DaVinciCat

Thank you so much for this! My long term goal is to become a Psych NP, and my current background is a masters in psych and psychiatry research work experience at UCSD, VA, and UCLA. I have been told it is not smart to disclose the intention of becoming an advanced practice nurse and that the statement of purpose and letters of rec need to be general. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Hi there, @Nyandika! I have a similar question. I am hoping to apply to this Fall for PMHNP, and am unsure of how my experience will compare. If you don't mind, I would love to hear your thoughts. I have my masters in Psychology, and have worked in research for 3 years. I volunteered in a UCLA Psychiatry lab researching HIV and marijuana, doing neuropsych assessments. Then, I was hired onto a UCSD Psychiatry study that involved diagnosing mood disorders, and worked with a Psychiatrist and Geneticist. I now manage a research study at the VA hospital in La Jolla that involves diagnosis, neuropsych assessment, and providing individual therapy and coordinating care with MDs and NPs. My direct supervisor is a Psychologist and the Mental Health Section Chief. I have experience leading self-care classes for women transitioning out of homelessness, group therapy for women struggling with domestic violence, and bedside activities for inpatient veterans with Delirium. In the past I have worked as a coordinator for a busy primary care office. I also have presented a few psychiatry research posters at nationwide conferences. I'm wondering if this experience and background, and good GPA will be enough to outweigh my low GRE scores. Any thoughts?