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If it helps: I got an e-mail on Friday 8/3 that informed me of receiving the scholarship, and it asked that I accept or decline by 8/10. I spoke with a lovely woman in HRSA customer service and she said they can't say you have the award 100% until they have all the documentation in and it's correct. That's why the e-mail said "congratulations", but then the website says "your award isn't guaranteed".
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Yes, you get very close to all those in your class. There are larger classes that you matriculate into during the first year (patho, drug therapy), but for the most part it's just you as a class (during NP year, matriculate in with other masters students). It is accelerated, so everything is condensed and intense. If you like that kind of learning, you will enjoy it. Yes we have a great sim lab, but honestly, we don't use it much as the program puts you straight into your rotation working with real patients by week 5. I picked this program knowing that it would cut out all the excess and get right to the "meat" of becoming an RN. I was also a medical assistant for 5 years used to working with patients and was ready to be challenged. Like each program, there are the positives and negatives, but so far it has been challenging (in a good way) and diverse in learning experiences. Fletcher Allen is a teaching hospital so all our rotations are done there and they are used to having students. I just finished a 3 month rotation on the cardiac unit -- it was very intense, the learning curve was steep, but was an wonderful experience. I can now interpret 6 EKG strips in a matter of a few minutes. Also, it's all about getting the rotations and instructors you want (when there is a choice), so talk to others who have been in the program for details regarding your own needs and wants during specific rotations. If your passionate about being an NP, then pick the program that will get you there. Regarding weather and diversity: don't come if you want sun all year, it's VT and you never know what you'll get; Diversity is not just represented in skin color, it is a intermingling of varied and mixed thought processes, ideas and experience. I wish you well with the choice you make.
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Hey Crs249, I didn't need to take any summer classes, but I still made sure to review my anatomy and physiology. Other than that, you could always start some pathophysiology reading, as there is so much information and that class is packed with no enough time to "get it all" in one semester. I also made sure to relax and get a lot of time outdoors and enjoy myself because I knew school would take over in the fall. It may seem simple, but doing that helped me stay balanced as I had zero time for outdoor activity once classes started (I also have a son, a husband and commute from 45 min away. Others who don't have kids and lived in town had a bit more time). Also, you only get about a 2 week break after fall semester, before you go into winter-intersession on med-surg and then start spring classes 1 or 2 days later. The learning curve is steep, but very satisfying as you see the pay off with all the time and energy you devote. First semester is pretty intense as your are doing clinical 5 weeks after you start as well as taking patho and drug therapy that take a bit of time as well. This spring semester is much better as we all have more experience and get to be in the hospital in our chosen rotation (I am on cardiac floor). I'd say that most every one who chooses the MEPN track is the kind of person that enjoys a challenge and wants the rigor that an accelerated program brings, which is what helps get you through some of the tougher days. Part of orientation will include a couple of us coming in to talk about more details and answer questions that you may have. I hope this has helped.
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Hello to those that were accepted- Congratulations! I am in the current MEPN class (to be done first year this August). We, current MEPN's, want to let those accepted know that we will be having a "yard sale", which will include: wine colored scrubs (official MEPN color) with patches sewn on, various white shoes (including many danskos), and perhaps other items (although I think we'll be using everything else in our practitioner training coming up). I just wanted to give you a heads up, as the months do go by fast and soon you'll be thinking about these details. We'll contact you more regarding details. Enjoy the rest of winter and get ready for an intense program! P.S. We created a Closed-Group for our class. It has been a really wonderful way to meet, stay connected and coordinate everything. We use it daily.
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Hi all- I created the MEPN 2011 facebook page Yes, one person requested to be a friend and I accepted her, but she has not posted anything yet and we have not had a conversation. No one else has asked to join. So far it is myself (admitted last year and deferred this year), UVM CHNS and this other person. Last year I called the graduate college to ask when decisions had been mailed out and they let me know. They get the decisions and mail them, so they have the best information about when they have gone out in the mail. Again, for those of you who do get in, please look-up UVM MEPN 2011 in facebook and request to be part of the group. I wish you all luck. I understand how frustrating this process is.
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Hmm it sounds like they are changing this year to year. Which is odd, as this is from their website: "Applicants to the MEPN Program will be guaranteed an admission interview if they complete UVM's Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program with a 3.2 GPA in their Post-Bac study, and meet all other minimum criteria for admission to the MEPN Program. For info about the Post-Bac Program visit learn.uvm.edu/premed" That's seems frustration to hear differences in the process. I know last year was the FIRST year that had interviews.
