UND PMHNP Program

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I am currently an ADN ICU nurse in one of the larger hospitals in the nation. This is my first nursing job, and I was licensed in January of this year. When I went into nursing, I always wanted to me a psych nurse, but this position was my main option with ADN. I am currently finishing my BSN online, and I will be done December of next year.

My plan has always to be a PMHNP. I withdrew from a MA in Community Counseling program to become a nurse (have a BA in economics), have script writing privileges, and utilize the psyciatric medical model.

Has anyone gone to The University of North Dakota's (UND) PMHNP program? As of right now, my plan is to apply to their program in November of next year? Is the program tough to get into? Is their program very difficult to complete (especially if working a 0.6)?

Does anyone have an other advice about how I can position my career in the future. I currently, work in one of the best ranked hospitals in the nation, and really don't mind the work in the ICU (I love learning much every day). However, I wonder if it is where my talents are. I also don't want to loose my clinical skills? Would anyone recommend staying an ICU nurse in hopes that I may someday want to become dual certified as a FNP? UND's PMHNP program is also very heavy in pathophysioogy and general pharmacology, and I wonder if staying in the ICU may help me with these classes in the future.

I really miss the 1:1 counseling I did in my Master's program before leaving, and right now I can't imagine my future nursing career not working in my own psych practice someday.

Any advice about preparing myself to get into UND or about PMHNP programs and UND's program would be appreciated.

Thanks so much-

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I'm sorry to hear you have not gotten any responses on UND PMHNP program. I, too, have been looking at this program. Can you share any new information you've learned here through PM or on other sites or from UND themselves? They have been responsive to my questions so far.....thank you!

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Hi marigoldey,

I haven't really learned a lot of new information. UND told me to contact them next year when I am closer to applying. I do know MN approves them as a clinical site and accredits the program. Have you heard anything interesting? Do you live in MN too and have heard of other affordable programs that are accredited in MN?

Thanks so much!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to student NP forum

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I have heard good things from lurking on a few posts here on allnurses.com but that is all. So far, they have been responsive when I email them and the website presentation is clear. The program appears rigourous - requiring about 12-14 more credit hours (with two times the amount of patho and pharm) than other programs. The curriculum looks more robust than other programs, including diagnostic reasoning and a course specific in psychopharm.

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charlie101, I am presently in the UND PMHNP program. What specifically would you like to know? I did not feel that it was that hard to get in, however, I am from ND and I am already an FNP and a UND alum, so??? I do know that there seem to be many students in the program from MN--probably more more MN than ND. Good luck with your endeavors!

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Hi nursepract -

May I ask why you decide to do a post-FNP cert in psych? How do you like the teachers, course delivery and overall experience of UND's psych program so far?

Thank you for any information.

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marigoldey, I have personal as well as professional reasons, but for one thing, my rural area is getting well saturated with FNPs, yet there is a huge need for mental health care. I may not be the best to comment on the teachers and course delivery at this point. I am just starting now my first actual psych class and I only had one generic class last semester. I got my FNP 12 years ago, and the program was quite different then. It does seem that the psych director is pretty organized, at least at the start of the class here, so we'll see. I'm sure I will be well able to answer your question a year from now, which doesn't do you much good, does it!

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Nursepract - thank you. For whatever reason (good thing?), there are not a lot of comments about UND programs that I've found on allnurses so anything helps. Good luck!

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Hi ndnursepract,

One other quick question... are you working while you are in the program? Are you finding that difficult? If you are working, what is your FTE? Have you found the coursework quite challenging? Thanks soooo much for all your help!

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Hi Charlie101,

Yes, I am working, but my course is quite light as I am doing the post-master's certificate. I only have 4 credits right now, which is 2 classes. That may change next year when will be doing clinical. I may not be able to work; we'll see. I have looked at the curriculum for a full-time master's student, and it is a heavy load. I think it would be difficult to work more than 1 or 2 shifts a week and still do a full-time load. Especially if you have a family. The coursework seems about right for a master's level class. Depending on the class, papers, busywork like case studies, or studying for exams. When I got my master's in 2004, it was all on campus vs now when most everything is online. I do think online is actually more challenging because it requires more self-discipline and self-motivation. You can't get away with not doing reading assignments for example, because you won't have any idea what's going on. Good luck with your decision!

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I know this post is old but I'm hoping to get some insight on how things turned out.. looking to apply here myself for

psych NP. Thanks in advance.

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