trinarn94

Hi all: I have a phone interview today for entry into spring semester at Brandman this coming January. I have lots of questions, and am really not sure that I want to do the DNP in the online format. My BS and my MSN were both completed in online programs with clinical in my community....all done while I worked fulltime. I'm now at a new RN CM position, with probably less flexibility as far as time off than the one I'd been at for 8 years, and I'm concerned. If they offer, not sure if I'll accept, but I'm going through the process. I really wanted to do the DNP in a brick and mortar setting, but can't afford to not work right now. I am applying for the PMHNP program BSN-DNP. Although I've already got my MSN, it's not in a clinical specialty. It's in nursing administration and I don't work in nursing admin nor do I want to. I'm a case manager. Trina

DNP-SSD Thank you for your very informative review of Brandman's PMHNP Program. It looks like that is the route I will be taking. Although I hear the difficulty in your message, it sounds like it will be the only option for me. My only other choice is to wait until I'm retired and go to USD at that time (that doesn't make a lot of sense, now does it?). I interviewed at USD last week and the professor I interviewed with told me in no uncertain terms that I would not make it if I tried to work fulltime. I believe they will be accepting me for their fall, 2013 start date (should hear 04-10), but I just can't stop working all together right now. My husband is retired and I'm the primary support right now, as well as responsible for carrying our health insurance (although he could get Medicare if he wanted to). To make matters worse, I don't work in clinical nursing. I work in managed care (insurance) as a case manager and my job is being eliminated probably by July. I am interviewing for positions, so I won't be a long-time employee by the time I will need to ask for LOA to do clinical. On a positive note, I expect I'll be working in a hospital or large healthcare system, so I'll have access to patient experiences, but not necessarily psych. Why do they ask you when you apply to list 5 places where you could do your psych clinical? I just assumed they would be helping to arrange for that. Anyway, I'm in a quandary, but know I can't stop working altogether and just go to school as I've got bills to pay (not to mention tuition). So we shall see. Thanks again. Trina

So Sally Ann: I had responded to kacsper because it sounded like (a bunch of threads back) that he was starting right away (a year or more ago), but now that I've read through all the threads it sounds like he's rethinking his options. I just finished my MSN and want a break before I start, so I'll be applying the next application period. What specialty are you doing? I live in Southern CA so it's only a couple of hours drive, or I can save mileage and fly. I've been also looking at programs in other parts of the US, but it sort of makes sense to do a program that's a little closer to home. Did you apply to other DNP programs?

So kacsper: How is it going so far. I just graduated with an MSN in Nursing Administration from CSUDH and I wanted to apply for fall or spring 2013 admission. I would be doing the PMHNP program.

Lots of state universities also have the RN-MSN option and you would pay less tuition than attending an out of state school. I'm about to graduate with the MSN from California State University Dominguez Hills. Because I'm a California resident, tuition has been very affordable. I work fulltime M-F and have been able to finish the program in 2 years attending full time and summers. I have a Bachelors in Business and an ADN. Check into the state universities in your state that have online programming for working professionals. Trina

Hi Christine: Thanks. The last time I had checked Brandman was still in the process of being evaluated for accreditation. I so prefer to attend a brick and mortar campus and would really like to go to USD here in San Diego, but I'd need a minimum of 2, maybe 3 weekdays off a week to do their program, and I really need to work fulltime with benefits. I've done my BS and my MSN in online programming and I'm really pretty worn out with the online education realm (I attend CSUDH...final semester for MSN is fall, so one more to go...just finished my first role option semester and it was pretty tricky working 40 hours M-F and going every day after work for another 3-6 hours of clinical, again 5 days a week). I just don't see how I'd work the clinical for a PMHNP DNP around a M-F work scheduled...what do you think, and what is the work schedule that you keep while in school? I'm more worried about the clinical component than the classroom. Since you are already a PMHNP maybe you don't have as much clinical to do as I would. My MSN is in nurse administration, so I'll have the full clinical hours to complete (even post-MSN to received the PMHNP credential and the DNP). Thanks for the info. I'll check online at Brandman's website. I don't think the cost would be as much as USD, and the travel would be no big deal. I'd have to drive (from San Diego). There are no direct flights from SD to John Wayne airport, so it doesn't make sense to do anything other than drive, so it would just be the gas and the overnights. That shouldn't be problematic. Thanks again for the info. Trina

