May25

Hello everyone - I am a current student in the PLU ELMSN program and I would be MORE than happy to answer any questions you have regarding the program. I understand how stressful the application and waiting process is and would love to help ease your mind. If you want my stats. I had a 3.7 GPA in my undergrad. I had a 4.0 in the prereqs. I had CNA and hospital experience. I had international volunteer experience. And I volunteered at a couple places in WA. I did not do well on the GRE. I got like a 150 and a 151? Like 50th percentile it was awful, haha. But honestly, the GPAs and what not range quite a bit in my cohort. I know you've heard it a million times before but what really matters is your essay! This program is SO hard, but SO worth it. I can't believe that by the end of this year I will probably be starting my first nursing job! Also, if FNP or PMHNP is what you're after and you're trying to get into Seattle U, etc. PLU has made it so their ELMSN can seamlessly transition into the DNP program. So, it's really quite perfect honestly. I came from a large school and appreciate having a real relationship with the faculty. Throughout the program you also have the opportunity to join service clubs and participate in fellowships. It's a great program. Intense, but great!

I am currently in a Masters of Science in Nursing program and will graduate as a Clinical Nurse Leader. At this time I do not want to pursue advanced practice, but I do want to pursue further education. I have always wanted a doctorate. I currently know of two programs that have DNP options for students that are not advanced practice nurses - University of Southern Alabama and University of New Mexico. I was wondering if anyone else knows of any other programs related to DNP for someone who is not a nurse practitioner.

@duhfeenuh - I have been commuting to both work and school for the past two years, my drive being approximately an hour. Granted it's not into Seattle (that traffic can be crazy). Also, I wasn't taking a full course load, so nursing school will obviously be much more intense and add much more stress as compared to the responsibilities I've had while commuting. I will tell you that you CAN make it work. I was taking my prereqs while commuting and I would record myself asking questions and answers and quiz myself while on my drive. That's two hours of studying time each day! Also I now have quite a few podcasts that I enjoy listening to on my commute and I tend to treat myself with a nice iced coffee. I will say that commuting sucks - sorry - but there are ways to make use of your time in the car and you can make it work. I hope this helps.

@duhfeenuh - I did not meet with anyone specific when I visited the PLU campus, I simply walked through both SU and PLU because I wanted to get a feel for the campuses... not that it gives more merit to either program, but I wanted to get a feel for both schools. However, in saying that, I am sure if you contact the school they will be happy to set you up with someone who will answer all your questions. They have responded to me promptly as I have been emailing and asking questions about financial aid and what to expect, etc.

After much deliberation, after driving myself crazy, after many sleepless nights, after many long conversations, after many website stalkings, I have FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY decided on PLU! Good luck to everyone attending Seattle U!

I don't have a facebook, but don't leave me out

Also, yesterday I went to both SU and PLU just to really take my time and check out the campuses. My goodness, if SU doesn't have the most beautiful campus I have ever seen. All shiny and new with views of the waterfront in Seattle. Hard to say no to... But in all reality how much will I be admiring the campus while I have my nose deep in Nursing school books

PLU has changed the way their program is structured due to the DNP. Now you an apply to their DNP program with FNP focus during your second year in the ELMSN program and continue on with the DNP AFTER you graduate the ELMSN program with your MSN in Care and Outcomes Manager. The DNP program after the ELMSN program is an additional two years. However, take into consideration that you will graduate with a DNP (as opposed to just an MSN). If you were planning on obtaining a DNP this isn't a bad option considering the amount of schooling is the same for the most part if you were planning on pursing DNP after the APNI program. However, if the APNI program was going to be your final degree than this does add on an additional two years of school. But it does allow you the opportunity to gain experience as an RN beforehand. Pros and Cons to both programs.

@badabing - did Seattle U already approve "business precalculus" as satisfying the math requirement? I'm just wondering how you know if fulfills it. Sorry for doubting you haha, I'm just curious and would like to double double check before I sign up to take it.

