sittenfeld

Hey! I've been lurking on these threads, haven't posted in forever. But I'm not applying this year simply because I can't due to UCSF's pre-req policy. I am finishing microbiology right now. I'm hoping they don't make anymore (major) changes by next fall!

I've contemplated applying to Rush or De Paul, but a part of me feels that I might be forcing things to happen that might not be the best thing for me necessarily. A part of me just doesn't want to take the time and effort (at least right now) of collecting LORs, putting together personal statements, etc., for schools that I originally didn't intend on applying to. Most likely, I will be retaking a stats class over the summer and preparing applications for this fall. Also planning on taking Microbiology in the fall ( since I have to now... lol). If UIC has their new program developed by then, I will definitely consider sending in an application. Otherwise I will be applying to other schools this fall.

check your emails... I won't be joining you all unfortunately

Guess it won't be today...

I don't know how familiar you are with the program, but UIC has a different application deadline, interview timeline, and start-term than other programs. Acceptances should be sent out by the end of next week. Thanks for your concern though! :)

I have my fingers and toes crossed for Friday.

Last year they didn't know until May 2nd so we have a few days. I'm still going to check the forum compulsively though...

My birthday is this weekend so I was definitely hoping we would hear by Friday but I'm TRYING not to get my hopes up lol

Well the coordinators only submitted their feedback on the 26th (supposedly). It hasn't been a full week and its not even May yet, so I'm not surprised that we might have to wait another week. Calm breathing and meditation.

Tuck, she stated it was the director back on pg. 57

Lol @ old fart. I think that age is probably the last thing they consider when admitting ppl. No ageism being practiced over here. I did send a thank you letter via email after my interview.

22, turning 23 very soon though.

@rain, I felt the same in regard to being younger than the other applicants. I arrived after everyone though so I wasn't able to talk to the others as much about their degrees, ages, etc. During the info session, the director actually spoke to those with psychology degrees and mentioned that this program was not for psychologists who wished to have the ability to prescribe, but that they were training us to become nurses etc. I thought that was interesting, but since I don't have a degree in Psych, I didn't pay too much attention to it until you mentioned who your interview group consisted of. Looking at last year's thread, they found out about their status on May 2nd. Let's hope we are as lucky!

got it lol

No one should be a nurse that is applying to this program. Unless I'm reading your post incorrectly.

I had 7. There was 1 individual who the interviewers acknowledged had switched from FNP to Psych (tad awkward). My interviewer stated the 22nd had the most people. Good to know it should be 12-13 ppl.

sorry I couldn't post yesterday, had a test tonight that needed my full attention. I reiterate everything said by Kwolikowa though. Info session --> one-on-one interview. She definitely read my personal statement because she asked two questions in regards to it; since I prepared heavily though, those questions were anticipated. There was no mention of the number of applicants or admitted students.

me too lol

Yea, 2015 is the hypothetical year but that's not going to happen. Add at least 5+ years to that before you get any kind of across the board standardization. If UIC present the opportunity for me to get a DNP before being awarded my MSN, I will take advantage of that. From what I've always understood, while you can teach with a Master's, if you really want to go into academia and research, you should pursue a PhD. I'd like to do that but not until I've been practicing for at least 7-10 years.

Check the bottom of your email invite. Her name is listed. First name starts with a M.

That's good to hear! I'm not anticipating a lot of issues since I'm Psych but then again you never know. Just hoping that there will be a lot of job fairs and networking events to attend to get myself out there. I have friends who've complained about the issue of finding preceptors so knowing that I don't have to do that is great. I'm getting more excited/nervous for my interview! Hoping it all works out for the greater good. I definitely hope we find out on May 3rd or earlier since that's around my birthday. torzorz, I did contemplate applying to NYU but couldn't get over the large price tag for another Bachelor's degree. My plan is to work with my MSN for as long as possible until it's really necessary to get the DNP.

I agree. A lot of direct-entry programs that do NOT have the combined BSN/MSN seem to have this issue. Unfortunately like yourself, I don't know if there is an across the board preference for BSN grads, but I do know that BSN grads are preferred in hospitals; there's no question about that. A relative of mine works in one of LA's bigger hospitals and when we talk, she tells me that pretty much all the RN's there have a BSN. I imagine it's the same in Chicago. As ncami said, our end goal is to be APN so not having a BSN isn't a big blow to us, but at the same time, it seems we need the BSN to find a job and to get experience so that when we want to be NP's or CNS's, we can get hired. Seems to be quite the conundrum. I'm hopeful that I will be able to find work in my specialty (mental health), which isn't as popular, but then again, nothing is really promised. Also, I'm hoping that the faculty and staff at UIC really do try to advocate on our behalf in these hospitals, clinics, etc. I know one of the issues that goes along with the hiring problem is the the economy; older nurses do not want to retire right now! I don't blame them because we all need money (lol) but as reported, there's no real shortage in nursing currently. I don't necessarily know how to feel about the students who have posted negative remarks about the program. I definitely don't want to completely throw out their remarks, especially since they seem to be justified by what the faculty is saying. I'm with you when you say you'll take any job you can find! I guess it's just the matter of finding the job and then once you find it, are you okay being paid whatever amount they're paying you for the next 2-3 years of your Master's? While simultaneously taking out loans to pay for your education? Hoping that once you do receive your MSN, you'll be able to find a job as an NP? Lots of questions, few answers.

Wow that's crazy that we (hopefully) are the last class! Did they mention why they are eliminating the program? I'm thinking it has to do with maybe the DNP? Thanks for all the information! I will do the same after my interview on Monday

I have no idea. I didn't see a mention of group interviews. If anything it will probably be very small groups and then a one-on-one. " The faculty of the PMHNP concentration invites you to an applicant interview session. We have set aside three days for your choice, but there are limited seats for these sessions so please sign up early. The sessions run for three hours with the first 30 minutes spent in discussing the program and answering general questions. Afterward you will have a chance to meet individually with faculty and get your individual questions answered. We look forward to meeting with you."

@kwolikowa – how'd you cancel your previos registration?