Hi: Not currently attending Brandman but considering them for spring or fall admission 2013. Any news whether they have received the full education credentialing they were going for? What specialty are you looking for? I have a lot more homework to do before I apply. I am actually hoping to attend USD in San Diego, but not sure if I can make a work schedule that will work out around the need for on campus attendance 2 days a week. I'll be watching to hear what others say. Trina

I think the MSN is going to be eventually replaced by the DNP or at least a doctoral degree of some type, so that advanced practice nurses will have entry into advanced practice at the doctoral level, so I would think that the DNP with a dual specialty would be the way to go....this would be most pertinent if you are younger....because I think it will be awhile before this happens. I am getting closer (within 7 years or so) to traditional retirement age....and I doubt if the change will occur by that time. Trina

Thanks, I will. I had forgotten. When I was looking at them I had my mind made up totally on PMHNP, since I'm currently a BH CM; however, since then I have talked to many people, and from some the consensus is that FNP will make me more marketable as a DNP. I'll be needing to make up my mind during the next semester of the MSN (which is my second to last, and the first of my role option which is Nurse Administration), not an area of practice where I want to culminate my nursing career, with or without the DNP. Trina

Hi LPN2RN I'm thinking of going with the PMHNP track, but I'd also be interested in doing a double major in PMHNP and FNP if that is a possibility. I will be waiting to hear that they received the CCNE accreditation. Hopefully, I'll see you there. Trina

Hi, Trina back visiting again: Beginning my MSN role option clinical at CSUDH in the coming semester, and will finish in fall, so I'll be ready to start the DNP program at Brandman spring 2013. Still on track. I've been to the open house at USD and would really love to go there, but I would have to leave my job, because I work M-F 5am to 2pm, and USD requires on campus attendance on M & T. So Brandman is my next choice. Anyone currently attending, and have any input postivie or negative? Have they acquired that CCNE accreditation yet? Thanks, I'll be checking back Trina

Thanks for the info. Let me know how you like it. When do you start? I won't be starting their DNP program until spring 2013. I've still got 3 semesters left of my MSN program. I really prefer to go to University of San Diego, but my work schedule is not flexible, so I'll only be able to do that if we get a work from home option (and that would only be maybe if they let me work odd hours, and I doubt it), or if I change jobs, or job-share so that I can have 2 days off a week for on-campus classes. USD is in my area (I live in San Diego), and I really like the on-campus support. I think it would also be helpful in accessing clinical sites if the college is right in my own community. Hope they pass their accreditation. When do they graduate their first class, or have they already? Trina

Hi! Best of luck to you. We were in somewhat different a situation when I went to nursing school. Hubby and I were buying our first house, and we were both working. I quit my job (a day job) to go to school fulltime days for nursing. I took an evening job (when hubby was home) as a transcriptionist and unit secretary at a hospital to help pay bills. We had 3 kids at home (one in elementary school). I hired a live in housekeeper/nanny to get the kids breakfast, pack lunches, and walk the little one to the bus stop and pick him up there when the bus dropped him off. During the day she cleaned, did the laundry. In the evening she prepared the meals and cleaned up after. It worked out great. I was able to work, go to school and have study time. Hubby participated in sports and hauled the boys around in the afternoon/evenings. I did miss out on some fun times with the kiddos though. It sounds like you have a support system in place living with family, so you should be fine. Just be patient with hubby, because he will feel like he's missing out on time with you and the little ones, but he really needs to focus to get through school. Before you know it, it will be all over, and it will be your turn. Trina

Thanks!! I'm checking it out right now. Trina

Hi, No one responded, so I'm going to try to bring this to the top again. Has anyone done a cost comparison of the online PMHNP DNP post masters programs? I'm doing it myself by going through them one by one, but it is onerous. Some are less expensive but take twice as long, some are apparently more expensive, but take less time, and of course I'm looking for quality, and achievability, as I will be attending online from San Diego, but traveling to most for some on campus sessions. Any thoughts/recommendations? Thanks

