Vanderbilt MSN 2015

wanderlust09 · Jul 1, 2015

Got in off the FNP prespecialty waitlist!! Can't wait to see you all this fall! For those still waiting, don't give up hope! It appears they're still extending offers!

Rebeccas23 · Jul 1, 2015

When were you notified wanderlust? I bet you were more composed on the phone than I was when they called :)

wanderlust09 · Jul 1, 2015

I received the call a couple of weeks ago Rebeccas23. Haha I wish I could say I sounded professional on the phone when I got the news, but that would be far from the truth. I didn't even attempt to mask my excitement. To add to it, my 6 month old puppy sensed the excitement in my voice and proceeded to howl what sounded like "wooooo" in the background. I guess at least they know I'm eager to begin the program

Hygge · Jul 4, 2015

Do you guys know if we can switch specialties?

coming in as prespecialty student

KP84:) · Jul 10, 2015

Hygge,

Yes you can switch specialties, but you have to apply to the specialty during the spring semester of pre-specialty year. I believe the application consists of a goal statement, recommendation letter and a form that has to be signed by your current program director and the program director of the specialty you want to switch into. They also look at your grades. You will basically be competing against new students applying to that specialty. Good luck!

KP84:)

Rebeccas23 · Jul 10, 2015

I think you're also helped if one of your peers doesn't pass a class/cannot continue onto the specialty year. I have heard cases of people being allowed to switch, and people being told they can't. What are you now? What are you hoping to switch to?

rawz2014, APRN, CRNA · Jul 20, 2015

Yeah, there's pre-specialty non-RN, pre-specialty RN (RN with ASN), and direct-entry (RN with BSN). Basically those who are pre-specialty go through the "pre-specialty" year first, but those who already have a BSN go right into their "specialty" year. I know. It's totally confusing! :)

do you think a nurse with a bsn, excellent work experience with lots of credentials and accreditation's, a 3.2 gpa and a sub-par gre has any shot at getting into vandy np program?

really appreciate any feedback, advice, or anything else you can think of :) :)

please, anyone feel free to answer :) thanks!

Rebeccas23 · Jul 21, 2015

do you think a nurse with a bsn, excellent work experience with lots of credentials and accreditation's, a 3.2 gpa and a sub-par gre has any shot at getting into vandy np program?
really appreciate any feedback, advice, or anything else you can think of :) :)
please, anyone feel free to answer :) thanks!

Hi Rawz, how long have you been a nurse? It tends to be a rule of thumb that the more experience you have/years working, the less important your GPA is. So, five years of experience will have them glancing over it, and ten years might have them not caring at all. I would consider retaking your GRE if you're worried about it being low AND your GPA being low. Also, what kind of volunteering are you doing? Depending on the program you're choosing to apply to, I know that volunteering/outside experience is vital.

You can also call their admissions office and set up a time to ask them all these questions/review your stats and see what they think. They can give you advice on what else you could be doing to round out your resume/improve your chances.

All that being said, it's definitely worth a shot to just apply. Interviews and essays have nothing to do with grades, but they hold a lot of weight as well.

Good luck!

rawz2014, APRN, CRNA · Jul 21, 2015

thanks! that makes me feel better. i feel like i have a very strong resume in terms of clinical experience, certifications, credentials. Just need to buckle and try and get gre up. thanks!

icawolffe · Sep 10, 2015

Hey y'all, applying for the PMHNP program for Fall '16. BSN, 3.85 GPA, 2 years ICU-Ortho-Geropsych Nurse Tech experience, and taking the GRE in a couple weeks. Thanks for all the posts! Definitely been helpful to see what previous classes have gone through and what to expect in this process....also helped me kill a couple hours off a really quiet shift.

alexandra112 · Sep 18, 2015

hii! I know this is an old thread but I am planning on applying for the CNM/FNP program and I will be entering with my BSN. I was just wondering how the interview/notification process works. If you wouldn't mind giving me some information it would be greatly appreciated!

rawz2014, APRN, CRNA · Nov 4, 2015

hii! I know this is an old thread but I am planning on applying for the CNM/FNP program and I will be entering with my BSN. I was just wondering how the interview/notification process works. If you wouldn't mind giving me some information it would be greatly appreciated!

bump. also curious how the interview works, when they notify you for interview, etc. :)