Samuel Merritt ELMSN, FNP program, Fall 2016 Oakland

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Hello,

I didn't see a thread for the Fall 2016 ELMSN, FNP program. I recently applied to Samuel Merritt's ELMSN, FNP program in Oakland, CA. Has any one else applied? Any graduates have any feedback? I'm really excited about Samuel Merritt's Family Nurse Practitioner program. I'd really like to pursue primary and mental health. With that, I think a focus on FNP first would help.

Specializes in Anesthesia.
Not sure what happened, but I was told they looked into it and the error was resolved. So yes, nice surprise midday. :)

Congrats benrz ! I'm glad they cleared that up for you as I was a bit surprised to see your "rejected" comment earlier. Well deserved acceptance, good luck in the program!

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Is anyone going to do the BLS class 3/18, 4/16, or 4/29? It'd be fun to meet other folks accepted and do it together.

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Is anyone going to do the BLS class 3/18, 4/16, or 4/29? It'd be fun to meet other folks accepted and do it together.

I agree it be nice to get some of us to do it together let me see if any of those days work for me.

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I'm having trouble deciding whether to go forward with the FNP program since I received admissions elsewhere. Does anyone know which hospitals and clinics students have their clinicals at or know the kind of employment opportunities FNP graduates have had? As a smaller university do you think it's more of an advantage to go to a more nationally recognized university? Thank you!

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I've gotten feedback about the SMU program from a few sources. An FNP I met at SF General (a graduate of UCSF's MEPN program) spoke highly of SMU, although didn't elaborate on what I'd do upon graduation. She has the same degree and splits her time between a rural primary care clinic and the asthma clinic at SFGH. When I was talking to Teri (SMU's ELMSN Program Director), she made a good point about how much your experience during school shapes your education. I've lived in Oakland/Berkeley almost my entire adult life and know we'll be privileged to have such a diverse patient population. Teri's argument was that with such diversity, you'll get more experience much faster.

Regarding clinicals, during our interview we were told we'd be at Alta Bates and Summit (and maybe Kaiser? I forget...) before getting our RN license. Starting in the fifth semester, the second year student said there are more clinical opportunities (i.e. farther away). Regarding some comments I've seen on the All Nurses forums expressing concern about students going straight through to be NPs without getting experience as nursing, I'm not sure how warranted (and how common outside of this site) those comments are, but I'll definitely be keeping them in mind.

Samuel Merritt is at the top of my list as well because it's possible to switch to part time starting in the fifth semester. While it extends how long you're in the program (and possibly affects certain financial aid / loan forgiveness -- I'll need to get things figured out with the Financial Aid Office if I go this route), it's another way to help pay for school and get more experience. Speaking from prior medical experience (and I'm sure most of you have some so know how true this can be), labs, books, and practicing on each other is nothing like being at the bed of an very sick patient and being a part of the care team -- it's by far the best way (for me) to learn.

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I just declined my offer of admissions, so good luck to those on the waitlist!!

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I just declined my offer of admissions, so good luck to those on the waitlist!!

Thank you Hailz90! Best of luck to you at your choice program!

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Just received acceptance for the CM program if any of the CM applicants are on this thread!

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Just received acceptance for the CM program if any of the CM applicants are on this thread!

Hey @KO_1219 does that mean spots are open for the CM program?

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I received my acceptance letter for Case Management today and my interview was just yesterday afternoon! This is the quickest I have ever heard back from a school. It's a record!

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
Hey @KO_1219 does that mean spots are open for the CM program?

Hi Yendi. I actually applied and interviewed for the CM. I'm not sure if there are extra spots although it looks like folks are getting acceptance letters today.

wow Nancy that was quick!! Congrats!!

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At yesterday's interview there were only three candidates, including myself. I wonder if we were the last group for them to interview. I wonder how many people applied to CM.

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