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Hi all! I am also applying for the program this year, and planning to take the GRE in a month. I'm crazy nervous, but glad I found this thread. I live in the NYC area and won't be able to move because of personal reasons so Columbia is definitely the most appealing program in the area! What schools are you all applying to? I attended an info session last year, but the program has completely changed since then, so I am looking forward to hearing more information from everyone who hasn't been closed out of the information sessions. I have a strong GPA and volunteer experience but my GRE math is a BIG problem. Haha. Good luck to everyone!!

Hi Stephalump, The thing is it would be free! That's why i'm struggling so much with this decision. It seems like an opportunity I shouldn't waste, but at the same time I feel like putting off nursing is a mistake. If it made me more competitive, it would be great. But, as whispera said it might be detrimental in reality!

Hi Whispera! Thank you for your advice. My BA is in English, but I had an outside concentration in psych. I'm interested in psych nursing because while I do like the idea of therapy, I'm also very interested in the holistic approach that nursing allows - it seems like nurses are involved with all aspects of patient care, and are able to see the patient as a whole, and how certain physiological issues could be contributing to any mental illness. I also like how nursing can be so changeable throughout your career, you can work in a hospital or in private practice, or as an educator etc. I am sure there are so many other things nurses can do that I don't even know about! That possible career evolution excites me, I'm not sure it is the same with social work.

Hi all! I was wondering if anyone had any advice for me. I know I want to do psychiatric nursing. I had been on track to apply for accelerated nursing programs in November, but I recently started a new job at a university (unrelated to nursing). In this position, I qualify for tuition remission, which unfortunately I can't apply to nursing because clinicals are during the day during work hours. I can however, get a masters degree in psychology, counseling, or social work while still working. I'm wondering if one of those degrees would complement my planned nursing degree and future career, or whether I'd just be putting off my nursing plans unnecessarily. I know NYC is a highly saturated area, and that it is very difficult for new grads to get jobs. I know for sure I want to go for psychiatric nursing, so I was thinking that maybe getting another degree would be a good addition to my nursing education. I would love to hear from anyone who has any thoughts or advice for my situation. Also, I would love to hear from any psych nurses about their experiences in the field! Thank you so much for your time, and I hope to hear from you! Best.

Hi all! I am new to this site and I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on the qualifications for acceptance for NYC direct to MSN schools. I have researched this subject tirelessly, and while I've gained some valuable information (particularly from this site :)) I am still nervous about my particular situation. I am wondering if I should be doing something more to make my application more competitive. My dream school is Columbia, but I am coming from a background completely outside of the medical field. I have a B.A. in English with a concentration in Psychology, with a high GPA, and am currently completing prerequisites. I currently work in an unrelated position, but I am applying for receptionist jobs at a medical office (hopefully this will give me some edge?). I also volunteer at a crisis hotline. I am planning to specialize in Psychiatric nursing. I want to start applying within the next year or two. I cannot leave NYC because I cannot fund living away from home. I am sorry if this was way too long of an explanation, but I am really panicking that I won't have the credentials to get into any of the programs! I would love some advice! Are there other programs I should be considering? How can I make my application more competitive? I work on a hotline but not in a hospital setting. Should I also try and seek out volunteer work in a hospital (I don't really have time for this but if necessary I will do what it takes!). Thanks so much for your time and I hope to hear from you. I am extremely excited about the possibility of becoming a nurse and I want to be able to put my best foot forward! Lore