I know that absolutely no one can make this decision for me - except for myself. But ever since I got accepted to Seattle U my stomach has been turning and I'd really appreciate advice - perhaps from people already in the APNI program. I was so sure that PLU was the program for me. Its close to home (20 minutes away) and I like the idea of having a broad exposure to different areas of nursing. Not to mention it is a wonderful school. I actually only applied to Seattle U as a back up for the longest time. But now that I've been accepted to Seattle U I can't shake this feeling that I want to go. The APNI program intimidates me and honestly I LOVE that. I feel like life is about being scared and taking on challenges. I just really feel as though not going to APNI route I am doing a disservice to my potential. I just feel as though Seattle U will push me to be the best version of myself. I was kind of weary about the direct entry NP route. I obviously think I am capable but I believe prior nursing experience is probably beneficial. I currently work as a CNA in a hospital and at work I was thinking about the PLU program and bedside nursing and I honestly already know that I am not going to stay in bedside long term. So if I'm already planning my escape from bedside why waste my time getting a generalist masters degree when I can get a NP degree in the same amount of time. Seattle U is far from me. About an hour and that's with no traffic. There is obviously the option of relocating and what not, but that adds on more expenses and means spending time away from my husband. I've heard others say that as the program goes on you only have to be at the actual school one or two days a week so commuting is more reasonable. However, I currently commute an hour to work (south so I miss the Seattle traffic) and I would be lying if I said that it didn't affect my quality of life. The drive can be exhausting. I feel as though these direct entry programs are already really intense, why would I want to add on extra stress in my life? But then it comes down to me feeling that I'm only choosing PLU because it is close and it would be easier. I feel like I'm making up excuses as to why PLU, when really I feel like I fit at Seattle U. Soo... currently/former students or anyone really - does anyone have insight? Is Seattle U worth the commute? I mean I feel ridiculously lucky that I even get to choose between these two schools - they're both fantastic. I'm sure either route I will find my way to my end goal. So it's either - PLU with a generalist masters but it's much closer to home and less stress in that sense. Or Seattle U which will mean quite a bit of sacrifice when it comes to spending a lot of time in the car and not seeing family, however I think it's a more direct route to fulfilling my goal. I'm rambling, I'm sorry.

Wow guys... I was accepted for FNP. I know this is going to sound kind of spoiled, but I was really hoping to be waitlisted. I have decided that PLU is the school and me and therefore will not be accepting the spot at Seattle U. It is an incredible school and definitely hard to say no to.... being wait listed would've made this process much easier. Everyone who has been accepted and will be entering the 2015 cohort enjoy! I am extremely impressed by this school and I am sure you will have an incredible experience. (If anyone else on this thread has decided PLU see you summer 2015 Also... this means a spot is opening up in FNP! So good luck all FNP applicants!

If by chance any current or past students of the ELMSN program are reading this thread I have a question... I currently work in a hospital setting as a CNA - full time 12 hour shifts. I love my hospital and my position and would love to grow with the hospital. Now that I have been accepted to the program I have a dilemma. Should I quit completely, or ask my boss if I can be "on-call status." If I were to work one day a week would that be totally doable or would I be in over my head?

You know I really have no desire to work in psych, but this post spoke to me as well. It's been a looooong road and I've finally been accepted into nursing school, from here the path only continues, but I too know all these experiences will eventually lead to fulfilling my dreams. You are absolutely inspiring!

Also... I should mention I've been looking into PLU for two years and the staff has been more than willing to answer any and all questions. People I work with all regard PLU and their nursing program very highly. PLU has it's ELMSN students participate in 1000 clinical hour - compared to Seattle U's 600. And their NCLEX pass rate is 100%. Seattle U and PLU are both extremely strong educational institutions. I know I'd be lucky to attend either one, but PLU just seems like the right fit for me and where I am in my career!

I also applied to Seattle U. Honestly, Seattle U was my "back up" for a long time until quite recently it really became a contender. I love the fact that they do interviews, I really connected with the staff, they have opportunities to go abroad, my background and vision for my future aligns perfectly with their mission. Even though I haven't heard back from Seattle U, today I did a lot of researching and soul searching thinking about where I want to see myself end up. Ultimately, PLU won out. I applied for the FNP track at Seattle U and honestly I believe I am smart enough and capable enough to be in a direct entry nurse practitioner program. However, I also don't know if that is necessarily the wisest decision. I currently work in a hospital as a CNA and just through that experience I've realized "I don't know what I don't know." I love that PLU doesn't lock you into a track. I like that I will be able to explore all different fields of nursing before I chose an advanced practice track. What if I want to be an acute care NP, a nurse anesthetist? While I am obviously very attracted to FNP, I also realize that I don't know what I don't know... I think PLU will allow me to grow as a nurse and really find my niche. However, in saying that I do absolutely see myself in advanced practice in my career. I feel as though the shift to DNP works in my favor. It's not like I have to go back and get ANOTHER master's after I graduate from PLU. I can get a DNP after my advanced generalist degree from PLU. ALSO, I know that you are able to apply to the nurse practitioner program after the RN portion of the ELMSN program, however, I don't think that I want to do that either. I really believe that I COULD do that, but I think working as an RN before becoming a nurse practitioner is extremely important. And while maybe not "necessary" as is the argument, especially on the Seattle U forums, I think for me and the level of NP I want to be in the future it is a valuable experience that will only strengthen my skills. Not to mention I live 20 minutes away from PLU on an awesome farm with my husband and while we were more than willing to relocate I am thankful to call this home. Does all of this make sense?