NP-to-be

Hi All, I have been away from the board for many moons since starting the Simmons direct-entry program. But seeing others struggling with the same decisions we all made last year, I thought I'd jump in ... and hello to everyone from last year First, congratulations! It's really hard to get into these programs and you all deserve a pat on the back for getting this far :balloons: I had to choose between Simmons, MGH and BC last year (I had also applied to UMASS Worcester, Regis, and Northeastern but withdrew my applications after getting into my top three choices). Luckily, my financial aid packages were relatively similar so that simplified my decision some. My best advice to you is to FOLLOW YOUR GUT! I visited all of the programs and I just felt that Simmons was the right fit for me ... and I haven't questioned that decision since. I love it and I think it's an amazing program. All of these programs have great things to offer so it's important to know what's most important to you and trust yourself that you're making the right decision. If you still have prereqs to take, Simmons has a great accelerated spring/summer program - I highly recommend it. Another thing to pay close attention to is the student:staff ratio in clinicals. Simmons maintains a 6:1 (max) ratio which I think should be the outer limits in order to have an adequate experience. There are Northeastern programs that have 14:1 ratios - that is unbelievable to me It's probably important to remember that disorganization is inherent in all of these programs (or so I've heard). It can be frustrating at times but just go with it and things do always resolve somehow. I don't know if this is at all helpful, but I hope it is. Good luck to you all ... you'll make the right decision and go on to be great nurses !!

You are NOT going to die !! Just remeber that. But I do understand that it's a scary ordeal ... I was completely clueless when my ppd came back positive. But the reality of the situation is that plenty of people (very healthy people) have positive ppd's. 9-months of INH is the standard treatment for latent TB. Anyone who has adverse reactions from the INH is usually treated with Rifamin for 3-4 months. The 'side-effects' to be aware of are liver related - jaundice of course, excessive tiredness, naueseau ... a few others that I'm forgetting right now. I had an adverse reaction w/ in 10 days which scared me enough to refuse further treatment. The way I understand it is that I have a 10% chance of getting active TB in my lifetime ... I'm willing to take those odds at this point. Good luck and try not to worry too much. Things will work out fine !! -Jen

Hi CrissyLynn - I also have positie ppd's. I was started on a 9-month INH regimen (which is no the starndard according to the CDC and it is actally 90% effective). However, I had adverse side-effects (elevated liver function tests) and the treatment was discountinued. The doctor recommended a 3-month course of rifampin but I refused. I've decided to take my chances. As long as you have clear chest x-rays, you are clear for classes and any type of practice. I was amazed at the number of people who have positive ppd reactions and work in healthcare settings - it is nothing to worry about. Since it is deemed a public health issue your doctors are obligated to urge you to seek treatment ... but I know many people (myself included) who have refused due to the side effects. Be careful ... INH is some powerful stuff !! Good luck and try not to worry about it !! -Jen

:rotfl: Hi All! I am new to this forum but I've been reading all of your postings as of late and can relate to so many of the discussions and wanted to be a part of such a great group! I am from RI and am currently trying to decide between the Direct Entry program at Simmons and DePaul (in Chicago) for this fall. I have lived in RI all my life and nearly all of my family (and fiance) are here. Being in Boston would be great because although I know I will be so busy at Simmons I know my family is nearby. However, DePaul's program is intriguing because it is in a part of the country I have never been and to be on my own out there is exciting. However, one of my friends brought to my attention one factor that has really made my decision difficult. She said that wherever I choose to go to school, I will establish so many contacts and a big networking system that I can use to get a job both while I am in and once I am done school. And my main problem is that if I go to Chicago and then want to move back east to be closer to my family after I graduate, all of my contacts and networking system will be in Chicago and I will have a difficult time getting a job (or as good a job) in Boston/new england. On the other hand, if I go to Simmons then I will have already established myself in the new england area and be a great candidate for post-graduation jobs. I spoke to a current Simmons student who said that Simmons students are so highly regarded in the area and that the contacts we make while in school are very key. So I am stumped. I am sorry for babbling so long but I really need to a make a decision soon as Simmons begins this July. I don't know much about the Chicago area and the medical facilities there nor do I know much about DePaul (only the Nursing program details). I don't know how highly regarded DePaul is outside of Chicago. Can anyone offer any advice? I would greatly appreciate it!! Thanks guys!! Lastly, NP-to-be, you are definitely going to Simmons? Congratulations! What made you choose it over others? I also applied to all of the surrounding programs (BC, MGH, NEU, UMass Worcester, etc.) but just ahd a very strong gut feeling about it. They seemed very focused on the students and the administration is so helpful!!! First of all, welcome !! This board is a GREAT resource for any and all direct-entry students/applicants. Let me start by saying that I am of course bias to New England and Simmons !! It was a little bit easier for me because I was sure that I wanted to stay in the Boston area. My family and friends are all here and this is where I want to settle after school. I went away for my undergrad but am back now for good !! Deciding between Simmons, MGH and BC was a very tough decision. I honestly think that I followed my gut 100%. I got such a good vibe from visting the school and meeting students and facutly. I also got GREAT feedback from local NP's and RN's about the program at Simmons. My NP at MGH told me that she'll only precept Simmons students now because she thinks they are so well prepared = ) I truly think that if you want to work as an NP when you graduate that it may make more sense for you to go to school in the area where you want to practice apon gradution. If you want to work as an RN after graduation I don't think you'd have a problem finding a job no matter the location !! One other aspect that sold me on Simmons was the 9-month to 1-year + required RN internship. I think it is great that they require you to have that much hands-on experience (which is paid !!). If that was not required I would have strongly considered taking a year off in the middle to get some experience working as an RN. I think this program is the best of both worlds !! I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide. Please feel free to private message me if you have any questions about the program. I am actually staring the 'science summer' in about a week so I may have some more helpful feedback at that point. I'm really looking forward to getting my feet wet and hope that I'll be seeing you soon !! Good luck !! -Jen :balloons: :rotfl: :balloons: :rotfl: :balloons: :rotfl: :balloons:

