NHavenRN

I found that by working as an RN while I was completing the program I didn't have any trouble finding a job; no one I interviewed with had a problem that it was part-time as opposed to full-time nursing work. I also didn't face any trouble with the fact I didn't earn a BSN through my program. I know it's strange, but I think Yale has some sort of irrational reason why it can't offer a BSN (partly related to the fact that it doesn't have an undergrad program, and all undergraduates are Yale College students...and the nursing school and Yale College and completely separate entities).

As core0 mentioned I'm sure it does depend on your state...but I can speak to the fact that most of the preceptors for my WHNP program were actually FNPs, so I think it must be more common for NPs working in OB/GYN to be FNPs than WHNPs. That being said, the students in my school's FNP program felt like they didn't get nearly enough WH clinical experience, so if you know you want to do only WH after graduating then you might feel more prepared with a WHNP program. I was also concerned with the limitations of a WHNP-only program, which is why I chose a program that educates its WHNPs as ANPs as well...I may be a bit less marketable than an FNP, but ultimately didn't have any trouble finding a first job as an ANP and WHNP. Good luck with whatever path you choose!

Having never worked in an ER, I can't speak to the comparative risks, but I can speak to the fact that a dirty stick can happen anywhere. My first (and only so far - knock on wood!!) stick - as a student nurse, no less - was on a med/surg unit, in a situation pretty similar to a previous poster's story. She was an unresponsive patient, and I was stabilizing her arm for another nurse to get a stat blood draw while the rest of the rapid response team made it up to the floor. When her muscle contracted, even though the arm itself didn't move, the needle flew out of her arm and into my hand. Since she's a known HIV/HCV patient at least I didn't have to hesitate about the cost/benefit of heading to the ER (since it was after hours) and starting PEP. I thought I had been doing all I could to avoid a stick - following all the precautions - and yet I was stuck. I felt pretty paralyzed for a couple weeks - and the s/e of the meds were definitely unpleasant - but I actually think it's been a good thing for me; strangely, it ultimately bolstered my confidence to continue what I was doing, since I had made it through the thing that I had been fearing so much with my determination to become a nurse intact.

I bought a review book (Princeton Review, I think), did the CD of test questions the testing co. sent me, and used my hubbie's vocab flash cards (from when he'd taken the GRE a few years before - he just made them from a long list of words he found in a review book). I didn't spend too long studying - I think two weeks after work, plus some time on weekends. Good luck!

I'm not sure my experience would be representative for everyone else...but I held two per diem jobs the summer through the end of fall semester of my last MSN year, and then 3 per diem jobs the last (spring) semester. I actually took the 3rd job because even with two casual positions, I wasn't working as much as I wanted (despite being a full-time student!). Ironically, after accepting the third per diem position, we lost a few nurses at one of my other jobs, so I was suddently more in demand...but all in all it was nice, I was able to work as much as I wanted with free time for midterms/finals when I needed it.

Mae16 - I wouldn't worry too much about what other people think; honestly, the only time I've ever come across hostility based on my coming from a DE program is here (which...just a thought...could be why there aren't a ton of DE grads frequenting this board...?) Also, I graduated from a program that has been around for about 30 years, so not all DE programs are brand new...and that could definitely be contributing to the response I get from employers and other clinicians, since I'm staying here in the New England area - there has been plenty of time since the program started for our grads to enter the work force and prove themselves. And it of course helps to live in an area where there is already greater utilization of the NP role. I definitely agree that getting in touch with grads from your school or other schools in your area would be the way to go to figure out what the job market will be like, if you're planning on staying there when you graduate.

You know, I can't really speak to what the market's like for someone from a school with a different "rep" as mine, since I haven't had that experience. I did go to a school with a recognizable name, and felt like there was a response to that name when I was in the room with various interviewers, but I can't say that I wouldn't have had as just as many offers - given all other things being equal - if I'd gone to a different school. I was looking to work in MA, so that's where my job search experience was - can't speak much to other areas unfortunately!

I second those above. We only treat MRSA infections; colonizations just get placed on contact precautions but not treatment.

I should clarify that I definitely agree with the everyone stating the fact that one is under no obligation at all to share this info with an employer, and that it's illegal to be asked. But once I started to look pregnant, I thought I might as well share it up front, and use the interviewer's response as a screen of sorts for how they might be as an employer. Also, for each of the places where I was offered positions, I wouldn't yet have been eligible for paid leave, but each did honor the FMLA, allowing for unpaid leave while keeping my position open for me until my return. btw - FMLA only applies to employers with, I think, more than 50 employees; in smaller practices or clinics, they either can make their own rules or, if your state has its own medical leave act to fill this legal hole, will need to follow these rules.

