UCSF MEPN 2016

FutureNPisMe · Dec 16, 2015

@lostasia you're so awesome for sharing these - thank you so very much! I also plan to add to this list in the coming day(s) about anything else I've been asked that's outside the scope of this extensive list :) cheers, friend -- you are meant to be a nurse!

sml14 · Dec 16, 2015

Thank you so much, this is incredibly helpful!!

FutureNPisMe · Dec 19, 2015

Hi friends,

I was wondering how some of you feel about UCSF's not offering a BSN as we work toward obtaining our NP degree? I've been reading various posts, threads, and just general google searches, and have found some conflicting information on the benefits and potential draw-backs of not having a BSN in the long run. It makes sense that an MSN degree would trump having either an RN or a BSN degree, but I wonder if not having an official BSN impacts our ability of obtaining a job fairly easy post-graduation? If current and/or UCSF MENP-graduates have any insight (or those of those intending to join UCSF MENP cohort) and are willing to their thoughts and research on this matter, that would be great!

Thanks!!!

emara9 · Dec 27, 2015

To interviewees, I am looking at places to stay on the website listed on the letter I received, and there are tons of campuses listed...does anyone know which one should I be close to? I know it's not Oakland or Mission Bay, but the rest I'm not sure about. Any advice on housing for a few days (I might stay longer than a night or two) would be awesome!

All_dogs_eat_kale · Dec 28, 2015

For those that didn't get an invitation to interview, is anyone considering applying to UC Davis MEPN?

All_dogs_eat_kale · Dec 28, 2015

Hello all,

Congrats to all those that are anxiously awaiting the interview and best of luck.

Quick question for those that didn't receive an invite and those that had to apply twice:

Any thoughts on re-applying and if so, what will you do differently?

I am thinking of retaking GRE. That's all I think I can do.

Anyone who received an invite after 2nd attempt have advice, for things to work on? Did you have to resubmit letters of rec and essays?

Although it is over for me, it still remains in my mind for next year. I imagine it remains the same for many of you who also are passionate about this next step.

Happy holidays soon to be nurses!

occrn1 · Dec 29, 2015

The interviews will most likely be at the Parnassus campus. So find a place close to there. In the past they have all been at Parnassus.

All_dogs_eat_kale · Dec 29, 2015

San Francisco is easy to get around. You can stay anywhere in the city or even east bay (if on a budget) and find it easy to get to interview. Muni and Lyft will get you there easily. There is very little parking so I would avoid driving. I think staying at any of the campuses is fine. Mission bay is nice because you are around the Ball park area (a short drive) and other cool campus buildings, Oakland is a 15 min Bart ride to city then you would take Muni. SFGH is in the mission so you are around lots of food options on 24th (not sure there are many hotels around there though). Parnassus is in the golden gate area but things are a bit more spread apart--however, this is where the nursing school campus is.

Anywhere you stay works, just depends on your budget and what you want to experience.

occrn1 · Dec 29, 2015

Hi @all_dogs_eat_kale,

I received my invite this year after reapplying. My advice for you would be to take a little time away from thinking about the application and revisit it in a couple months. I found that after a year my views on nursing had changed quite a bit due to my increased experience in the field. I would work on getting as much experience as you can in the medical field and write a new statement of purpose essay. I don't think your GRE score is as important as your statement of purpose and letters of rec. I redid both my essay and letters of rec which I think helped me a lot. I didn't redo my GRE. Also, if you live in the bay area, working and/or volunteering at UCSF helps a lot. If you don't live in the bay area, working or volunteering with undeserved populations is very important. Lastly, re-applying is a long process, it takes a lot of dedication to redo the essays and stick with going back to school. They want to see you are passionate and confident about going back to nursing school, so don't give up on your dreams of becoming a nurse!

Happy Holidays.

All_dogs_eat_kale · Dec 29, 2015

Thank you, will do!

blueandgold1919 · Dec 30, 2015

Just a heads up for anyone unfamiliar with UCSF/the many campuses. There is a UCSF shuttle system that transports you between the campuses. Technically you have to have a badge/be a student/patient/employee but nobody checks or cares. Definitely recommend doing this rather than driving/lyfting (also uber is better/cheaper in SF just heads up). Also Mission Bay is pretty boring, far from Parnassus and not a great representation of what SF is like. Mt. Zion (and Laurel Heights if they listed that one) is in a much better area and closer to Parnassus if you don't wanna stay @ Parnassus, which is in the sunset). SFGH is in a dangerous part of the Mission (not the gentrified, nice part so I wouldn't recommend staying around there). Lastly be careful with bart, you can pretty much rely on delays and tracks being shut down for something silly almost all of the time.

All_dogs_eat_kale · Dec 30, 2015

well...

I was just on the red line today and my badge was checked. This is always the case for those of us who line up at Mission Bay in the MCB direction. While I agree they don't always check, I would caution anyone who is already nervous about a grad school interview. I wouldn't want added stress--maybe on the way back?

I disagree with Uber being better. I paid $38 from SFGH to downtown on a weekday at rush hour. Lyft was $11 for same commute. I travel between campuses often and purposefully suggested Lyft for that reason, but it's just my experience. I have often seen drivers have both lyft and uber on the windshield, so who knows how prices vary; topic for another board.

And to each his/her own...I think laurel heights is boring. I hate having to trek there for trainings. Pretty far from where all the action is, in my opinion.

SFGH is the gentrified area of the Mission. I wouldnt it say it's anymore dangerous than downtown San Francisco. There are also plenty of food options. FYI, some of the top restaurants are in the Mission La Taqueria (considered by some the best burrito in America), Tartine Bakery, Delfina etc. Again, not sure how easy it would be to find a place to stay. It's pretty dense in this area but lots of cool cafes, and good food and on the BART line.

BART does have delays but so does the shuttle. I haven't really heard of it being shut down. It's like any other major city subway system. I ride it to and from work every day. I've had 10 min delays (major eye roll) crossing tunnel but nothing significant except when the Giants have been in the world series and other major holidays when it's chaotic.