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

I bought a pair of Danskos since I'm starting nursing school in the fall, and because of my high arches, I think I'm going to have to return them. I suppose I could try to get them stretched as one poster recommended, but seriously, they hurt the tops of my feet SO bad! My arch is just so high that it pushes the top of the shoe into my foot so tightly that I just don't see how I would be able to ever break them in without some serious foot damage! Anyone else with high arches have luck breaking in their Danskos?

That's excellent news - thank you!!

Thanks David, I really appreciate the help! I'm really wondering if FNP is a better way to go for a new grad coming out of a direct-entry program . . .

Hey David, Can you comment more on the 1000 hours certification requirement? This has me a bit worried, but I'm not totally sure how to find out whether or not this will apply to me. My current plan is to get my ACNP, and then work in San Diego, CA. Do y'all feel that FNP would be better for a new grad? Thanks, Kens

Congrats! In which part of the country do you live? I'm just wondering because I was originally going to do FNP, but decided that ACNP would be better for me in California if I want to do cardiology. However, I still feel that FNP would be great, so now I'm starting to think that I should do both. Anyway, I was just curious about you! :) Good luck! Kens

In no way, shape or form is San Diego's cost of living anywhere near Manhattan's. I'm from San Diego, but live in San Francisco now, and the difference between those two is quite a bit difference. You'll have better weather, and a much lower cost of living in SD! :)

Hey, you guys! I'm starting a direct-entry program in the fall, and when I graduate in 2011 (does that sound futuristic, or what?!), I should be an ACNP! I'm very excited about my specialty choice, as I have a strong interest in cardiology, as well as diabetes and possibly working with a hospitalist team. Now, having said all that, I realize that I'm not going to walk right into an ACNP position in California (where I intend to move back to when I'm done with school) right after graduation. So my question is this -- is it most likely that I will work as a new-grad RN for a couple years, and then hopefully segue into an ACNP position after that? I'm just wondering what you think, since you are the ones that are out there doing it now! :) Thanks much, Kens

Well said, and I look forward to seeing you in the fall!! :)

I'm so happy to see that things are working out, Daisy!

Hi, kris! I'm relocating from California to Connecticut for Yale's program, and while I don't actually want to move, it's still exciting to know that I'll live on the east coast, which is something that I always thought would be kind of fun to experience. It's definitely expensive (both moving and the program), but I'm young and figure, what the heck! :) I say apply to as many schools as you have the motivation for, because competition is pretty fierce. As for whether its worth it or not -- I guess I'll let you know in three years! But seriously, I do think that it is, and since I want to teach, the name matters. Anyway, good luck to you! Kens