As a very recent (hmm...one week?) grad from a direct-entry program, I was a little worried about finding a job when I finished - mostly due to being a new grad in general, as opposed to being a direct-entry new grad. As an NP, I knew I'd be looking for positions in smaller practices and clinics, places that don't necessarily have the same structures in place for orienting brand-new clinicians, the way, say, hospitals hiring new grad nurses do. As such, it was a huge relief to find that there were plenty of practices out there happy to hire someone in my position. I certainly wasn't called to interview for every position I applied for - upon following up I learned that most just weren't looking for a new grad - but was lucky enough to be offered a job for every position I was called to interview for (int. med. practices, specialty practices, and community health centers). As such, I was able to turn down a few offers that weren't quite right for what I was looking for, and just accepted a really wonderful postition doing, pretty much, exactly what I was hoping to do as an NP. In general, I didn't face much concern about the fact that I came from a direct-entry program...but most interviewers did seem pleased with the fact that I'd worked as a nurse on a med/surg floor while I was completing the NP curriculum, so for people considering this sort of a program, I would definitely advise working throughout the program as an RN - not only does it help immeasurably with developing your skills, but it also definitely makes you more hireable once you graduate. Other grads from my program were hired right away by hospitals and clinics (depending on their specialty), with several being hired by their preceptors' practices. Of course, there are still plenty of people still looking for the right position, but my impression has been that it can just be tough getting interviews as a new grad at all, combined with the fact that most of my classmates are holding out for that "perfect" job. That's just my experience though - I'd love to hear from other DE grads as well!

I had just started to show when I interviewed for a great position - while I could have chosen not to mention it (since they didn't know what I looked like before the pregancy) I decided to bring it up anyhow, in the context of asking about their maternity leave policy. The interviewer was actually really great and thanked me for letting her know; I then was asked back for a second interview and eventually got the job. For myself, I rationalized telling them up front based on the fact that I just wanted to get it out of the way, and that if they responded poorly it would be a good indication that it might not be a place I'd want to work anyways.

I just graduated from the ANP program (woohoo!!) - while there were pluses and minuses, in general, I've been happy with my experience there. Feel free to PM me with more Qs!

kangaroo - I worked as an SNA (student nurse assistant) for a year before completing the RN part of the program, then immediately began a position as a GN (then RN) 24/wk on the same floor. Honestly, I was luckier than some in that I was able to find these positions right away; it took some others a little longer to find a floor willing to hire and train someone who wouldn't be around for long, but ultimately I don't know anyone who wasn't able to find a position that provided what they were looking for. Feel free to PM me if there's any other info I could help you with!

I'm in school full time and worked 24 hours a week for about 2 semesters before it got to be too much for me. I still managed to get good grades but felt like I was going crazy and was tired all the time. I moved to a per diem position in the same job (so I can work more the weeks when I want to, and not at all when I need to), and have been much happier ever since! Basically, everyone I know who's still in my program either started off per diem or have needed to drop to per diem in order to stay full time as students and keep their sanity.

Hi Tanya - congrats on getting into both programs! As a YSN student finishing up their program right now, I have to say that actually, New Haven is exceptionally diverse. Much of CT is NOT, but New Haven - and actually, most of the urban areas in CT - are pretty significantly economically depressed and have Caucasian minority populations. As a student, I've had clinical rotations in community health - with very economically disadvantaged populations - and in the local jail. And if you have an interest specifically in working with immigrant populations, there are many clinical sites located in immigrant-dense communities, including one fabulous community health center right here in the Fair Haven neighborhood of New Haven. So...if you're looking for diversity in your clinical sites, you'll definitely get that here, particularly if you ask for it (and are persistent! as with anything at YSN). Now, as far as I know there may be other issues with the FNP program here (though I probably shouldn't speak to it, since I'm in another track) but lack of patient diversity should not be one of them. Good luck with wherever you end up - it sounds like both locations should definitely be able to provide what you're looking for!!

Hi ladies - congrats on your admissions! I'm about to finish the program (as crazy as that is to say) and came across this thread, and so just wanted to offer some quick advice about the Anatomy class... I too had had some Anatomy coursework way back when (a few years before going back to school) and so was going to take the class, but I swear, after the first couple weeks, I really needed that day off to study, sleep, etc (since otherwise you either have class or clinical 5 days a week). Since they left the option of passing out with the challenge exam open for a few weeks into the semester, I didn't have to make the decision right away, but was SO glad I did. The med/surg course is pretty great, so I didn't feel like I was missing out - plus, I'd just reviewed it all for the exam! So...if you're considering the challenge exam because of at least a tiny bit of Anatomy in the past - I'd say to go for it. Good luck!

