USD MEPN Interview tips??

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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Specializes in High-risk OB, Labor & Delivery.

The interview is in a few weeks and I was wondering if anyone could give me a few pointers. I know the current students are probably too busy to respond to this, but any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks =)

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Hi,

I am not sure if you mean U. of South Dakota or U. of San Diego, but either way I am not familiar with those schools. I am applying to different Direct Entry FNP programs. I am not sure how much the process varies between schools. I just wanted to share this other sticky with you that has a list of possible interview questions:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f50/can-we-make-sticky-interview-questions-88629.html

Good luck!

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Specializes in High-risk OB, Labor & Delivery.

Oops, USD as in University of San Diego. Sorry for the confusion! I just changed it.

Thanks :-)

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i don't know anything about the interview process, but i went to their open house a few years ago & that is a COMPETITIVE program! good job on getting an interview! & GOOD LUCK!! :)

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Specializes in Ortho/Neuro/Trauma.

Sorry I found this thread a little late in the game, but I'm currently in the USD MEPN program. You'll be probably finishing up your interviews as I type this! but if you have any other questions about the program/finanical aid/etc I'd be happy to answer them :)

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Specializes in High-risk OB, Labor & Delivery.
Sorry I found this thread a little late in the game, but I'm currently in the USD MEPN program. You'll be probably finishing up your interviews as I type this! but if you have any other questions about the program/finanical aid/etc I'd be happy to answer them :)

Ok, now I'm wondering how you're funding your education. What loan did you take out? I got in and now I'm wondering how I should pay for this. If there are any other USD MEPN students out there reading this right now, please give me some tips on finanical aid. I already completed the FAFSA, but I'm lost as to what loans I should take out.

Thanks

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Specializes in Ortho/Neuro/Trauma.

First of all congrats on getting in!!!! I'm sure you're feeling great at the moment, so don't let this boggle your mind :)

well your program set-up is a little different than ours. because ours started in the summer, pretty much everyone had to take out student loans for the summe portion because the federal loans (the $18,500 everyone pretty much gets from the FAFSA unless you made too much money last year) don't qualify in the summer.

the first thing to do is to research your options. the best loan companies that i know my fellow classmates and i have used are Citibank, Bank of America, FannyMae, etc. most of these (i personally chose citibank because they offered a lower interest rate if my parents co-signed the loan) offer student loans specifically for graduate students and you can apply for the exact amount you will need based on your tuition, living expenses, car payments, etc. Then when your federal loans come through, you pick a lender who will distribute that money to you. I stuck with Citibank again only becuase it's easier to manage my money that way.

As far as scholarships go, it's a little tough to find ones that qualify for our type of program. Because you guys are doing your masters and licence at the same time, you may be able to find more masters-based ones than we could, but a lot of them are either for BSN students or masters students who are already working nurses. However, the School of Nursing automatically gives out a few scholarships and grants to students they think need the extra help. It's not a LOT of money, but I did receive somewhere close to $7000 total. (These aren't things you apply for, they just send you a nice letter in the mail one day and you jump up and down really excited)

Phew! Ok, I know it's confusing. Trust me, I was in your same shoes when I started last summer!!! I had never dealt with loans before let alone calling loan companies and trying to understand their different interest rates.

One last thing. Here's the good news and bad news. Bad news is you'll probably end up taking out a large portion of your expenses in loans, unless you are fortunate enough to have some money saved up. I was on the end where I had to borrow everything. Here's the good news: California offers a loan-buyback program that once you have your licence (so after your 2 years of school) you can pledge to work for 2 years at an "underserved population hospital" (which two of them happen to be Scripps Mercy and Scripps Chula Vista, both great hospitals). Then the government will pay back 60-80% of your loans, depending on how long you end up working there.

So don't feel stressed just yet :) The way I've come to terms with it, is its just another investment in my life that I will be paying back for a few years. Just like buying a house, car, etc.

If you have any other questions I can always give you my email too :) Good luck!!!

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I'm applying for the USD MEPN program for Fall 2008. Any tips for my application process? I'm trying to write my statement now. Also, I can't decide who I should ask for recommendation letters?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

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Specializes in High-risk OB, Labor & Delivery.

Hi There M2PH,

For your statement, focus on how your background can be an asset to the field of nursing. Emphasize your research knowledge, experience, and skills. Know exactly why you want to be a nurse and why you think you are ready.

As for letters of recommendation, try previous professors. They know how you perform in the academic arena and can usually provide the best letters. Employers are good too.

Good luck! The program is VERY very demanding, but rewarding if you enjoy pathophysiology, pharmacology, and seeing your pt smile at the end of your shift!

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I have read these last messages and I have an interview with USD MEPN program and I was wondering how it was for you? Any tips you can pass along now?

Anything would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks. :)

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Hi guys,

I applied to USD's MEPN program for the Fall of 2010. I was just wondering when we could expect to hear about if we offered an interview or not. Anyone know??? Thanks!

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hey penn2007

i JUST got an email saying that i'm invited to interviews from feb 12-13... maybe you'll get yours soon too?

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