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Anyone in the PMHNP program at UT Houston? I think it must be new? Thanks in advance!

So I am taking a graduate level research class, and my textbook keeps talking about how there are all of these great care models shown to improve outcomes for patients that aren't being utilized in practice. I just keep thinking about how nurses NEVER have ANY time, and this is probably contributing greatly to the lack of research in practice. It seems like the problem is getting worse and in some cases practice is not only not evidence-based, it's not even safe. Then good nurses stop being nurses because expectations are impossible. I guess I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to improve staffing ratios? There is evidence out there that the role of the nurse as an educator is as important. How do nurses get the time they need to serve as effective clinicians? I've read other posts with suggestions like, "cut the CEOs salary", which is a nice idea, but not likely to happen without some sort of catalyst. Does anyone know what the catalyst could be? Looking forward to hearing from folks.

Congrats PeacockMaiden!

I called.... DNP letters went out, MSN letters will likely be out during the first part of October according to the person I spoke with.

Hi, I also applied to the 2014 psych NP-MSN for the 2014 spring cohort. It's kind of a shot in the dark because I have a so-so GPA (3.3 overal, 3.7 nursing), and NO psych experience.I have been a nurse for 3 years... mostly working in pediatrics/ NICU, but I'm starting a new job in a psych hospital next month. Anyone applying anywhere else?

Thanks, Carlyjo. Your insight is helpful and refreshing. I know reviews are just a slice of a single person's experience, but a good one is still encouraging to hear.

Hey Guys, Any current or former USA PNP students care to share their experiences? Course formats? Material presentation? Communication style between students or faculty? Difficulty or ease of finding preceptors? War stories or tales of triumph? As reviews go, some are very scary and some are pretty encouraging. I'm just looking for new perspectives. I am looking for an online PNP program, and I can't ignore the tuition rates and ease of application. I'm a little worried I'm going to regret trying to save money. I've seen a lot of posts for the institution that remind, "you get what you pay for", but as a regular bargain shopper, I know that good deals do exist, and I'm hoping that this is one of them. So please share, even if its to crush my dreams :) Oh and I'm also looking at Drexel's PNP program as well, so information about it would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks!

Thank you for your replies! I am beginning to see I might have to loosen my white knuckles a bit if I am going to have a go at this! I've been reading some forums here and have been in contact with several recruiters. Each conversation has been different, some more informative than others. Some recruiters get irritated when I don't jump on assignments, I guess I should take this as a bad sign. I have been going about this the wrong way. I approached recruiters as though I were on an interview and was nervous to seem too eager for basic information, like pay, insurance or license reimbursement. I was also hesitant to say that I was talking to multiple agencies. From what I've read, the best practice is to be honest and to procure the information I need from the conversations. I was able to talk to a couple different recruiters about the same assignment. I thought this would allow me to compare apples to apples, and yet one of those apples ended up looking strangely like an orange. The base pay was $8/hour different and the ever elusive "tax-free" daily stipend differed more than 80 dollars a day, bringing one company's offer to over $300/ week more. I don't understand how that could be possible for the same contract? There are a few differences I like day-one insurance, cancellation policies and overtime pay, but nothing that I could see to account for such a large difference. I know that it might be difficult to stay in the area I want to be in. I am a NICU nurse, and I know that makes it more difficult, but for personal reasons, it would work best. Within my "radar" are some decent sized cities like DC, Baltimore, Columbus and Pittsburgh. I'm fairly determined to at least try. I have not considered per diem work, but I will look into it. Any tips for starting there? The more I learn about traveling, the more overwhelmed I become, but I know these feelings are normal with trying anything new. My anxiety level is heightened because I'm dealing with my livelihood :)

Hi, I am considering travel nursing for the next couple of years. My search has elicited feelings akin to the paranoia of buying a used car. I am unfamiliar with the language. I can't decide when something sounds like a good deal. I don't know where my expectations should be. I have talked to some travelers on my unit, and a dark shadow casts over their eyes when talking about negotiating with recruiters. Many of them say I should demand (firmly request?) a minimum weekly after-tax salary and to always negotiate the offered housing stipend. I guess some specific questions I have are: Will pay vary based on location and unit? How does the pay work? Can I receive a housing stipend and travel reimbursement? Is your housing stipend separate from your hourly rate? Is it standard to be reimbursed for your new state license? Is it standard to be reimbursed for certifications? Can I request that I not be canceled in my contract? What should I look for in a contract? Background on my traveling dreams: I looking to travel because I am moving to an area with limited NICU opportunities (I am a NICU nurse). I am hoping to work within an area that would allow me to drive home once a week. I would be looking for jobs that would allow me to work my days in a stretch. Please let me know how my dream compares to traveling reality. ANY pieces of advise/ suggestions are warmly welcomed!

WOOOOOO!!!! I got my acceptance email today! I am SO pumped! I was planning on interviewing at UHV also, but I don't think I will now. Where do I accept on econnect? I can't wait to start STUDYING!?!?! haha!

I had an interview on the 24th of September, and it went REALLY well, but I have still heard NOTHING! Shouldn't I have heard something, either way? It is making me incredibly anxious!!! Does anyone know if they have sent out denial or waitlist notifications?

Hello! I got an interview at UHV as well, and I am very excited! Does anyone know what the stats for this semester look like, eg number of applicants compared to the number they are accepting? And congratulations to others who recieved interview invitations as well!