Vanderbilt for MSN?

Bigranger · May 14, 2005

Not really answering your question but I has accepted into two FNP programs Eastern Kentucky University, which would have took 6 semesters and Vanderbilt, which will take three semesters. I decided to attend Vanderbilt and I start this August! The time factor at Vandy was the deciding factor for me..

Good luck!!

Osorry1 · May 15, 2005

I went to Vanderbilt, and am now working as an NP. Yes, it's worth the money, the time, and all the hard work that is required to complete 3 years worth of studies in 6 semesters.

I'm now completing loan repayment through NHSC to cover loan costs. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Being a Vandy grad didn't hurt in the job hunt either.

Kristiern1 · May 15, 2005

Anyone go to any of their programs for grad school - NP? Was it worth the cost to you or would a state school have sufficed?
Thanks in advance!

I am currently attending Vanderbilt. I graduate in August. The program is intense and alot of work, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. If you are doing the distance option, be prepared now to prioritize and improve your time management skills. Set aside time daily to watch lectures, or do coursework. Do not get behind. It is tempting to put lectures aside and tell yourself you will do it later. Also, if you work full time, you may have to cut back. It really is too difficult to do working full time. I cut back to part time and then one day every two weeks (especially when clinicals started). Good luck.

jeepgirl, LPN, NP · May 15, 2005

Hello! Thanks of your replies.

How did your families deal with the "blocks" of time being away? Did it seem like it was that long? The school of nursing told me that usually students who live near each other ride together and stay together during campus visits. They even suggested that they use each other as a support group...

That would be really nice. I'm almost done with the BSN per distance study and I LOVE it. Lots of independent work, and we did do clinicals in my BSN program... arranged in my local area with a preceptor. However, I am afraid that I might lag behind if I were to do an MSN this way. Did anyone find that the distance format for the MSN was too hard for them?

Thanks!

HillNPStudent · May 16, 2005

I have applied to Vanderbilt's ANP/GNP dual program to start this fall. I plan to begin classes full time and continue working full-time for now (cardiac/tele floor). My hubby & I have decided that I will cut back work to part-time or do agency if necessary to finish in the 3 semesters.

My biggest concern was the cost also. I finally decided the cost was worth it when I compared the time spent at Vandy (3 semesters full-time) to other schools (2-3 years). I am going to do the distance learning option since we don't live near the Nashville area. My concern now will be finding suitable preceptors for the clinical rotations. Anyone have advice on how Vandy does this or how to find preceptors outside of the Nashville area??

Ultimately I chose Vandy because of the time factor till grad. & the reputation. I will be so excited & proud to be able to list Vanderbilt as my graduate school on resumes. Can't hurt with the job search for NP positions!!

Traveler · May 17, 2005

A good friend of mine is doing the ANP/GNP distance program at Vanderbilt. We are about a four hour drive from there. Because she has been a nurse for many years in a small community doing home health, finding preceptors has not been hard for her. They do check up on her and talk to the MD she is working with periodically. She is really enjoying it but the clinicals have taken a tremendous amount of time. Good luck!

HillNPStudent · May 17, 2005

I am excited but nervous at the same time about starting Vandy this fall. I am still relatively a new grad, only out since last year with my BSN. I have worked in critical care areas for 3 years during my schooling, and have been able to pick up valuable knowledge & experience from the nurses I've worked with. I will have close to 2 years of RN experience by the time I actually will graduate from Vandy. I am banking on the fact that I have always enjoyed school and been a very dedicated & diligent student in my studies. I enjoy learning and it comes fairly easy to me with studying. I wouldn't have gone back so soon except for the fact that I am at a prime place in life now to purse a Master's. No kids, just me & my husband. We have minimal financial obligations at this point and I am ready to return to school. Not to stir up a debate on how soon is too soon for RNs to return for MSNs or anything....just my thoughts :)

sixty3dayswithSarah, BSN, CNA, RN · Jul 17, 2011

Hi everyone, I will look for you all at student orientation :)

I have been a RN for ten yrs and an LPN for two. I have my BSN.

