilkes Barre Pa...so theres travel costs, time away from home, etc.

I have 10 years nursing experience to include ER, Maternal Child/womens health, Infusion, Case Management, and have also worked as a Nurse Educator and Clinical Consultant in the Biotech realm. I loved my psych rotation in nursing school and have always wanted to try working in psych. I do not have any dedicated psych experience but psych is everywhere, and I have had personal life experience amongst family members with various psych issues. I find it fascinating and feel it is the underdog of health issues, the things that get swept under the rug. I have always had a love for psychology and psychiatry/Mental health. I would love to be able to work in psych as an RN while going through school, but this may not happen, do you all think I will still be ok? Has anyone else gone through the PMHNP program without having dedicated psych specialty experience?

[IndyGypsyNurse, BSN, RN]

Anyone? Beuller?....Beuller??

[elkpark]

(I just responded to your identical thread.)

[eaorn112]

Hi IndyGypsyNurse

I just saw your thread-not sure when you posted this but I am originally from Indianapolis. I used to work at St. Vincent's on 86th street and then St. Francis in Beech Grove. I did a semester at IUPUI back in the day! I wound up moving to Cincinnati and now am in Texas! lol My husband took a new job here in Texas and is very happy. I have done ER for the last ten years and have some Psych experience. I am transitioning now over to Psych full time and was accepted at EKU's program and I start in 5 weeks. EKU stood out to me because they returned all of my phone calls and were so helpful and friendly. EKU is one class every 8 weeks and seems very manageable. Wilkes never called me back. My situation was a little different- I am transferring from UC's FNP program ( I wasn't to clinicals yet) and many programs discouraged me from changing Master degree programs. But to me- it made perfect sense! The longer I stayed in the FNP program- the more I realized it wasn't what I wanted. Life is too short to spend it pursuing something you don't want to do. Not to mention the costs of school and time. I've heard all the arguments and am convinced I am on the right path. Sorry to divert off the given subject! But I would recommend EKU- they seem to have their act together and it was so easy to apply. Best wishes on your career endeavors! Let me know if I can help!