msuRNcc

Found out I'm an alternate so I'm staying hopeful that some people choose other programs! How long did they give you to decide/give your deposit?

sorry, I meant which location. Royal Oak, Toledo, etc.

Congrats!! Which cohort did you get into?

I was told they are hoping to have decision letters out by Oct 16.

Did anyone interview Sept 14? The interview email said 90 minutes and the interview time slot (plus comments here) suggest it's 30 minutes. I'm just wondering which it is. Thanks!

No, I will be in NC, but I am transferring in so I won't really be with the class starting in the fall (starting clinical instead). However, I have talked to people in the FNP and they said it was very self taught but they liked it.

MikeRN84, no, that one class is a research course. Pharm has been a lot of work but pretty straightforward!

I'm currently working full time while in a DNP program. I don't have kids, but I'm supporting my husband who is in CRNA school. I haven't had a problem yet, and we start clinical at the same time so we won't see each other much, but it makes us really good at studying and time management. It all depends on your own motivation, learning methods, program and support system.

It will really depend on your program, schedule, daycare options, and time management skills. I'm currently working full time while in a DNP program, but I've always done better with a really full schedule to force me to stay on track and I learn better on my own (online program). Others I know have dropped work or switched to part time because it was too much. Plus, nursing has a lot of options so you might be able to just work PRN or part time if needed. It depends on what you can manage and will help if your work is flexible and family is supportive!

If your goal is to become a CRNA, why are you trying for FNP? it seems like a waste of time, money and a spot for someone else who actually wants to be a NP. Regardless of this, look into what different schools require. All will have a simple FAQ or admission section that tells you all requirements, plus there are many sites that summarize the requirements of multiple programs. Regardless of whether you want to do NP or CRNA, you'll need ICU experience first. Not all NP programs require it, but if you want to do FNP/ACNP then I recommend it. It will give you a better idea of the job requirements, expectations, etc., and ICU is required for CRNA. Plus a lot of people start working in critical care and then decide they no longer want to work in the hospital setting. Plus it seems that you are a little unsure of what you want, and may not have any experience yet, I would get some experience first to help you decide. Programs will vary on requirements and competitiveness based on the track you want (FNP, Primary, ACNP, etc.).

Lucillern1, The GRE site has a lot of free information regarding test content, practice questions, etc. How you learn should determine your study style, but there are many ways to prepare. I have friends who have taken those prep-classes and did awesome on the GRE, but they are also very expensive. My husband and I just borrowed every recent GRE book our public library and did all the practice questions. I think this worked well because each brand of book is a little different and has different strengths/weaknesses. If your library has a small selection you can ask them to request copies from other libraries, just make sure they are recent as the test was changed in 2010. We also bought flash cards off amazon for vocab. He did really well and just did these things for about 3 weeks prior. If you look online there are lots of different GRE prep methods, suggestions and practice tests, in addition to many study guides/prep available for purchase.

I doubt it, usually by the time you apply and go through the interviewing/acceptance process, the previous class is already a semester or more ahead and there is no way you would catch up. Plus clinicals are already starting by that point so it would be impossible to meet requirements that fast. The one exception might be if you already have the grad classes done for some reason, but I've never heard of this happening, you're still placed in the year you applied for.

You should be able to talk to a nursing advisor who can give you a general curriculum plan and time frame, they may also have information meetings. The timeframe also depends on how the CC is set up. Mine was a point system that started fresh every year, but I know others that had a wait list that was several years long. I don't know how yours is, but mine also gave points for having healthcare experience, such as CNA or phlebotomist. If possible in your area, this isn't a bad way to go, plus it helps get your foot in the door at your local hospitals and gives you a job if you don't get in your first try. My CC had a 1.5 semester phlebotomy course with an externship, I worked this job PRN all through school and now I'm also one of the best at IVs. Overall, most people I know look 3-4 years to complete their associates, but chose this route due to the cost. Once they started working they finished their BSN. I did an accelerated track since I already had a bachelors, but I know admission is similar in all tracks. My program was 1 year, my program also had the standard 2-year RN program and then an extended 3 year RN program; these only considered the RN courses, not any prerequisites.

If you ask them, they say you shouldn't work. I don't have kids in my current program (not USA), and work full time and I find that I'm busy but it is manageable. My understanding is that USA is more self-taught, as a result you'll likely need more time to focus on learning the material, which means using your days and evening off to keep up, and thats not including clinical hours. Unless you have an excellent support system you probably won't be able to be an attentive mother and student, but each person handles these things differently. I know many people that sacrifice this time with their kids to improve things in the future, but the DNP is a longer program and it is a personal choice of priorities.

As everyone else has said, it can really vary based on location, competition and if the hospital is unionized. I worked at a hospital in MI at made $27 base and this is on the lower end for the state (my PRN pay was $40/hr). I just moved to NC and took a pay-cut, now I'm making around $24 base. PRN in my area is about $28. Most people I know that moved to this area from bigger cities took a pay cut, so if you're hoping to make more look for those areas or for good sign on bonuses.

If you're in Michigan I went to Ferris State University for my RN-BSN. I was able to finish in 2 semesters (30 credits). It is accredited by ACEN. It was fully online, there was just one community aspect for a course but that can be done locally. I'm not sure how many credits you have to take if this is your first bachelors (might still be 30) or if you can do this program out of state. It was really flexible though and the advisor was awesome. Classes were fairly pointless, but I think thats the norm for any RN-BSN, lots of busy work, discussion boards, papers and group projects.

