Vandy MSN - Clinical Experience

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Specializes in Trauma, Emergency, Urgent Care.

Several people have "warned" me about an extreme lack of clinical experience and heavy focus on theory in Vanderbilts' MSN program. (FNP and ACNP) I have actually had one guy tell me to "run" to another program. In fact, noone has spoken highly of the hands-on skill set that Vandy provides.

Can anyone speak to this? (Either from the Bridge or Direct Enty viewpoint) Vanderbilt is quite pricey and I had assumed that one would graduate from such a program "well prepared" to begin a career as an advanced practice nurse.

Please do not flame as I am asking an honest question without prejudice.

Thanks,

browndog

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Several people have "warned" me about an extreme lack of clinical experience and heavy focus on theory in Vanderbilts' MSN program. (FNP and ACNP) I have actually had one guy tell me to "run" to another program. In fact, noone has spoken highly of the hands-on skill set that Vandy provides.

Can anyone speak to this? (Either from the Bridge or Direct Enty viewpoint) Vanderbilt is quite pricey and I had assumed that one would graduate from such a program "well prepared" to begin a career as an advanced practice nurse.

Please do not flame as I am asking an honest question without prejudice.

Thanks,

browndog

I have heard doctors say what a bad program it is and that the nurses are not prepared for anything.

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Specializes in Trauma, Emergency, Urgent Care.
I have heard doctors say what a bad program it is and that the nurses are not prepared for anything.[/quote

Did you attend school in the Nashville area? If so, what was your experience. I am also considering Belmont (also more than a little expensive) and could use opinions regarding this program as well.

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A good friend of mine is just finishing up her MSN/ANP/GNP program with Vanderbilt via distance learning. I know she goes there at least once a semester. She has been a nurse for years and is a CWOCN with lots of clinical experience. All of her clinicals for this program have been with several doctors in our community and I know she is in their offices several days a week. She also mentioned that they frequently call the docs to find out how she is doing, etc. I can't give you any more information than this, but she seems to enjoy it and feel prepared.

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I am looking at applying to nursing programs and was interested in Vandy, but had wondered how prepared I would feel coming out of their MSN entry program. Another "fast-track" program in Idaho would take longer, but looks to include lots more clinical experience. I'd be interested to hear from anyone going through the program at Vanderbilt, because for that much money, I would expect to be well trained.

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I attended the Vanderbilt Bridge Program back in 1995-97. I had a BA in Business and completed the masters program in 6 semesters(2 years through the summers) (RN and masters). I feel Vanderbilt prepared me well theory wise but I do not feel they do well clinically. ( I did pass RN and NP boards the first time). I only practiced as a FNP for about 1.5 - 2 years. I never felt prepared, I felt like RN's without their Masters knew a lot more than me. I do not practice as an NP anymore, I work as an RN. I do have friends that have been successful from that program but they did struggle. I believe a longer NP program or a PA program would be much better. I do not feel Vanderbilt's program is worth the $80,000 plis I paid. I also had a friend who graduated with a 4.0 but never practiced a day in her life because she never felt competent. In my opinion practicing as a RN for at least one year before NP school would be a better route or going to PA school which is much more clinically focused. I hope this helps.

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I have heard that if you are already an RN seeking your Master's, it's a great program. But DO NOT go there if you do not already have experience. You can do the clinical experience on your own, but employers will hire nurses from other programs before hiring Vandy grads.

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Specializes in Tele, Cardiac Post Op, ER.

I hope people are reading this thread still.....Is this really true? I applied to the program but many nurses I talk to about becoming an NP stress the clinical experience! I don't want to shell out a crap load of money for something that doesn't prepare me anyway.

Thoughts, any former vandy alums?

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Specializes in Trauma, Emergency, Urgent Care.

First off, I'm not an alum.

That said, in my research, I have not heard any positive comments about the bridge program. In fact, quite contrary. I had one doctor state that she "would not hire a VU grad..period". This seems to be the general consensus around these parts. There is, however, probably more acceptance for those who are direct entry with RN experience.

Apparently the program is VERY heavy in theory and very light in clinical experience.

My 2 cents? Do your own research before you plunk down that kind of dough.

Caveat:

I do not have any first hand experience so take my comments lightly.

Anyone who attended Vandy have any thoughts???

Browndog

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I have no first hand knowledge of the quality or hiring potential of a Vand grad, but I have a prof who commented that it is a difficult way to go, if you have no nursing background, and that when it comes to jobs, those with nursing experience will be chosen over someone who went the fast track program with no experience.

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The one NP I know who graduated from Vanderbilt who lives in my area is constantly being recruited. She was a direct entry student. I guess it depends on where you go after you graduate.

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Specializes in Tele, Cardiac Post Op, ER.

If you don't mind me asking, which area of the country do you live...

brown dog and chckbzk?

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