Okay, I know it's early, but Yale is my first choice, and I'm already terrified that I'm going to screw it up. My goal is New England (although I'm also applying to Pace because they have this Science Summer thing for those of us who haven't taken anatomy yet), and I want to be a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner.
I eventually want to either have a mobile clinic for poorer older folks who can't afford more traditional options or who are home-bound, or make home-calls in some other way.
I think Yale will help me get there, but I don't think I'll get in. I have a lower GPA (but still above a 3.0) from UC Santa Cruz, and I spent the last two years teaching in Taiwan, only to find out I don't like teaching very much. I'm taking my GREs in three weeks and I'm starting some prereqs this summer.
I'm also applying to Simmons, Pace, Northeastern, MGH and Boston College.
Before I ramble on any longer, anyone else applying?
Are there any current Yale Nursing students out there? I spoke to a friend the other day who went through the GEPN/Midwifery program a few years ago, and she told me a few horror stories about the program being "brutal" and several students being sent home because they didn't score high enough on a test. That scared me to death! I know that nursing school will be difficult, but I'm not looking for "brutal" at this point in my life. After all, how can we learn to be confident, competent, compassionate healthcare providers if we're terrified of making a mistake or being sent home for a low grade on a test?
I would LOVE some information from current Yale Nursing students - or students at any of the direct-entry nursing programs for that matter. Was the experience supportive? Did you feel it was like boot-camp the way it is sometimes described?
Anyone else worried like me about this sort of thing?
In response to concerns about the program's intensity, as a current GEPN, I can say, yes- the program is very hard. The worst is really the schedule. You will feel like there is no free time, let alone time to sleep. I've had many mornings where the alarm goes off at 5:30 AM thinking "Oh man, I really don't want to get up and spend the next 6 hours in clinical, then have to come home and study all night"....
That being said, it also comes with a lot of support. You will become very sleep deprived, stressed, and you may cry occasionally, but you have classmates and faculty cheering you on. The instructors are tough, but great. I only know of a few people that left the program (not for academic reasons) and I know those who are struggling academically are given extra tutoring and mentoring. There have been a few stories of mean preceptors, but this is something we will all face anywhere and in the workplace (mean bosses, etc) at some point in our lives. The academics are hard but do-able. It really helps if you've taken A&P and Chem (it helps a lot). You will not get sent home for one bad grade- if you fail an entire class that is a different story- but I've never heard that happening to anyone in our class.
feel free to shoot any specific questions- and g'luck with interviews!
In response to concerns about the program's intensity, as a current GEPN, I can say, yes- the program is very hard. The worst is really the schedule. You will feel like there is no free time, let alone time to sleep. I've had many mornings where the alarm goes off at 5:30 AM thinking "Oh man, I really don't want to get up and spend the next 6 hours in clinical, then have to come home and study all night"....
That being said, it also comes with a lot of support. You will become very sleep deprived, stressed, and you may cry occasionally, but you have classmates and faculty cheering you on. The instructors are tough, but great. I only know of a few people that left the program (not for academic reasons) and I know those who are struggling academically are given extra tutoring and mentoring. There have been a few stories of mean preceptors, but this is something we will all face anywhere and in the workplace (mean bosses, etc) at some point in our lives. The academics are hard but do-able. It really helps if you've taken A&P and Chem (it helps a lot). You will not get sent home for one bad grade- if you fail an entire class that is a different story- but I've never heard that happening to anyone in our class.
feel free to shoot any specific questions- and g'luck with interviews!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. It's a relief to hear that the program is challenging but not brutal. I guess my follow-up questions would be about the emotional aspects of the program. I am prepared for the academic challenges and the busy schedule (I am currently working full-time, in class three nights per week taking A&P and Microbiology, and applying all at the same time). What worries me is whether there will be support to teach us how to be excellent health providers without making us terrified that we're going to do something wrong and seriously hurt someone. Since I am changing careers and don't have direct experience caring for patients, I do worry that it might take me time to learn how to do the practical things (doing IV's, taking blood, etc.), and it may not come as naturally as doing the academic work. I am hoping that nursing school will be a nurturing experience where we will learn those things together, support each other along the way, etc. What I've heard, and what worries me, is that some programs are not that way, but instead you are criticized, made to feel stupid, and made to feel anxious about making mistakes. Is this your experience? Do the preceptors understand where different students are coming from and appreciate that someone with an academic background may need time to learn how to do the hands on aspects?
Another question - since you are currently in the program, how many hours (approximately) do you spend in class and/or clinical?
Do you have any advice for how to remain balanced, deal with the schedule, etc.?
