Vanderbilt NP program..help!

eymilin, MSN · May 6, 2007

I am finishing up the Vandy pediatric primary care np which also happens to be a distance program. The first year was difficult, cramming years of a BSN into one year. I took an NCLEX review course and felt that I learned more in those three days than I did in my pathophysiology class. The second year is completely different. Please take into account that my experience is with the pediatric faculty and courses. Each program is set up a little differently. As of right now, not many people in the pediatric program recommend the program because of the cost, we feel like we are teaching ourselves sometimes, and because there are not enough clinical sights for local students (which forces some people to drive 2+ hours one way). I assume you would complete your clinical hours back home and would avoid that situation. Some specialties are required to go to class almost everyday. Our distance program requires that we complete our clinical hours during the week, then take off time to come to class for 5-6 days each month. Vanderbilt uses Blackboard for their classes, assignments, discussions, tests. We take several courses online, even the tests are taken at home based on the honor code. There are discussion boards for some assignments. Papers are usually emailed to the course instructor. Once a month we go to class in Nashville, TN. I live there right now so travel and lodging is not my forte, but a number of the hotels have deals for the students. Regarding finances, there are probably cheaper places you could go. I hope this helps a little bit. (I jump around a lot)

Kristiern1 · May 6, 2007

Hi Brandiann,

I graduated from Vanderbilts ACNP distance program back in 2005. I currently work as an NP in a cardiology practice doing heart failure management and device follow-ups.

There are pros and cons to any program. Cost would certainly be the biggest con from my standpoint. From someone who is paying off student loans as we speak, make sure you want the committment of a large loan payment.

I felt like I learned alot in my content area. I arranged my own clinicals at home (Indiana).

There was a group of 5 or so of us that typically shared some rooming expenses on our trips to Nashville. These were other ladies I met once classes started. We always stayed at the Embassy Suites by campus. They have a shuttle that will drop you off at the School of Nursing and pick you up or it is an easy walk. They offer a student special usually aroun 89 a night. They have free breakfast and cocktails in the evening. Wherever you stay get their rewards card...After a year program I raked up lots of free points for hotel stays!

There we two people in my class from Oklahoma. The tulsa area. They typically flew out. If you pm me I can put you in touch with one of them to get their perspecitve on traveling from Oklahoma.

If i had it to do over again I would still choose Vandy. I would have prepared a little differently but I am very pleased with my experience.

Kristie

Kristiern1 · May 6, 2007

Oops forgot...

There are some long papers....but not horrible.

The first semester is BUSY! With Patho and Pharmacology. Prepare to spend a lot of time in front of your computer watching lectures....About 15-20 hours of lecture a week...not to mention study time!

We usually were in Nashville for 3-4 days a month. At the beginning and end of year a little longer 5-6 days.

Some of our tests had to be proctored. Others were taken from home. Time spent in Nashville was usually for skills check offs and things like that.

At times being part of the distance program made you feel like the "redheaded step child" so to speak. There is a large number of students who live in Nashville and see each other every day and then you come in once a month and really know only the people in your distance group.

If you have any more specific questions I would be happy to try to help.

Kristie

BrandiannRN · May 6, 2007

I want to thank you guys so much for taking the time to reply. I know cost is always a big thing, but when you are from Oklahoma and there is only one program that takes 2 or 3 years to complete and they only accept 5 to 10 people each year. I had to decide if waiting is better or just taking out loans. I can understand about being kind of an outcast, but I have an oppurtunity to be able not to work for a year and just focus on school! So I had to take it!

Do they monitor your clinicals? Do you have to do your clinical hours on week days? You mention you would have prepared a little differently..like how? Also, did you work during the program? This might be a silly question, but what is a proctored test? I have had many online classes with my BSN program, but I they have never had tests with them, just papers.

If you don't want to answer this question, I understand, but I was wondering if you knew total how much it was to attend for the 12 months..inlcuding travel. I was trying to add it all up, but I'm sure there are things I'm missing!

I'm scared I'm going to start the program and be completely lost! When you took your ACNP did you feel like you knew what you were doing? Was it better than the Nclex?

I'm sorry for all the questions, but I've never spoke with anyone who actually went there! Again, thank you so much!

BrandiannRN · May 8, 2007

I'm still looking for someone who graduated from vanderbilt with an ANP. Please!

Jo Dirt · May 8, 2007

I haven't graduated from Vanderbilt's program but I'm someone who considered it and decided against it (because of the cost). I even enrolled in a much cheaper BSN program so I at least would not be paying the extra cost to do the bridge program at Vanderbilt, but after that I have *still* chosen not to pursue it. I just can't justify the cost when there are much cheaper ways.

I'm looking into a program now at the Frontier School of Midwifery (they also offer FNP). It's online and you will have to travel to Kentucky once in awhile. It's not cheap but compared to Vanderbilt it is. I'm setting my sights on that.

BrandiannRN · May 8, 2007

Interesting...is there any other programs that you know of? I guess I didn't look into it that much I was just excited that vanderbilts program is so short!

RN007 · May 10, 2007

I looked at Vandy for the Palliative Care option, but decided against it because of the way the program is set up (having to spend a week a month there). I am starting an all-online FNP program in Tennessee starting in January. (I live here.) I'm not sure what you're looking for, but maybe it's an option. Classes are online and you choose your "home" school. Also, I was interested in the University of Alabama Birmingham, which seems to have a good program. Here's the Tenn link:

http://www.rodp.org/msn/Default.htm

Good luck!

BrandiannRN · May 10, 2007

Thank you so much. Its hard to find programs online, and because in Oklahoma we only have one option, they don't give you much help in finging other schools. I appreciate the information. Does anyone else know of any all online FNP or ANP programs? THANKS!

Editorial Team / Admin · May 10, 2007

Have you checked with www.allnursingschools.com ?? Not all inclusive, but a good start.

University of South Alabama (USA) has a good online FNP program.

http://www.southalabama.edu/nursing/fnp/

MonYmonY · May 17, 2007

Hey Emyilin, I'm actually starting Vanderbilt's master's entry program this fall and I'm also specializing in the primary care pediatric np speciality. I was hoping to move back to Arizona for finish up the 2nd year... do you think thats too far away to travel back and forth every month? Also, did they help you find a preceptor? I know the first year is going to be really intense... do you have any recommendations of what I can do over the summer to prepare myself?! Thanks!