Elizabells - Better to be sick now than in 4 weeks when school starts !! Feel better and rest up

Wow ... I guess it's really real now

Welcome back Diana :) Wow, that is exciting !! Did they already give you your clinical location (or are they all at MGH)? How many days/week? Good luck w/ classes. -Jen

Gen -- Good luck !! You'll do great :balloons: :balloons:

Smile and Jess, I haven't decided on the complete and final list of schools to apply to, but I am currently considering Simmons, NEU, USM, Columbia, and UCSF. I want to make sure to apply to a broad enough range so that I will get an acceptance letter from at least one school. Looking at the stats for Simmons, I believe fit their profile. Do you have any suggestions for rounding-out my list? I know that my list is pretty much comprised of the most difficult schools to get accepted to. I am beginning to think that there are no "shoe-in" schools that offer this type of program, though. Am I right? Which schools did y'all apply to? Here's to reaching high and taking risks! rachel Sounds like a good list !! I am starting at Simmons this summer - glad to see it on your list! I think you're right though, there are no "shoe-in's" ... that I have found at least. I was lucky enough to get accepted at BC and MGH as well ... are you considering either? They are both Boston schools w/ excellent reputations. There are others on this board planning to go to both programs that I'm sure can answer any questions for you. Good luck w/ the application process ... I know it can be stressful but take it one step at a time and you'll do great. If you don't already, try to get some healthcare volunteer experience before applying. I think that goes along way w/ the admissions committees. -Jen

Rachel - Hello and welcome! I took an online prep class through The Princeton Review which was great (it was about ~$400 I think)! Depending on how much time you have before your scheduled test day, they design an appropriate sylabus for you. I took about 2 months to prepare (really only cracking down during the last 2-3wks). It was not only a helpful review of material but it was heavily focused on strategy. Knowing how the test works is 2/3 of the battle, I think! Come test day, just try to relax and don't let the timer stress you out. Also, if you can, take the test w/ plenty of time to spare for deadlines. That may take some of the pressure off because you can always retake it if you're not happy w/ your scores !! Good luck ... you'll do GREAT !! - Jen

I agree. I called the women from UMASS back and explained that I had recieved acceptances to other schools months before and had already made my final decision. She asked if there was anyway I would change my mind and I politely said no. She asked where I had decided to go and responded that she thought Simmons was a great school and wished me luck. It was pretty painless. Good luck !! -Jen p.s. they aren't expecting you to come to the east coast for the interview are they ?? I'm assuming you'll do it by phone ??

So last minute! I think I'm going to decline an interview. I'm not sure there is anything that could change my mind at this point so I don't want to waste anyone's time !!

Diana - FYI, I got a call from admissions at UMASS this a.m. requesting I come in for an interview tomorrow or Wednesday - nothing like waiting until the last minute! She said that the committee will be meeting Thursday morning to make decisions and everyone is required to come in this week for interviews. -Jen

Absolutely !! I in no way was suggesting that people not follow their passion. That was just my personal way of looking at my options :) I agree w/ Jess that your passion about a specific population/specialty will open doors for you !!

Hi Hillflower - Hang in there! I know it's so easy to second guess and over analyze everything during the long, anxious wait. But you'll only drive yourself crazy. It's out of your hands now. Try to just take it as it comes (i know, easier said than done) :rotfl: What schools did you apply to? Deciding on a track is tough w/out healthcare experience. I tried to find a happy medium between 'specializing' but remaining 'marketable.' I think what you mean by marketable is having a broad enough focus in order to serve many populations and thus be qualified for more jobs ... correct me if I'm wrong?!?!?! I am hopeing to do a dual adult/women's health track. I think that my primary interest is in women's health but I also want to have the broader knowledge base to treat adults of all genders, etc. Just my two cents Good luck and hang in there !! -Jen