mk989

Just wanted to update, especially for those who found themselves in a similar situation...don't give up. As Kelly Clarkson's song goes, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." When everything first came up I was quite sad but then decided to react in a different way, I grew real fast and kicked my rear into gear in many ways. I was offered to stay and received a raise. Strangely enough I do plan on venturing into a specialty though, I'm still fairly young and want to try out different things. Thank you for all of your advice and support.

Oops meant to reply to above post (error)

Thank you all for your feedback. I am definitely interested in residency programs and open to pursuing a specialty that would provide intensive training. I also like the idea of focusing my content development and becoming an expert in one area. The specialties I'm most interested in are ortho and developmental peds but not unwillingly to consider another specialty. As far as bedside nursing, it seems like it might be difficult to enter at this point given my circumstances for many reasons (including I'd want to be in the same training as a new grad and that might not be possible) though I still will apply. Alternatively, I've always enjoyed research but not sure I how to get into the field from a nursing perspective.

I am in peds, but open to exploring RN positions in the adult area as well.

I am a graduate of direct entry accelerated BSN/MSN program for non nurses. I came into the role of APN, specifically NP as a very green graduate. I did very well in my program, but am finding clinical practice as an APN to be quite challenging. Academic knowledge and clinical expertise are very different. I've been in my present position about a year and have been directed to seek a position elsewhere but permitted to continue working while I search. It was also mentioned I try to seek a specialty area instead of primary care so I can focus my knowledge development. I'm looking at specialties but wondering about my best options on where to go from here. I am not against applying to bedside RN positions. I've worked so hard but have wondered about leaving nursing altogether for something else. Any guidance appreciated

Congrats to all! I am still waiting...credit check on 7/29 which resulted in a bit of a dive for my score ugh. Would be really awesome if it worked out. This is my second time applying first time was for 3 years BSN to NP, now just for the completion of the NP. EFC 0 and GPA 4.0 for my BSN and also MSN courses I've had so far, undergrad Bio with 3.77. Chem/Bio/Anatomy tutor, externship, lab and field research, worked with children with disabilities in the past, in the international Nursing Honor Society: Sigma Theta Tau, and a national NP society (as a student member). I am in the mindset this particular scholarship isn't meant to be for me though, and looking for some other avenues to pursue (hello loan repayment program next year?). To those still waiting like me, I know it can be hard not get discouraged, but remember there are other scholarships/programs out there too. Where there is a will there is a way!

Nothing here yet (NP student) I am wondering if they only send emails out on Fridays? I looked through some past cycles and that seems to be common, the first Friday of August with one week to get all the finalist materials in. Just a theory though. Wishing good old luck to all.

I applied as well, (NP student). My program is actually a DE program BSN to MSN (3 years but I am in the last year now), I finished the BSN in May and am already in the NP portion. I applied two cycles ago and didn't receive the scholarship, applied this time around just for the NP portion. Really hope 2nd time is a charm, EFC is 0 and GPA is 4.0. Best of luck to everyone!

I applied and this is the second time applying, first cycle was right before I started school and didn't get it then (had a much higher EFC and perhaps less relevant experience). My program is a direct entry BSN to MSN (previous degree in biology) GPA is 4.0 currently EFC is 0 program is MSN Pediatric Primary Care NP (just starting right from the BSN full time student) have a varied background with a good amount of clinical time in the past 2 years of the BSN through school and work. would be absolutely awesome if this scholarship comes through, been browsing tier III areas (dare to dream right?). very interested in rural health and working with autistic children.

Thanks for the responses! I have broadened my radius. Currently I have something in the works with an Adult NP. Although it isn't paid, I am excited for the learning experience. I guess the take home message from this is apply early and apply to EVERYTHING. I thought I had applied to enough with 3 positions (surely one would work out). To any one reading this, I applied to spots late (given that's when those ones went up that is in March). Apply early, apply to the spots where apps are do in December (if anything it's at least good practice for more applications). There are about 150 to 200 students in my class overall. GPA wise I have to be at the top...although I don't advertise my grades to my peers they often tell me. I was often the one teaching my classmates in class and clinical (the ones who got the positions). Leadership/team wise I ran college XC and track, worked aftercare at a special education school, coached at a sports program for special needs children, tutored Science courses (for years), conducted research (I won second place in my senior thesis), and helped run a small restaurant. I am just going keep chugging along. The experience I have the Adult NP will definitely be good to have.

Unfortunately that isn't in my program...some of the schools nearby have that option (co-ops). If I had done even more research when applying to schools, I would have considered that more. Do you (or anyone else that reads this) have other types of positions in mind that I could apply to to get similar clinical experience? I am listing myself as a babysitter right now. I am frustrated that all my hard work hasn't paid off and demonstrated my seriousness in pursuit of this profession. Especially since this is a second degree for me, I have invested so much time and money. I am 25 y/o and really want to get my feet off the ground.

Hello I am a rising Senior Nursing Student. I have a previous degree in Biology with a 3.77 GPA, research experience, Anatomy/Chemisty/Biology tutor, 4.0 in all nursing prereqs, and 4.0 in my Nursing program. I have had considerable difficulty getting an externship and am very concerned (I chose a slower based program so I could have more clinical and do an externship to gain more clinical experience rather than an ABSN). I have been denied by four places. Is anyone else having difficulty getting an extern position this year? I was especially concerned since I have been doing extremely well. I don't want to sound arrogant but I thought I'd be a shoe-in. Solid GPA, solid references, active participation in class and clinical. Does anyone have any helpful info on this topic? Is it possible to be taken seriously as an RN if I graduate with a 4.0 and no externship experience?

Emdonnelly1205, sorry I haven't been on the forum in awhile. I will be living on campus in the orlowitz residence. Orlowitz and barringer are the two most expensive, Martin is a smarter choice (and in retrospect I would have chosen differently). However, I am super excited to move in. The on campus apartments/residence hall are nice and close to classes, the library, gym, etc. plus they have constant security coverage, which is quite important in the city. I am not too familiar with the public transportation, but I believe they are close to some SEPTA stops. Really excited for it. If you'd like I could PM you so we can be fb friends (if you have one) and I can send you the group invite.

Congratulations to everyone who has received the scholarship! It sounds like it will be an amazing experience! I have been checking my email/status on the hrsa website daily. I called HRSA and spoke with a rep who said having a status of "under review" is a good sign. Stats: I am an ABSN/MSN nurse practitioner student in PA with a previous undergrad in Biology, GPA 3.79, EFC is 0. Everything crossed!

Haven't heard anything. Like everyone else, I am sincerely hoping this works out.