It's kind of difficult to answer that because there are so many difference preceptors with very different teaching styles and personalities. For clinical, you are broken up into groups of about 6, each group has a different preceptor. Some preceptors are amazing, patient, kind, and nurturing, and others are not so much (yes, some are flat out mean, intimidating, critical, and will yell at their students) But it's pretty much chance who you are assigned to. You will rotate half way through first semester so you only have the same preceptor for 6 weeks before your switch.
I should note that you won't be drawing blood or inserting IVs your first semester, so you will have plenty of time to "ease into" the very basics like taking vitals, or giving injections- and if you're lucky, inserting a foley cath. Also, they do have lab days at school where they teach you basics and let you practice with TAs and students before you get into the hospital.
As far as schedule.... It's Monday & Thursday class from 8AM-3PM. And clinical Tues & Wed 6 hours/day or instead you may have a Saturday 12 hr day. Staying balanced is a challenge, but you get used to it. Time management is key and just making sure you get enough rest when you do have time to rest. But you will figure out what is best for you. Try not to over commit (organizations, volunteer, work, etc.) during the first semester. There is so much to do at Yale, but you have to take care of yourself first. Don't worry, if you get accepted just know they aren't trying to fail out anyone and will do their best to keep all their students. That's more than I can say from any other program I've ever been in!
Hello everyone. I also applied to Yale and the anxieties are building up. UCSF is my first choice, but I know the competition is tough. I also applied to Yale, Columbia, and University of Hawaii. They all have the same prerequisites, except University of Hawaii doesn't required the GRE and application is not due until Jan. 2 BTW I applied for FNP. What's your specialty?
It's kind of difficult to answer that because there are so many difference preceptors with very different teaching styles and personalities. For clinical, you are broken up into groups of about 6, each group has a different preceptor. Some preceptors are amazing, patient, kind, and nurturing, and others are not so much (yes, some are flat out mean, intimidating, critical, and will yell at their students) But it's pretty much chance who you are assigned to. You will rotate half way through first semester so you only have the same preceptor for 6 weeks before your switch.
I should note that you won't be drawing blood or inserting IVs your first semester, so you will have plenty of time to "ease into" the very basics like taking vitals, or giving injections- and if you're lucky, inserting a foley cath. Also, they do have lab days at school where they teach you basics and let you practice with TAs and students before you get into the hospital.
As far as schedule.... It's Monday & Thursday class from 8AM-3PM. And clinical Tues & Wed 6 hours/day or instead you may have a Saturday 12 hr day. Staying balanced is a challenge, but you get used to it. Time management is key and just making sure you get enough rest when you do have time to rest. But you will figure out what is best for you. Try not to over commit (organizations, volunteer, work, etc.) during the first semester. There is so much to do at Yale, but you have to take care of yourself first. Don't worry, if you get accepted just know they aren't trying to fail out anyone and will do their best to keep all their students. That's more than I can say from any other program I've ever been in!
Thank you so much again for your thoughtful response. Very helpful to be able to speak to someone who has been through it. Of course, I am half tempted to ask you directly - who are the kind and supportive preceptors, and who are the insensitive ones? But I realize that is probably not an appropriate question :)
Hello everyone. I also applied to Yale and the anxieties are building up. UCSF is my first choice, but I know the competition is tough. I also applied to Yale, Columbia, and University of Hawaii. They all have the same prerequisites, except University of Hawaii doesn't required the GRE and application is not due until Jan. 2 BTW I applied for FNP. What's your specialty?
I know . . . isn't the waiting awful? But we're all in it together :)
I'm applying to the FNP too, and a joint MPH degree. Good luck to all, and enjoy Thanksgiving!
New to the post-applied for psychiatric-mental health program. I am super excited but nervous at the same time because my GPA is only a 3.17! Other than that I have stellar letters of recommendation, got a 1140 on my GRE (4.5 writing score), have done research on Huntington's and epilepsy and and currently doing a study on schizophrenia. I feel great about my personal statement, but I fear that my academic past will take me down a few notches This is the only program I am applying to...as a homeowner in CT I am wedded to the area until the real estate market improves and, as I am sure you all are aware, this is the only program in the area that does not require science prereq's. In any case, a few more weeks 'til we receive some initial decisions!!! I can hardly wait! I wish you all good luck!!!
This is the only program I am applying to...as a homeowner in CT I am wedded to the area until the real estate market improves and, as I am sure you all are aware, this is the only program in the area that does not require science prereq's. In any case, a few more weeks 'til we receive some initial decisions!!! I can hardly wait! I wish you all good luck!!!
girl.w/useless.b.a.
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Acute Care for me. But I completely agree on the wait! This next month is going to be torture.
I'll have my EMT-basic course to keep me busy, though. So I'll get to take my frustrations out on manikins.