Hi RNvampire: Where is UC. I would think you were talking about University of California, but then you said Ohio, so are you speaking of University of Columbus???? I agree clinicals are a nightmare. I'm just now at the point of my MSN program at CSUDH in Carson, CA where I have to find a clinical preceptor for community health. My experience is that the schools DON'T pay preceptors. Is that a regular practice that most schools do, they pay preceptors. Anyway, my adviser told me two weeks ago she would send me a list of contracted potential clinical sites in my area (San Diego), and so far nothing. I've given up apologizing for bothering her, and e-mail her every day. I'm about at the point now that I'm going to begin cold-calling public health departments, but I don't even know what my course content will be covering, so I don't know what to tell them my expectations are for a preceptored experience, plus I don't know how many hours I'm expected to be with a preceptor. I only know that portion of the class is 2 units. I had know idea until I recently touched base with this website in looking for which DNP program I'm going to go to after graduation, that this finding of clinicals is such a headache. I can only imagine what it will be like if I go to University of Alabama or Sinclair in Missouri. I looked at a list of clinical affiliations for Sinclair and none were in San Diego. There were 3 listed in California, and non in my area. This is going to be an interesting challenge. I am thinking of going to Brandman in Irvine for my PMHNP DNP if they receive their CCNE accrediation, which is something that should be happening this fall. I was hoping that since that university is at least in CA, they would have a better connection for clinicals in San Diego, but I'm not getting a good feeling since I'm currently having a hard time with CSUDH and I know they have quite a few students in San Diego area. I haven't even yet gotten to my role option experience which will be spring and fall of 2012, so we'll see what that is like. CSUDH does not have PMHNP, only FNP, so I'm doing the Masters in Nurse Administration. I'm hoping I don't run into a lot of road blocks when that rolls around. Trina Trina

Thanks for the info. I didn't think they were ccne, because I didn't see it on their website. Well, hopefully they get it in the fall. I won't be entering until 2013, so I would imagine if they are going to get it, they'll have it by then

Nurich: I'm so glad to hear they are CCNE accredited. I had a ton of luck applying for scholarships early on in nursing school. I received numerous scholarships from all kinds of sources, including hospitals, community groups, and even MENSA. I was working as the administrative assistant to the Director of the Nursing Program at the college I attended before I decided I wanted to be a nurse, so I had a lot of inside information on what was available (although it was all information that was also disseminated to the students as well). Scholarship application is time consuming, and I think a lot of students at that level just don't bother. I would imagine that the scholarships for advanced practice nursing are more competitive, and because more money is involved, more students are motivated to take the time to put the work into applying. I haven't even begun looking, but I'm sure going to research it and begin a year ahead to figure out which ones I'm going to apply for. Also, don't nursing organizations offer scholarships? To what organizations do you belong? I belong to CMSA, NACNS, Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society, and I'm thinking of joining some others so perhaps I can go that route. Also, I think I read on this site or somewhere else that there are those grants through NNEI. I haven't looked into that much, because I would have to apply closer to when I'm going to start. Also, you have to agree to work in an underserved area upon graduation with those grants. I think it's one year for each year of school they pay for. I'm 57, so I doubt that I want to re-invent the wheel by going to work in an underserved area for 2 years after graduation (I'll be 60+ by the time I graduate. I want to establish myself in a setting (after graduation) where I can perhaps work 2-3 days a week in a group practice, so I just don't think I have the time to devote 2 years of service to the indigent populations, but maybe.... Thanks for the info Trina

Hi all: I was just doing some more research on accreditation. Is Brandman CCNE accredited, and is that important? I don't think that they are. Thanks. Trina

