University of South Alabama DNP Fall 2011

[ncole2008]

i applied to the dnp program at the university of south alabama (usa). i am extremely excited, but was wondering what are some of the stats of people that have previously been accepted to the program or that are applying. i would also be interested to hear some peoples perceptions of the dnp program as they have progressed through it.

thanks.

[led09211]

Hey there

I am getting ready to finish my first year in the BSN-DNP ED dual role track....in 12d to be exact. I think you are exactly on track with your thought process. Mine was similar when I applied, although my plan is to get the most generic, marketable degree so I can go sit on some far off embassy when I am old :-) I was a bit intimidated when I applied and did not think I would get accepted based on my experience....9yrs total nursing experience with only one in the ED, and a small ED at that. But everyone I met at the orientation had slim to no ED experience and most didn't even work in an acute care setting.

As for my experience so far....I like it. You definitely have to be motivated to self learn, which works for me. I never got much out of traditional, lecture-style methods. I am doing the 4yr track (for a few reasons) and the first two semesters were very writing intensive. After I learned how to scholarly write again in the first semester, the second semester was relatively easy. This summer, I have been taking 3 classes and it's MUCH busier but totally doable.

As much as I complained about going to the mandatory orientation (I was living in Germany at the time and didn't think the $$ to get there would be worth it), it has been useful in terms of networking, meeting other students, study buddies, etc. Not sure if you are a facebooker but there are some sites that people created on there for the program. Although, I try not to read too much of them because complaining, stress, etc. The program is so far completely doable, even while working full time. Nothing is overly hard...it's like undergrad, it's a lot of work but not necessarily hard work.

I have no idea how to PM on this site....if you need more info, feel free to shoot me an email: [email protected]

Best of luck to you!

Lisa

[Equus419]

I have since tansferred OUT of the dual specialty. I am in the Adult/Gerontology Primary Care track now. I made it up to the second full year but was unable to get a contract between the healthcare group and the college in a timely manner to begin clinicals - so now I start primary care clinicals in 2 months.

My single biggest suggestion to anyone would be to take the Advanced Nursing Assessment class somewhere else (Master's level). The way it is set up at USA it is highly anxiety ridden, stressful and of little overall value due to the speed you go through it (only offered in an 8 week summer course and you do the whole book; plus a video taped assessment with all these parameters due in the first half of the semester - Anyway, I would suggest taking this BEFORE you get into the USA program if at all possible.

As to if its the "best" program... I went into the dual because I wanted the most generic too (broadest opportunities) - however, it turns out I HATE peds. I also was frustrated by the singular focus on ED - as at least in our area, primary care is really where the opportunities are for NPs and the ED positions are all direct 'underlings' to an MD/DO.

Lisa