UVA- I need some therapy(advice)

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It's a bit of a long story. I'm in the FNP program at USA. I'm starting clinicals THIS SEMESTER. I'm feeling dread and sadness. What I really want is a PMHNP. Do you ever have a feeling about something in your gut, and know it's the right thing, with no tangible reason why?

Well, this is me. No one really gets it. I called and emailed USA and begged to transfer to PMHNP. Nope. Not without 2 years exp.

Let me back this story up by saying that I started at USA/FNP a year ago, and have been completing 2 (3 hour courses) every semester since (3 of them).

Anyway. Forward to now. About to start clinicals. I just have that feeling in the pit of my stomach that this is not the right thing for me to be doing. I have 6 years of nursing experience doing mother/baby/perinatal. I would like to have had some psych experience under my belt, but jobs here are hard to come by. The biggest Mental Health facility is owned by the hospital I work at. The don't hire FT, only PRN, and they won't hire me because I'm already FT and they won't pay OT. *sigh*

So, off to do some research. Of all the schools I've found, UVA seems like th best fit. I've got all the pre-req's needed. I've got a 3.9 GPA, I can afford it (more than the other schools)... I read that the deadline for application for spring is Nov 1. It all sounds perfect. However, when I was req info, the only times it showed that admission could be granted was Fall 2011. I don't think I can wait that long. I've got pending student loans. My kids need me to make some $. There are 5 of them! My oldest is graduating HS this year, and my youngest is 2. I need to educate myself to get a job I love that can help buy them braces and allow me to be home some evenings to help with their homework.

So, it all boils down to the question...

1) Do I just say screw it, and pray that UVA accepts me. According to their website they only take SIX per year. And all the info points to a Fall 2011 start date. If I stayed at USA/FNP I'd be done in Dec 2011.

2)Stay at USA's FNP and stick it out for a job I won't really be 'in love' with... Before I realized that UVA didn't start until Fall 2011, I was on cloud 9. I almost cried with relief and joy. It was the realization that PMHNP was the path for me. Truly, it is what I want. Not just what would be the best for my family, but the best of both worlds. Happiness for me and a better life for the fam.

Ahhhh. I'm so stressed out right now. What to do.... ???

I'll be calling the admissions office of UVA first thing Monday morning.

Does anyone have any advice or words of wisdom?

Thanks,

Julie

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not sure i have any words of wisdom, just some things that maybe you haven't thought of?

Can you take some UVA classes that you dont have to be admitted into the program for, same with USA? Most schools you can take a few without actually being accepted. In that case you wouldn't have to wait until next fall at UVA or maybe there is some distance classes that you could get out of the way.

You seem to be putting all your eggs into one basket either way you go. Neither sounds that smart. I mean dont do the FNP if you dont want to. It seems that you are very well qualified so don't settle at USA if they aren't willing to switch you. And, if it isn't your cup of tea, it isn't. It isn't going to change a year down the road, you'll always looking back.

And with just applying to UVA PMHNP you are setting yourself up. Why not apply to a few more schools? I know they have a very good PMHNP but, there is a handful out there with good programs.

It shouldn't be just option A or B. Make more for yourself. And if you choose option A you could always go back and (gasp) get your psych certificate after.

Let me know how things go. I am looking at applying to pmhnp programs for the fall 2011 too....

keep your options open and good luck.

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Lammy:

Feel free and give me a call on Monday morning (I will be in the office even though it is Labor Day). Because of the particular nature of your situation, I would prefer to talk with you about them on the phone (or skype) than on a public board.

Just ask for the Assistant Dean for Admissions when you phone

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UVA Nursing-

When asking me to give a call (Lammy) did you actually mean Julie? I am looking at applying to the PMHNP program for 2011 so maybe I could talk with you at some point too!

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You should call! He was very helpful. Things didn't work out for me, but perhaps you may wind up there! It sounds like a great program! Good luck! :)

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thanks! Ill give them a call this week. did you end up staying in your program?

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Yes, for now. I'm still on the hunt! A few things that weren't a perfect fit for me.

1) they only took 12 hours of transfer credit. I don't know if this is the norm for grad schools... But I've got 18 done already, and if I finish out this semester, it will be 24.

2) I wouldn't have graduated until 2013.. mainly because they're program doesn't technically start until fall.

3) with the out of state tuition factored in.... I just couldn't justify the expense.

I'm checking out a couple of other (closer) programs... I haven't given up yet!!

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