Kensington

In fact, that's exactly what the direct-entry programs are for -- to give someone with a non-nursing bachelors degree the opportunity to become a NP within 3 years (give or take). I'm at Yale right now, and am really enjoying the program! Good luck in your search!

Hi Kristiern, are you an ACNP? FNP? ANP? Just curious!

Thanks you guys, I appreciate the info. I'm gathering, basically, that California is following suit, and that scope of practice is becoming much more narrowly defined and mandated. If I have that wrong, let me know. Thanks again!

Hmm, perhaps this is why I never read anything on California, LOL. Anyone, anyone? :)

Hi all, I read a lot of "scope of practice" discussions about NPs in Texas, and how their BON is really cracking down on FNPs in the hospital. What about California? Can anyone speak to the situation there, and how likely it is that FNPs will be pushed out of the hospital there as well? Thanks! Kens

You completely have a shot. Most direct-entry programs really look at the whole package, and I mean that -- they really do. I interviewed at several schools, and have talked with many other applicants from those and other schools, and there are always people with a low GPA that get in. It sounds like you have an interesting life story, and as long as you have clear goals about what you want to do in the future, I really think you stand a chance. Write a fantastic personal statement, and have some strong letter of rec. Good luck!

Unfortunately, Yale's financial aid package isn't the best. They have a really strong program, however, and they cost less than Columbia! You definitely need the right combination of factors for you between location, reputation, specialty offerings, cost, etc. Good luck!

I would start to look at areas near your hospital, because getting around the city takes more time than you think (my friend lives four miles away and it takes me 20+ minutes to get over to her via car). There are so many wonderful areas to live in, but by your age and description, it sounds like you might like: the Marina, Cow Hollow, parts of SoMa, maybe even Hayes Valley. I live in Noe Valley, and while it's "cute", it's not "hip", unless you're a new mom, then it is quite so. It's off the J- Church muni line though, which is a nice convenience. PM me if you'd like more info, privately! You'll love it here! Kens :)

Hey you guys, I'm going to be starting Yale's direct-entry program in the fall, and would highly recommend looking into their program. They have a lot of specialty options, which is what originally attracted me to them. :) Good luck! The process isn't as bad as you think! Kens

Are those 2 NPs in trauma FNPs?

I live in the city, and I just love it. If you want an urban environment, and be able to walk and public transport to many things, it's GREAT. Yes, parking can be a pain, but you don't have to pay $400/month for a spot. I pay $150/month, and my friend who lives in SOMA pays $200. You can always find a fairly-priced place, but it will require a bit of looking. There are "trendy" neighborhoods, but even still, there are so many of them that I don't think any one stands out. Decide if being close to public transportation is close to you (BART or Muni Rail, although Muni buses are close to everyone pretty much), and then go from there. Good luck!

I would definitely apply this year if you can pull it off. You have nothing to lose (well, except for all the time it takes to put an application packet together!), and potentially everything to gain. Yale, where I'm headed in the fall, doesn't have any prereqs, but they do require the GRE. PM me if you'd like to chat about this! :)

Right, and I think that's the big question for me in California. If I can be in the hospital with FNP, then it seems like a really good way to go, because I can also be in primary care down the road, and pretty much have doors wide open for me. HOWEVER, if SOP laws are going to change my ability to be in the hospital as an FNP, then that changes things for me, too.

So . . . update! I returned my Danskos to Nordstrom (which were the black cabrio leather -- the more shiny, regular black leather). The sales guy offered to bring me lots of different ones in my size, just to have a last try. I tried all the regular black cabrio leather ones he had, in several different sizes, and they were all SO tight, and uncomfortable. HOWEVER, when I tried the matte black (oiled) ones, they were GREAT! So comfortable. So then I tried the RED leather cabrio ones, just to see, and they were great, too! So, I exchanged the ones I had for the matte oiled black ones, but I ordered the black "box leather" from Zappos, just to see if they happen to be comfortable, too (Nordstrom didn't carry them, but the box leather is supposed to be the best for hospital work). I have no idea what the heck the difference is other than color, but I would suggest that if you are having trouble with your Danskos, that you go somewhere where you can try lots of different shoes in different colors - while it shouldn't make a difference, for some random reason, it does!!

Wow, so how on earth does one go about figuring out what's the best specialty in their state? I'm just beginning school (direct-entry program) in the fall, and the FNP vs. ACNP debate has been heavily on my mind. . . . I plan to work in California when I finish, and want to be sure that I can get a job! Thanks, Kens