Umass Worcester GEP!! Please reply!

busman21, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2007

I am in the UMass GEP program. just started year 2 and found out I passed my boards today! if you have any questions whatsoever just get back to me either here or through private message. hope I can help!

JessicaJessica · Jan 16, 2009

I have excitingly been asked to interview for the gep nursing program (critical care/cardio) at Umass Worcester. I am wondering if anyone has any tips from their interview...what kind of questions might they ask and what are they looking for in an applicant? Thanks in advance!

Jessica

jalin_2009 · Feb 5, 2009

Hi Jessica,

I also applied to the program. I submitted my application in January before the deadline. I haven't heard anything yet.

When did you apply? Are they conducting interviews on a rolling basis?

Good luck with the interview! When will you hear if you got in?

JessicaJessica · Feb 12, 2009

Hi Jalin,

I applied around the first of the year and I don't know whether the interviews are on a rolling basis. Also, they haven't told me when to expect a reply, but I hope it comes soon!!

Good luck with all of your applications!

-Jess

briang30 · Mar 21, 2009

Sorry for the late reply, just joined this website today.

Interviews and admissions are rolling. I was accepted in December to the Acute Care track. As of the first week of March, they were still setting up interviews. By now, I would think that they have almost filled the class...

Zippy010 · Feb 20, 2010

I have been asked to interview for the Umass Worcester GEP program. JessicaJessica, how did you interview end up going? Can you give me any insight into what I can expect? And was it your understanding that people who were asked to interview were generally accepted or were interviews given generously? I greatly appreciate any help, it has been a little while since I have interviewed.

jalin_2009 · Feb 20, 2010

Hi Zippy,

I'm currently in the program. The interview is usually conducted by a faculty member from your specialty and the director of the program. My interview was more conversational in style than a formal interview. Be prepared to answer questions about your level of commitment and your responsibilities outside of the program. Since it's an accelerated program, they want you to be fully committed (they strong discourage working!). Be prepared to answer why nursing, why NP vs. RN, your understanding of the NP role compared to PA, RN, MDs.

The admissions committee meets every 2 weeks so you will have a decision very soon after the interview ( I got the call the very next day!).

Good luck.

Zippy010 · Feb 20, 2010

Thank you very much, that's very helpful. I have lots of other questions if you have time to address them: Which specialty program are you in? How are you managing your schedule, and do you find it difficult to find a job as an RN in between year 2 and 3 after you sit for Boards without having a BSN? Are schedules consistent every semester or do they fluctuate greatly? Did you work during the first year of the program before you got your RN?

Thank you thank you.

jalin_2009 · Feb 21, 2010

I'm in the acute care track. The schedule and workload is busy and constant but manageable. During the first year, we have classes 2 days a week, clinical 2 days a week and lab every other week. You may have a 3-11 shift during one of the clinical rotations. Basically, we have 8 hr. days 5 days a week with one day off every other week. The first year is 3 semesters including a summer term. The summer term consist of 1 class and approx. 30 hrs per week perceptorship.

I'm in my first year. The schedule changes from semester to semester. From what I hear during year 2, you will have classes 1 day a week (10-12 hr days) then study for the boards or work (part-time).

It has been a hard year for new grads to find jobs due to the economy. Many hospitals are simply not hiring new grads with or without BSNs. The UMass hospitals created 15 new positions in their hospitals specifically for GEP students. As of a couple weeks ago, only 2 second year students have not found jobs. From what I hear from previous classes, they don't usually have a problem finding positions.

We don't work the first year. In fact, we are strongly discouraged from work.

Hope this is helpful.

jb2010 · Feb 22, 2010

I have an interview tomorrow for the acute care track. Thank you for your helpful advice, I feel much more prepared now!

zmrmna · Feb 24, 2010

How many people are in your graduating class? Or how large is the student body at UMass Worcester Nursing? Thanks!