Hi Nurich: Yes, I should see you there. Well, that's really putting the cart before the horse, now isn't it? Which I often do. I'll have my last clinicals and graduate from CSUDH with the MSN in fall 2012, so I think Brandman's early application period is maybe October??? So in fall 2012 I'll submit my application, and hopefully visit, be accepted and start spring 2013, if all works out okay. As someone else mentioned, I won't have to take the GRE with an MSN, and I should have some courses dropped from the required courses because of the MSN, so hoping to crank it out in 2 years. Do you live in California? What sort of funding to you have to pay for the schooling? I'm going to apply for some scholarships, and I've got $7500 each year from work. Well, once you start, keep posting and let us know what you think. Trina

Sue: Thanks for the info. That's good to know. I'm hoping to start in spring 2013, as my MSN won't be finished until the end of Fall semester 2012. That means you'll probably be ahead of me. See you there. Trina

Hi Beesmama: If you live in CA it might be a great option for you. There are also students from out of state, but the nice thing about being a CA resident is that I pay state university tuition, just like when I went to SDSU (San Diego State). Yes, I have a BS in business and an ADRN. I'm in the MSN Pathway program. They gave me credit for a lot of my previous work experience as well as for business courses that could be used as crossovers for meeting management BSN nursing classes, so I had a few BSN classes to do, and the rest are MSN classes. (Able to work on both the BSN and MSN programming concurrently). I begin my role option in spring 2012 and finish at the end of fall 2012. So yes, they have the MSN pathway for nurses who have Bachelor's in other fields, and they also offer the MEPN for non-nurses with other degrees. Here is the website for the school of nursing: http://www.csudh.edu/cps/son/programs.htm. Let me know if I can answer any more questions. Oh, BTW, it didn't seem competitive to get in. I applied and was admitted. I have good grades (mostly As) and there was a short essay to write, plus the application and sending transcripts. Trina

Hi! I definitely agree with the last poster, in his recommendations....all good options...and as a nurse for 17 years, I have gone through both of the traumatic episodes that you are currently enduring. I made a fool of myself in a number of ways at several large facilities in my town. I was basically (at least I felt that way) blacklisted from being hired in my acute care specialty. I did exactly what the previous poster suggested. I took whatever I could find. I worked at several long term care facilities (sadly, I must say, that although I really enjoyed the geriatric population, that work as an RN for me was very difficult i.e. med nurse called in so I was med nurse and charge, being in "charge" of an entire facility on PM shift, poor CNA work performance, voluminous paperwork, etc, etc). However, it did keep the paychecks coming in. I eventually found a job I loved working at a residential treatment center for kids. The job was awesome fun (pay, not so much), but I really enjoyed it. I was hired on the spot without a look back at my previous job performance, and spotty job record. That job led to my current position which is as a behavioral health case manager. I have the most awesome job now, and have been here 6+ years. Pay and benefits are fabulous. Only down side is I'm really out of clinical nursing, so it makes it harder as I return to school for my MSN/DNP. I've also got experience with legal issues and diversion, and successfully concurred that several years ago. It's a long road, but just keep plugging away. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Trina

Hi! Since your specialty is psych nursing, are you doing the PMHNP and DNP? I have a list of programs I've been looking at. I actually think I lost the list....had it yesterday, can't find it today....so I've got to start over, ugh! Anyway I know the UTHSC was on there, and the tuition (if I remember correctly) is the same for out of state as it is for in state, which I really liked about their program. I would be travelling from San Diego, so it's a push, so I'll be very interested in how you like it, and hearing more about your experience. Trina

BabyLady: I live in California, so taking advantage of in-state tuition and going online at CSU Dominguez Hills for the MSN. They help arrange clinicals in your area. Dominguez Hills is in Carson, and I live in San Diego, so I've never been to the campus. I'm halfway finished. They offer CNS in adult or pediatrics, FNP, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Administrator. Online education is a challenge, but do-able. I did my BS online at CSUDH as well. They have a BSN, but I chose to do mine in business, as I was planning to head in a different direction, but have now changed plans, so I'm in the MSN Pathway program which involved taking some BSN classes along with my MSN classes. I work fulltime, and have taken a fulltime educational load as well. I'm pretty motivated, so it's not too horribly bad. Always glad when one semester is over, and it's breaktime before the next semester. Trina