I have to disagree with that statement - not to get personal, but because I see it as fundamental to the difference between those pro- and those anti-Plan B (and/or other medical issues...). I specifically don't feel its right for anyone to tell - or legislate - what anyone else can do with their body and their lives, considering the issue under debate has been approved by the FDA as safe and effective from a medical perspective. And I see that view as very distinct from the statement above. Again, I'm not trying to flame anyone either, I just wanted to clarify what for me is the foundation for how I view most of these issues.

lilpeanut - thank you, thank you, thank you for your statements. i've tried to respond a couple of times, but i get so frustrated and long-winded i give up... i suppose i'm lucky, i haven't actually encountered nearly the negativity in the real world regarding my de education that i have here on these boards. maybe it helps that this particular de program has been around for about 30 years, so the nursing community in the area has had the chance to get used to us, and to see that we’re not all terrible practitioners after all…? i’m about 9 months short of finishing my de program; i've only received stellar feedback throughout, both from classroom and clinical instructors, and in my first 8 months as a new grad med-surg rn (where i'm working part-time while finishing the program full-time) the support and feedback from both managers and patients has also been overwhelmingly positive. ditto for most of my classmates, and ditto for most of the nps i know who have recently graduated and are practicing - as nps. these programs bring together extremely motivated, bright people, who have an amazing capacity for excellence. actually, i’ve had several graduates of our de program as clinical instructors and professors in the program, and i swear, they’re better teachers than even many of the physicians that are brought in to teach us. okay, i’m cutting this short now before giving myself the opportunity to ramble on again; just wanted to throw my opinion in with “de programs don’t all endanger the public” side of the discussion. thanks.

Umm....what exactly do you mean by that? I didn't heard anything in cardiacRN's statement that demanded anything of you and your body. To add to the discussion regarding women using Plan B as "birth control" as being judged as irresponsible: there is also a significant population of women who aren't able to get effective BC (that is, more effective than condoms - e.g., the pill) because of potential health contraindications - I've seen tons of women denied an OCP rx because of, say, high BP on a given day, or because they're over 35 and smoke a few cigarettes a day; however, most of these women can safely take EC. So to second what others have said - you never know another woman's life story or the circumstances that have brought her to the point of needing EC, even if it does appear to be "too frequent" by some peoples' standards.

Jezziemis, thank you so much for sharing your story. I sometimes wonder how prevalent rape actually is, since it's so underreported, not even to mention the countless women who feel pressured into having sex they don't want who, for whatever reason, don't feel strong enough to fight it. Thank goodness all women will now have the option of going to the pharmacy to simply ask for Plan B, no questions asked (except for age), no matter their circumstances. hospitalstaph - I really appreciate where you're coming from! I was raised Catholic and while I had still always thought of myself as pro-choice, I have definitely struggled with my feelings regarding abortion. Having worked so closely with women who have, for whatever reason, chosen abortion as their best option for dealing with an unintended pregnancy has resolved in me that the best way to live out my beliefs on the matter is to do all I can to prevent those pregnancies from happening in the first place (though I do strongly support abortion remaining safe and legal for those women who choose it). I really believe that expanded access to Plan B can play a major role in making that happen. Upon re-reading...sorry if that sounded a little preachy!

I think you'd probably be okay (my GPA was close to yours), but it might not hurt to try for the GRE again. And a note on Yale - don't write it off altogether! There have been one or two very negative posts regarding it on these boards, and while I'm also from a very middle-class background in northern california (and, sadly, will likely be in debt til I retire) I've had a very positive experience there. Feel free to PM me if you'd like to ask me anything at all. And good luck!!!!

I don't have any direct experience with any of these (no ICU for me, thanks!), but I have several friends who started as new grads in the MICU and CCU St Rays, and know of one person (more acquaintance than friend) who did the critical care internship at YNHH... my very general and uninformed (:) ) impression is that YNHH offers more support and more classroom training, but that St Rays allows you to get to work more quickly and may offer more flexibility with hours (since those people I know are also enrolled in an ACNP program). hope that helps at least a little!

Not being critical, just curious: what do you mean by that? Women who find themselves pregnant unintentionally no longer have Plan B as an option. And only women who are trying to avoid an unintended pregnancy would use it. Technically, yeah, it *is* a method of birth control - a way to control when and how one chooses to get pregnant and have children. I sometimes work with women immediately following an abortion, and make sure every last woman who will take it leaves with Plan B....but I always wish there were a way for them to get more, easily and not only during clinic hours, after they've used that one dose that came from me. I hope no one takes offense - I just really enjoy having these conversations, and I'm definitely not trying to be insulting! :)

I'm starting my final year in a similar program, so feel free to PM me with any questions - but I second what sunnyjohn says, you should definitely also check out the extensive discussions here on the same topic (looking in the graduate student nurse page will help). and good luck with whatever you choose!

numerous studies have shown that having access to plan B doesn't encourage "irresponsible" behavior, e.g. increasing frequency of unprotected sex. Further, there have been no studies which have shown any ill effect from repeated use of Plan B. What has been shown is that increased access to Plan B does decrease frequency of unintended pregnancy, dramatically. Only good things can come from increasing accessibility further, and its' about time it finally happened. so in my opinion: yay FDA!!!