I am in the full-time bsn-msn FAMILY Psych Mental Health N/P.

I applied to several programs (most much cheaper) heck local (im distance from New Hampshire) but decided on Vanderbilt because: I was interviewed by one of the most important people within Vanderbilt University itself and for her role in Psychiatry and Nursing. When we talked, she really listed to me, my idea's, my thoughts, and she judged me as a candidate for admission because of my genuine desire to help people and used her instincts to guide her in the process, rather than just a test reading 1200 on the GRE. She gave me a great opportunity. The program is intense, but in 12 months I will graduate...Not to forget the fact that this program ranks 9 (PMH) in the country. Excellent staff with diverse education backgrounds. Cost, is high, but maybe I will get lucky and get into something like HRSA post-grad.

mammac5 · Jul 17, 2011

I went to Vanderbilt, and am now working as an NP. Yes, it's worth the money, the time, and all the hard work that is required to complete 3 years worth of studies in 6 semesters.
I'm now completing loan repayment through NHSC to cover loan costs. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Being a Vandy grad didn't hurt in the job hunt either.

Thanks...as someone 3 wks away from pinning, it's good to hear this from a grad!

mammac5 · Jul 17, 2011

I have applied to Vanderbilt's ANP/GNP dual program to start this fall. I plan to begin classes full time and continue working full-time for now (cardiac/tele floor). My hubby & I have decided that I will cut back work to part-time or do agency if necessary to finish in the 3 semesters.
My biggest concern was the cost also. I finally decided the cost was worth it when I compared the time spent at Vandy (3 semesters full-time) to other schools (2-3 years). I am going to do the distance learning option since we don't live near the Nashville area. My concern now will be finding suitable preceptors for the clinical rotations. Anyone have advice on how Vandy does this or how to find preceptors outside of the Nashville area??
Ultimately I chose Vandy because of the time factor till grad. & the reputation. I will be so excited & proud to be able to list Vanderbilt as my graduate school on resumes. Can't hurt with the job search for NP positions!!

As for finding preceptors: VUSN may have past contracts with NPs or MDs they've worked with in the past. They can give you a list of people in your area with past contracts, then YOU contact them to see if they could take you as a student. Do this early...I found that the summer was the most challenging time period because the new interns/residents get started in July and offices who take them, usually won't take an NP student at the same time.

I was also happy to be done in one year...I'm not getting any younger AND did not want to be away from my family any longer than necessary.

mammac5 · Jul 17, 2011

Hello! Thanks of your replies.
How did your families deal with the "blocks" of time being away? Did it seem like it was that long? The school of nursing told me that usually students who live near each other ride together and stay together during campus visits. They even suggested that they use each other as a support group...
That would be really nice. I'm almost done with the BSN per distance study and I LOVE it. Lots of independent work, and we did do clinicals in my BSN program... arranged in my local area with a preceptor. However, I am afraid that I might lag behind if I were to do an MSN this way. Did anyone find that the distance format for the MSN was too hard for them?
Thanks!

My kids are grown, but my hubby (and dog!) did fine with blocks. He came with me on several trips because we like hanging out in Nashville and there are several restaurants we like to visit together. Also, he LOVES walking around campus while I'm in class...it's a gorgeous place. Some blocks felt longer, if that makes sense. January felt really long to me, but I'm not a winter lover.

Personally, I formed a little group with a couple other students who I knew to be almost as OCD as I am and we split up work on things like study/review sheets. No cheating, mind you. If we had a list of review questions for a course (I'm thinking of Pharm, in particular) we would split it into different sections and then put it together as a good document for each of us to study from. Also, there are times when you just need someone to text you and let you know they're thinking about you and hope you're having a good week in clinicals. Then when you're in NVL for blocks you have someone to meet up with for lunches or even to go have supper or a drink with.

The most important piece of advice is: DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO GET BEHIND! It will steamroller right over you if you let it. Don't let it. Stay on top of things, consult your calendar daily, and you'll be fine.