Usually those are just generalized requirements. I've had schools waive that and allow me to have someone else write a LOR for me. Some programs just want it as a confirmation that you actually attended the school and graduated (...just look at the transcript?). I would just call the specific grad program and ask, typically they understand and will allow you to substitute someone else.

I had a terrible GPA in my 1st bachelors degree, but >3.6 in my ADN and BSN. I had ADHD/depression issues, plus my own immaturity and lack of true effort. I'm in a DNP program now, and was accepted into other programs as well. My advice would be to focus on getting the best grades possible from now on, and work on other things to round out your application. Do things to show you can handle stress and a busy schedule, for example volunteer occasionally, etc. Many programs understand that people have rough patches and will either look at trends or just your most recent 60 credits. However, I would avoid going into details regarding excuses unless the program specifically asks for it, partly because it could potentially be used against you and it often just looks like an excuse (regardless of how valid it may be). I just owned it, said I had some health issues and immaturity that resulted in a bad GPA, but I learned from it/grew up/found motivation/etc and learned from my mistake. The key is to keep doing better, if you constantly fluctuate in GPA then regardless of the reason, you look like a risky candidate. Also, if needed you can always take extra classes to boost your GPA. Good luck!

I don't have a sample, though if you search I know in the past I've found examples through university sites. I want to say U-Mich had some good examples. In general though, focus on answering their purpose question, give lots of examples, expand on things you want them to know. Don't just repeat your resume (they already have that!) and I use it to explain any outstanding negative aspects. In this situation I just own whatever the issue is and say how it has made me move forward, don't give excuses or blame anyone/anything. Try to avoid cliche answers, like "I'm a nurse because I love caring/helping people," yes, but so does every other person applying. Think about all the reasons why you want to be a nurse educator, use your experience and goals to expand on those and include why that program is the best choice for your education in that field. I hope that helps!

My husband just started CRNA school and took the GRE this past spring. He crammed for about 3 weeks, but did really well. If you go on the site for the GRE, they have all kinds of information regarding content, types of questions and examples. GRE books are expensive though, so I'd recommend going to your public library. We got 4-5 different brands of books from ours (plus they can order them from other libraries) and he did questions out of all of them. The only thing he bought was verbal flash cards and probably made it through about 250/500. Its considered high school math and then they changed the vocab section in the past few years so now its more context clues. When I took the GRE in 2010 it was still-random word, give the opposite- I think it is better now that they changed it. Make sure any books you get are from after 2010.

I think your plan is fine. I was hired into a magnet hospital with my ADN and finished my BSN online that same year. Actually, I know several sCRNAs who went that route and had higher GPAs because they were able to avoid some of those terrible required university courses that end up lowering your GPA (though that can happen in CC as well). The goal is to get in, get your ICU experience and make yourself an excellent candidate. I also know a lot of people who started in a small hospital because thats where they were able to get in an ICU right away and then transfered to magnet after a year or two. A lot of hospitals around me are saying that they will only hire BSNs, but I have yet to see that happen since there are always shortages. Plus a lot of places give you several years to get your BSN and will often help to pay for it. My husband is currently in CRNA school, if you don't like science it might not be the right path because you'll have to take all the core sciences to get accepted, but wait and see how you feel once you try a few at the college level. Keep in mind though, there are terrible instructors at every level so its likely you'll have to self-teach yourself many science classes anyway. Good luck!

I did my BSN in 2 semesters (30 credits) from Ferris State University in Michigan. I had a previous bachelors though, so I'm not sure how that affects required credits. I liked it because my advisor was extremely flexible. I didn't really learn anything useful, but for the most part that seems to be the standard for BSN programs. Lots of papers, group work and other busy/task work like discussion boards.

This is late, but for people considering applying to UM-Flint now...I really like the program. The professors are quick to respond and want to make sure you understand the material. I've only had one class that has been frustrating due to vague instructions, but I'm still getting an A. Overall I'd recommend it to others, however, I'm just finishing my first year so I don't have any experience with clinicals yet. I had to move out of state so setting up clinicals for next semester has been a nightmare, but if you're in MI or another state with lots of affiliations I imagine it would be fairly easy.

I was wondering if anyone has gone through (or is currently in) the Dual Role program at the University of South Alabama and what their experience has been? From my previous research, it appears that it is very much self taught, but I did not see anything about experiences in the Dual program. I'm in a difficult situation, I moved states due to my husband getting into CRNA school and was assured that my current DNP program would get state approval for clinicals...well it turned out that the whole process is ridiculous and now I'm unable to get any clinicals in my state and USA said they would be able to work with me to transfer in classes. However, aside from this issue, I really like my program and want to make sure I know what to expect if I switch. USA does have clinical affiliations already in place in my new state and workplace which will make that aspect easier. From previous posts I know USA is self taught-I already only read the book and haven't used powerpoints in my current program:). I would love feedback on the dual program, experiences, testing and if you felt prepared for your job after? Thank you for any insight into the program!

I'm strongly considering joining the navy nurse corps, I have about 1 yrs experience in critical care and am hoping to stay in that. My only concern is that I got into a DNP program. Its online except for clinicals and they said they will work with students to get clinical placements wherever students are stationed. My issue is regarding deployments. Do you get them in your first 3 years? If you are in rota or somewhere else overseas do you get them? My concern is having clinicals I have to get done, if I'm deployed then I can't complete those unless its only for part of the semester. How long do deployments last and where/what do they consist of? Also, I want to continue working where I am for about 6 more months, is it possible to start the process and get accepted but not actually join until my current employment is over? I'd really appreicate any answers! I really want to do this but am nervous about any surprises/finishing school.