StudentPNP

Hi! I am an LCSW/RN. I currently work in Developmental/Behavioral Peds. I think you have gotten good advise to try to work in a job that more closely resembles what you believe your want to do. If possible find someone who has your "dream job" and shadow them if you can, and at the least interview them about their days. If you can find a few people to talk to, even better. While there are a variety educational paths to becoming a therapist, they are all long and demanding. As a social worker, you have to complete a masters program and then work under supervision for 2 years before you can practice. PMHNP programs will focus more on medication management, but some may have more of a therapeutic focus depending on the program and preceptors. Each state has requirements for private practice, so if this is something you want to do, check out the requirements in your state before embarking on any program. Being a therapist is satisfying, but therapists also often suffer from burnout, similar to nursing. You may find that the work suits you, and if so, go for it! I just suggest doing all you can to best understand the work before you begin a new program. Good Luck!!

Hi! I completed the program in December. Overall, I was happy with the program, and felt prepared for NCLEX and work as an RN. the online program does not provide the same level of support as the in person classes, but I also have a family and I worked throughout my program, so I really appreciated the remote courses. The clinical schedule is intense though, especially during the 3rd and 4th semesters. I think it is a good program for anyone who is very self-directed and motivated. You will have to be a good self-advocate and be very comfortable learning independently and speaking up for yourself if there is anything you need. Feel free to PM me if you have more specific questions. Good luck!

This is YOUR life. 5 years is a long time to "suck it up". If you really want the degree, then of course it will be worth hard work and sacrifice, and then the work experience you will gain will be worthwhile, even if not perfect. As others have said, NP programs are difficult because students need to be WELL prepared to be NP's - it is a lot of information and a lot of responsibility. No one can make this decision for you. You need to think about your own life, your family and other responsibilities. You are not crazy to be thinking carefully about this. This is a big decision and will impact you for a long, long time! But, it is not the only option - there are always opportunities, and letting one go, does not mean you will not have another. Trust your instincts and you will make a decision that you will be happy with!

I did everything online at Portage, even labs, and had no problem. I worked at my own pace, and it was affordable. Credits come from Geneva college in Pennsylvania. I got accepted into an ABSN program at Loyola, and I felt prepared. Check with your nursing program.

Hello, Anyone out there attending St. Louis University MSN-NP program? I am interested in this program, and would love any insight/ information about the school. Thank you! Deborah

Anyone in an MSN-NP program at St. Louis University? I am looking at a program there that looks like it would work really well for me, but I have not heard anything about the school. I am interested in any student experiences.

Hi Parknursing, I just tried to send you a message. Not sure if it worked, but I am happy to answer your questions if I can. Feel free to write me, or post them. Good Luck!!

If you are a good student, I think you should go for it. I took AP 1 and 2, microbiology, stats, chemistry and nutrition all online, mostly at Portage. One thing that helped me was that everything is self-paced. You might consider taking the microbiology course now online, and then you will be able to finish it by the summer and not have to double up. I started in May and completed 22 credits by October while working full time and parenting 2 kids. I was busy, but got all A's and it was completely possible. I am now enrolled in an ABSN program, and while I do find that I need to review some physiology for my pathophysiology course, I feel prepared and am doing well in my classes. You are not destined to fail!

I took almost all my prerequisites at Portage and had a great experience (also working full time). I took nutrition at Rochester online as well. I am now in ABSN program and had no difficulty with these credits. Good Luck!

Hi. I am in the current cohort of the hybrid program. The program is new and so we do not know yet what our clinical schedule will be. This semester we go to campus for lab one evening per week (Tuesday or Thursday), and then for our exams, which are typically during the day on Wednesdays. We will start clinicals this summer and have been told that they can be any shift, any day, anywhere. The school is attempting to develop all new clinical sites for the hybrid program. I imagine as the program grows things will change a bit. Overall, I have been really pleased with the program and the level of support from Loyola. That said, all courses are online, so this program requires a great deal of independence, good study skills and time management. They recommend that you do not work, as it is a full time program, however many students do work some hours and/or balance family responsibilities. Good luck to everyone attending in the fall!

Yes, I am. How exciting!

Congratulations!! Me too - starting next month!

Hi, I completed AP I and II this summer/fall, and earned A's in both courses. The lab exams are open note, so I took detailed notes as I watched the labs (often repeated and pausing). I wrote down everything that was on any slide with notes as well. The study questions were very useful, and I found focusing on that material was the most helpful way to prepare for exams. The exam questions are detailed, but are pretty straight forward, so memorizing was essential, particularly for AP I. I used lots of pnuemonics. I found AP II a little less time consuming, with the exception of the unit on the nervous system. For the final, the questions are very similar to the exam questions, so I found that reviewing the pre-test and the unit tests to be really helpful preparation for the final. Good Luck!

I received mine this morning too. Hopefully we will find out tomorrow!

Yes. I have a Loyola ID and link to LOCUS. I am able to sign in, but there is no information about my application or status. My status still says submitted. Did you receive the email and ID today?

Blueskies - thank you and congrats on your acceptance!! When I look at my application, there is a Loyola ID there now, but no status change. So, hopefully I will learn something tomorrow (fingers crossed!)

I have a question for those accepted. Did you receive an email of acceptance? I have completed my application and got an email that my application was reviewed and that I should check my status, but my application status has not changed. Not sure what this means.

I have a question for those accepted. Did you receive an email of acceptance? I have completed my application and just got an email about a status change, but my application status has not changed. Not sure what this means. Feeling pretty nervous....

It is not easy, but it is clear and if you work the problems you will be prepared for exams. I thought it was really manageable.

I took statistics. I really liked the course. It was straightforward, and completing the problems prepares you very well for the exams.

Hello MK, I received your message, but when I tried to write back, I could not. I am new on this forum, and I think I have not been active enough. I am so glad to hear that you are looking into new things and feeling optimistic. I am in the Chicago area. All hospitals here are seeking both MD and NP in DB Peds. Wait list for appointments are close to one year. There is a serious shortage of providers for this population. The director of the LEND program here is a very talented Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician, and a lovely person. She would welcome an inquiry, and I would encourage you to contact her with questions. I do not think that I can include any personal information or an email address through this forum, but you can find her at the UIC LEND program. I wish you the very best of luck, and hope you will keep me posted about your journey!

Hello, You ARE an NP - you are just not an experienced NP, that will only come with time and training. Stick with what you love, and find a place that will support you with the skill set you have and help you grow. I do not know where you live, but I do know that there is a serious shortage of Dev Peds providers. In my area there is a post-graduate LEND fellowship program that is accepting applications and provides additional training in this specialty, they seek people for clinical and research positions. LEND is a national program and may be worthwhile to look into.

I was told that I have to finish prerequisites before I will receive any admissions decision. I had to re-take almost all prerequisites, as my previous coursework was out of date. My understanding is that the winter cohort has not been completely filled, and decisions are still being made. I am still optimistic about admission - but trying to hurry up and submit my transcript. Congratulations to those who have been accepted!!

Hi! I just got an email from CheckMarq - I think that is a positive thing... Anyone else hear anything or know anything about the CheckMarq email?

Hi All, I just submitted my application for January. I'd love to hear how it is going for you all who started last month. Also, anyone out there who plans to start in January?