txrn84

Hi sofla98, I was wondering if you could elaborate on why the people you know in UC's program are not happy with it. It is one of my options for online FNP - just wondering since I haven't heard anything negative about it so far. Thanks :)

I was accepted and planning to attend University of Cincinnati's online MSN program, so this is extremely concerning since I am from Texas. My state isn't on their "restricted states" list, but I found another thread on here for Walden where a Texas resident had concerns about clinicals being counted with online programs. I've talked to the Texas Board of Nursing who told me that if it's accredited and recognized by the state of Ohio, it should be fine, but clearly there is some more requirements with state agreements. I've contacted my advisor and awaiting response. Anyone have any other advice on how to proceed? I'm also wondering how the school/state/federal govt is handling all this since financial aid loans could potentially be cancelled if a school misleads in such a way.

Hi FuturFNP, I was just wondering how the application/interview process was for the FNP program?

Thanks for the info! Have you started looking for potential preceptors? That is definitely one of the things that is scaring me at the moment.

I think you and I are actually applying to the same program, lol. I am definitely in a boat!

TASHA, would you please private message me (I don't have privilege to), I wanted to ask some questions since we are in the same state and looking into PMHNP. Thanks!

Hi Everyone, I am considering each of these NP specialties, but I'm just wondering about the marketability of the PMHNP. I have been scouring the internet for PMHNP jobs in my state (Texas) to get an idea, and they are very limited (maybe 10?) vs FNP which have jobs posted everywhere. In fact, I have seen several of the postings asking for either a PMHNP, FNP, or PA like they are interchangeable. I was under the impression that in some states (Texas being one) only a PMHNP can perform a primary mental health role, but this is making me wonder if FNP's are filling the role too. I searched using other geographical locations and found that most of the psychiatric nurse practitioner jobs are on the west coast. When it comes down to personal preference or interest, I could go either way. I have a bachelor's degree in psych, but my nursing experience is in ICU. Part of my debate is that the PMHNP program would be slightly more affordable than the FNP program I will be starting. I guess I am having reservations about the PMHNP degree because it seems like the job options (here at least) are slim, and I'm not sure what the pay is but a FNP in Texas can do nicely. I just don't want to put myself in a situation where I am with more debt and no job prospects. If anyone has any advice please feel free to reply. Thanks :)

Hi Travis, I'll be starting the UC FNP program Summer 2013 and just had a few questions for you: I noticed you said you took Biostatistics and Research - is that Research and Best Evidence for Clinical Reasoning (NURS8006)? Just wondering if those were taken out of sequence (I guess I'm wondering if we're able to take them out of sequence?) I think the program is great and I've heard really good things about it, but I am wondering what you all think about the fact that there is no type of skills meeting to learn suturing or any special procedures? I asked about this and was told that we should just have our preceptor teach it to us. All the other programs I've seen have an intensive on-campus meeting to address things like this - just wanted to see what everyone thought and what they were planning on doing to supplement. Also, does anyone know if we are allowed to take a summer semester off during the program (delay Summer classes until the Fall)? Sorry for so many questions - thanks in advance :)

Hi itsnowbegun, I can't receive private messages yet (not enough posts) but I wanted to ask if you could PM me some details about the call when you get time, so I'll know what to expect when I start in the Summer. Also, would you mind sending the book list in the message, so I can get an idea of what books will be needed? Thanks so much, and look forward to keeping in touch with you to find out more about how things go. It's pretty exciting to be starting soon at such a great school with such great people :)

Thanks MSTXnurse for finding that out! Would love to be UC buddies with all of you that are attending and keep in touch. If anyone manages to get the book list, I would love to see what's on it. Not sure if it would change for Summer 2013, but I'm kind of wondering how I can get a head start on some of the biostats and patho material. I'm kind of wondering if we should start a new University of Cincinnati thread to put information into, since this one is kind of ambiguous.

Hi MSTXnurse! I was accepted for the FNP specialty and will be starting Summer 2013. I have a bit more of a countdown, but still very nervous and excited at the same time. Do know anything about the Texas BON not accepting out-of-state nurse practitioner programs where you set-up your own clinical sites? I read in another thread, about Walden FNP, that someone contacted them and they said that clinical sites must be approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in order to sit for the APN boards. I looked through the Texas BON laws and didn't really see anything like that, except for what looked like for RN-BSN and LVN programs. I was under the impression that UC was approved for the state of Texas since it's not on their restricted state list. You will be starting ahead of me, so would love to hear about your experience as you go along! Thanks!

Just got an acceptance email :) Would love to hear from any others starting at UC :)

Can any previous applicants for UC share how long it took to receive a decision? I was told 12 weeks. Thanks!

I've heard that some applicants without access to a FNP might choose to shadow for a specific period of time and get a letter of recommendation that way. I agree with you though, I felt the same way when looking at schools that require letters from specific people. From what I understand, most schools are looking for recommendations from a professional that show positive interaction with you and understanding of your ability to perform. I think a recommendation from your immediate supervisor would be fine if they are able to provide some insight into how you work. You can also meet with them and explain that as an immediate supervisor for you as a resource nurse, they have specific knowledge about your ability to work in all areas and be flexible. They should also have a general idea of your work ethic and attitude. I think these are all positive things that you could discuss with them and get a very nice letter of recommendation. Only the other hand, I've also seen many programs that just ask for 3 professional references (non-specific), so it might be to your advantage to look into some of these other programs if you feel something is just not right about asking your supervisor.

Hi Everyone! Just wondering if anyone applied to University of Cincinnati's Online Nursing Program for Summer 2013? I applied for the FNP specialty about 5 weeks ago and am still waiting to hear back with a decision. Hope to hear from someone, the wait is starting to feel unbearable