Volunteer work reqd for UCSF- MEPN admission

[aspiringnp]

hi everyone,

i'm new to this forum and not really sure how to post, but i did have some questions and thought i'd give it a shot.

i am an aspiring nurse practitioner, i have a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and i am looking for an entry level master's program. i applied to ucsf's mepn program and was rejected because of not enough volunteer work. anyone been through their mepn program and have any tips on what type of volunteer work and how much is needed to get in? any other programs that you know of for people in my position?

i would appreciate any advice that anyone can give!

thanks!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Wow - this is the first time I have heard of this. I just finished grad school and post grad school. No one ever asked about volunteer stuff. However, I do run the food pantry at my church and I'm on my volunteer (rural) fire/EMS squad.

[elizabells, BSN, RN]

I applied to UCSF in 2004 and didn't get in, but did get into Columbia. From what I understand, UCSF basically won't even look at you unless you have DIRECT patient care experience. I had tons of volunteer health education exp, but no pt care. Of course they don't tell you this, because then they wouldn't get all those shiny application fees...

[MEPN applicant]

I applied for the 2007 MEPN program at UCSF. I have lots of experience working as a CNA and caregiver and have volunteered extensively. I spent a year in AmeriCorps, volunteered four months in the Middle East, as well as with a number of other local non-profits. I applied for the Adv. Community Health and Int'l Nursing CNS specialty and thought that my work/volunteer experience and B.A. in Int'l relations gave me a pretty good chance of getting in. I know they're very competitive, but I thought that I would at least get an interview, since I have good grades and references. However, I just found out that I was rejected and didn't even get an interview. It seems like there are varying reasons that people been rejected in the pastand I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice.

Thanks!!

[chickpea25]

Hello!

Elizabells --you're in the program at Columbia! Very nice. I'm hoping to get into Columbia, although I'm slightly concerned about the cost. I am still waiting for the letter from UCSF. I expect to receive it tomorrow or Saturday and have been anxiously checking my mailbox all week. A question for you, are interviews required at Columbia?

MEPN applicant -- Wow. you have an amazing background. I can't imagine their not even offering to interview you? Craziness. I wonder if I have a chance. I know they still decided to review my application when only three of the four letters arrived, but that's already one strike against me, I suppose.

[chickpea25]

Oh, and one last thing. I find it strange that SO much direct patient care is needed to be considered for the NP program when most med students have NO direct patient care upon entering medical school. A friend of mine got into medical school and had never had to work in her whole life! Something is just not right about that. Oh well.