jc13

Hi to everyone, I know this thread has been going on for quite a while, so I hope some of you are still interested! I am considering a move to Boulder, CO. So far, I've only found openings for NP's in Denver. I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion about the job market in Boulder, or about the commute from Boulder to Denver (or really any opinion about living in that region in general...lol!). Thanks for taking the time to help!

Traycie, Personally, I would wait until the fall 2010 entry instead of next year. You have to consider that many direct-entry MSN programs have application deadlines for Fall 2009 in Sept. through Dec. of this year. Also, most programs require you to take the GRE exam and complete their prereqs. Having a BS in Bio. will probably satisfy most of the science prereqs., but you may still have to take a class or two like "developmental psychology" or "nutrition" at a local community college. You will probably want to leave a few months to study for the GRE, and a month or so to perfect your application essays/statement of interest (i.e. why do you want to be an NP) Nursing/hospital experience is the other thing. These direct-entry programs are extremely competitive and the schools want to make sure the people that go to their programs have done adequate research about the profession and had some sort of hands-on experience before going through the strenuous course load. Obviously since it's direct-entry, they don't expect you to have previous nursing experience, but you should have some sort of volunteer experience on your resume to show you are really serious about it. I would recommend volunteering at a hospital once a week or so. Also, you may want to see if you can do a job shadow with a NP in a specialty that you are interested in. Not only will this look great on your resume, but you will also learn a lot about being an NP, especially in the field you are interested in. Hope this helps.

Biochemnurse2b: I just thought of something else you can do to strengthen your application: job shadowing. I live in a smallish town with not many nurse practitioners and even fewer ones willing to let me shadow them, but I found a kidney specialist NP (working in a dialysis center) to shadow. I cannot tell you how valuable this experience was. I was able to ask very frank questions about the job, including those about pay, politics, and stress, etc. Also, this is can be considered volunteer/intern experience if you do it right. Shadowing can be done on weekends, or evenings, when many NP's work. Also, as a side note, the experience I gained by shadowing really helped me to write my application essays. I was better able to articulate why I want to be an NP, which is what many of the schools want to know.

Hi! I am actually in a similar situation as you, I have a degree in Bio/Chem and have decided to pursue nursing. I have already applied and been accepted to several schools' Master's Entry Program (for people with at least a BS in a field other than nursing, and I will graduate with my MSN in family practice). This would be the best route for you as well if you would like to become an FNP. Anyhow, the best advice I can give is to become a CNA first--volunteer experience in the hospital won't really teach you anything--I did it for over a year and barely saw the inside of the patients' rooms. Also, schools like to see that you are REALLY serious about the career change, and trust me, being a CNA is some of the hardest work you will ever do--if you can get through that and still want to be a nurse, then you are definately making the right choice! From my experience, most schools do not worry very much if you don't have all of your pre-reqs done when you apply. They obviously will require you to get them before you start and will consider your acceptance contingent on your passing those courses (usually with a B or better). Considering you already have a MS, I would not worry one bit! I'll bet you will be a shoe-in for any school. Like I said, try to pursue a CNA certificate (or phlebotomy, etc--courses usually offered at community colleges--these will give you extremely valuable experience). Good Luck!!!!

BCgradnurse, Thank you so much for all your insight and for the prompt response! It is definitely very helpful to find out about the program scheduling and clinical locations, especially from someone that is actually in the program. Thanks again.

BCGradNurse, I have a question...where are the clinicals (RN portion of the program) located? Like which exact hospitals in Boston, and what is the schedule like for these clinicals? My main concern is that I'm not from the area and I really don't want to have a car in Boston. Are the hospitals accessible by public transit (T, bus, etc.)? Is it possible to do the MSN program without having a car? Thank you in advance. Any advice would be a huge help and is greatly appreciated.

anyone?

Hi there, I just got into Boston College's Masters Entry MSN program (so excited!), and now I have a tough decision to make. I also got into Thomas Jefferson U.'s FACT program in Philadelphia and don't know which one to attend. They are both 2 years long and you get a MSN degree at both schools. However, the tuition cost at BC is a bit more than TJU and the cost of living in Boston is way more than in Philly. Boston College has the name recognition though...is it worth the extra $$ ??? Also, I don't plan on applying for any scholarships (2-year work committment as an RN, etc.), so that won't come into account here. I want to go straight through to the FNP portion. Does anyone here know anything about either of the programs or have any advice that might help me make my decision? I'm really lost here and need some guidance. Thank you so much in advance.

I'm lost when it comes to financing the master's entry program I've been accepted to. I haven't made more than $20,000 since graduating college, and now I have to come up with $50,000 in just a few months. Any advice? Do you know someone who is in grad school who has done it?

Hello everyone, I've been accepted to the FACT program for '08, and am now struggling to find ways to finance it. Can anyone help me to understand what steps to take first and what to expect from FAFSA, TJU, etc.? I have contacted Tim at TJU's financial aid office and he didn't help at all. I don't really know what to do next. Thanks so much!