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Oh, here are a few more items I had on my list to prepare for my interview: -Ethical conflicts and quick decision making experiences to give them a deeper understanding of how I have dealt with challenging real life situations -Questions for them/UVM
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crs249 - My honest opinion is that you sound like a very competitive candidate. Yes, there are many qualified applicants out there and there is no telling what will happen, but everything you wrote above sounds very solid. You have more medical experience than others who have gotten in. I did not know that waiving your right to see references made any difference. I did not waive my right. Also, I know that a good portion of people from each class end up getting in after first being on the wait list. I was fortunate enough to be accepted right off. Again, from what you told me, you sound like the kind of candidate that they are looking for. In terms of the interviews, I felt very nervous during mine and didn't feel liked I '"warmed up" and calmed down until it was almost over. I did prepare though - making copious notes to make sure I had something to refer to in case my mind went blank. That was very useful. This is the list I prepared so I would be ready to articulate any question they asked: 1. Strengths/Weaknesses 2. My plans for future as an NP 3. Why I picked NP over MD (i.e. nursing model over biomedical model of training and education) 4. Why UVM is my choice for education institution 5. Current issues facing NP field What track are you hoping for? In my interview they asked me if I couldn't get into the FNP would that be an issue (don't remember exactly how they phrased it) and I let them know I would choose ANP and get more training later to become FNP if I had to -- that becoming an NP was the most important. They get so many people that want the FNP track. They decide who gets to follow the FNP after the peds rotation and they get to see how competent and skilled you are (or have the potential to be) with kids. I hear you about knowing it is the right time. Even with a small child, I know this is perfect timing for me. It will be satisfying to finally start the program and work towards the next level. So, we may be in the same class next year if you get in! If you post a general message on FaceBook, I will respond back to it and we can chat more if you like (I don't want to put my e-mail address on this forum -- too public).
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crs249 - I have deferred until next year, but I know a bit about those who would have been my classmates this year. Also, if you go to FaceBook and type in "UVM MEPN 2010" you will see all of the students who are in this years class. My husband works at UVM as well and gets to speak with many nursing and medical students. My knowledge is that people have come from various backgrounds, but still have competitive resumes -- i.e. English majors who have done social work in other countries, or those who have a master degree in another field. I've heard of GRE's in the 1400's and people with no medical background. There are a few men, and a range of ages. I doubt they recruit based on demographics (age, gender, etc) though, that would be unethical and illegal (?). I wish I could give you a more detailed list of students experience, background and location, but I don't have that. I do know that the previous students I have talked with have been more than helpful, so if you can contact them through FaceBook that may be useful. If you feel confident in each and every aspec of your application (GPA, to experience, to essay) you have a stronger chance at getting in. I see that the MEPN has a new stipulation that if you have completed UVM's Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program that you are guaranteed an interview, which will most likely increase the competitiveness of the applicant pool (at least with regard to those who have science base education). If you tell me your background and stats I could make a personal comment on that, otherwise I think talking to other students may be more enlightening. I know what it is like, trying to determine the chances of acceptance. Waiting for someone else to make a decision about your life is stressful. If there is anything else I can add or clarify, please let me know. take care and I wish you well too!
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PsychLisa11 It sounds like you have a strong sense of what you need already. And yes, age makes a difference to some extent, with regard to years of experience etc., but they won't deny you because you are younger. A good program will see your potential as well. Also, as you said it is nice to be younger and have less self imposed pressure to get into the program now. My plan was to be done before I had a family and I am going back with a 2 1/2 year old and husband -- and I couldn't be happier. I'm not big on the quote "everything happens for a reason", but I do believe life takes twists and turns that we don't foresee that we live on and learn from and manage so much better than we thought we could. So happy to know that your essay will improve after our conversation. I re-wrote my essay a multitude of times... Again, I wish you well!!
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PsychLisa11 - \ I got into the UVM MEPN program last year. I know that is not one of your choices, but I will add my stats and comments on acceptance in the hope that it will help you on your journey. I have a BS in nutrition, 3.78 overall GPA, 1280 GRE, certified massage therapist (used to own my own private practice), medical assistant for 4 1/2 years. It took me a couple tries to get into the program. I didn't take the GRE seriously enough, and that really hurt me. Also, I thought my science degree would give me a competitive edge, but it wasn't until I became a medical assistant that really changed things. I work in a family practice and hold the same position as other nurses that work there (duties: triage, venipuncture, injections, pt education and intake, etc). My advice is take each and every requirement seriously (essay, letters of req, etc) and get as much clinical experience as you can. Be as specific and pointed as possible when underlining why you deserve to be in the program (i.e. "I would like to develop education materials to increase childhood immunization rates" is more reflective of someone who has thought about the depth and scope of their future impact as a nurse than someone who says "I am good with people and want to help them gain greater health". It may seem obvious, but it's amazing how easy it is to fall back on generalities and forget the details that make you an individual.) I wish you well on your journey.
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I have also gotten very positive feedback from people in previous UVM MEPN classes as well. I would venture to say that the administrative end of the MEPN does not necessarily reflect the educational/didactic part. They serve and are two disparate entities when you consider their purposes. So, this should be a good adventure!
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