Yale GEPN Applicants 2012

[LookingAhead]

There didn't seem to be a main thread for applicants to Yale's GEPN program this year, so I thought I'd get one started. I'm applying for the midwifery specialty and am currently working on my application essays, having done everything else.

Is anyone else really struggling with the main essay? I've finished my apps to two other programs and was happy with how those essays came out, but Yale's essay guidelines as so restrictive that I feel like my essay is turning out all disjointed. The fact that we have to answer every aspect of every question in *exactly the order they list* (this is apparently something that you need to take very seriously) means that I'm having to tie myself in knots. I want it to be not only informative about me as an applicant but also a good piece of writing - and I feel like the essay format is making this kind of difficult.

Anyone else out there applying?

[PamCNM2Be]

Hi Jen,

Sorry it's taken me so long to respond; we've been busy with finals and Thanksgiving and such.

Basically - I'd describe the program as absolutely wonderful. It is extremely academically rigorous, but enjoyable. The woman that chairs the GEPN program is by far worth coming to Yale alone. She is truly magical as an educator and as a preceptor (if lucky enough to be placed in her clinical group). Obviously preceptors differ and some are far better than others, but based on my personal experience, the two rotations I had this semester were both wonderful. One was on a very busy trauma floor, and one was on a still fairly-busy cardiac step done unit. I really enjoyed both rotations. I really have only wonderful things to say about my classmates, the educators, and the clinical program itself.

I asked about job hunting and job prospects for recent grads a lot when I was interviewing and I received vague answers (and still continue to receive them). Basically, people seem to say "I've never heard of anyone NOT getting a job," but that it depends a lot on how flexible you're willing to be with placement and other factors.

New Haven gets a bad reputation. It's true that there are areas that are unsafe, but I think that's true for any metropolitan area - and New Haven is just that - an urban area. It's a bit interesting because for being so urban it is relatively small (a bit over 100,000 people). Still, I really like it. I came from CA, and CO before that, so the northeast is definitely a bit different for me, but there are wonderful dining and cultural opportunities, and being part of such an awesome institution (Yale) means that there is so much of the city at your disposal. It is true that the winters here are supposed to be pretty brutal, but I can't personally attest to that, as we've only had one snowstorm so far. But, all the more reason to stay inside with a nice cup of tea and study!!

I'm happy to answer any more questions, specific or general, but just bear with my schedule. Only two more weeks to go!

[PamCNM2Be]

Oh, and to simplekategirl,

I unfortunately still don't know any specifics about what happened to the AGNP program. If adult is what you were most interested in, I'd stick with any specialty that might let you stay in that field. There are fewer people in both the oncology and acute care specialties, but they're both very different from AGNP work. Basically, I think you should maybe figure out if you'd like to work in primary care or acute care, because they're very different. If you're interested in working with acute patients in a hospital-based setting, then the acute program would probably be for you. Otherwise, Oncology would be great if you want to work specifically with cancer patients. If, however, you want a broad-based primary care education, and adult isn't offered (there may still be an adult nurse practitioner, without the gero aspect offered??) then I would consider family. Many family NPs work in primary care settings and see primarily adult patients.

I know very little about the specific specialty program structures besides midwifery at Yale, however, so as to the exact differences or intricacies that Yale offers in those fields, I can't comment on. The GEPN portion is fabulous though, irregardless of your specialty :)

[simplekategirl]

Thank you so much for your thoughts! I'm going with acute care - works well seeing as I plan to continue on working in the hospital setting and chances are, the majority of patients seen would be adults.

Eager to learn about interviews!!

[simplekategirl]

We are into "interview month". Just as another confirmation on what we already know, admissions confirmed again that interview invites are sent via email.

Anyone else switch to (or already was) acute care?

K.

[wpolorocker]

When were you notified?

[simplekategirl]

Oh no. No no. I was not notified of an interview, I needed to speak with admissions in regards to my change in specialty choice - while I was talking to them I confirmed that interview invites will come via email. No interviews have been offered yet!

Sorry if I was unclear and got everyone nervous/excited!

[PamCNM2Be]

Notifications haven't been sent out...she just mentioned that December "interview month" is the month that you guys find out if you receive one. No worries yet!

[chula5008]

Hi everyone,

Some years, the GEPN applicants have been notified of their interviews as early as December 8th. Other year's it's been the 15th, or as late as the 22nd. What's the consensus for this year - the 15th? This wait is truly torturous.

[simplekategirl]

I'm am in knots for sure. I have no guess as to the timing though I'm inclined to say the 15th-ish.

[chula5008]

I had a dream last night we would get notification from Yale today. Needless to say, I am losing sleep over this - as well as my mind! :chair:

[simplekategirl]

oh my!! wouldn't it be funny if we actually did?! I'd be excited - or bummed! either way, it would be good to just know!

[cpsnap]

I've been having SO many dreams about this whole process! It's starting to drive me a bit insane actually haha! I too dreamt that today was the 23rd and all of the schools were releasing ther decisions...oy vey!