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?
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.?
Thank you so much for your advice!
Hi folks,
Another current GEPN here (PNP specialty, in case you couldn't tell from my screen name! haha.) I just wanted to chime in and reiterate most of what macmac84 has said about the program. It's definitely very challenging, mostly due to the vast quantity of information that you will be forced to digest and be tested on in a VERY short period of time. But in an accelerated program, that comes with the territory. Another thing, I would STRONGLY recommend taking A&P if at all possible before you come here. Though it is not technically a requirement, I really can't imagine getting through the material they throw at you from day one without any kind of a science background whatsoever. It's possible, I suppose, but it is VERY helpful to have at least heard of these concepts beforehand so that you will have established a basic framework for understanding them. My physiology textbook from a course I took last year has been an invaluable resource for me this semester.
With regard to clinicals, it really does come down to the luck of the draw as to who you end up with as a preceptor (clinical instructor). I know people in the program who have had a whole spectrum of experiences... which I will admit has been a bit frustrating to me. You'll quickly learn that just because someone has the clinical knowledge themself doesn't automatically translate into their being a good teacher/being able to effectively transfer the knowledge to others. But, on a positive note, I do believe that for the most part, it evens out in the end. As macmac84 mentioned, for the first rotation (which is traditional, hospital-based "medical-surgical" nursing), you'll spend 6 weeks at one site with one preceptor, and the next 6 weeks at a different site with a different preceptor. Speaking from my own experience, I wasn't totally thrilled with my first site, but looking back it was actually a good, low-pressure environment to learn the basics (believe it or not, in the beginning it can be a challenge just learning to take vitals, interact with patients, etc.). And I'm a lot busier at my current site and feel that I'm getting good exposure to different skills/procedures (I even got to insert a catheter - yay! It's funny the things you'll find exciting in nursing school... haha.)
Finally, just in case anyone is curious about notification dates... I remember receiving an email last year on December 9th notifying me of my interview status. And I received my acceptance letter via snail-mail on February 14th. Of course, I have no idea if the dates will be similar for this year's admissions cycle, but I remember scouring these message boards for approximate dates last year when I was obsessing over my application, so I thought I'd just throw those out there!
Ok, that's it - feel free to fire away with specific questions if you have any.
I agree, you have all been so helpful!!! Can any current GEPNs provide some insight regarding the types of questions asked in the interview? I am sure they vary by specialty, but in general, some interview do's and don'ts would be beyond helpful....Have a great day everyone!!!
New to this thread! I have also applied to GEPN for the FNP track. I am nervously waiting to hear about interviews! Thank you to all the current GEPN's for posting information, it is very helpful to get that insight. I wish everyone the best of luck, and hopefully we will find out soon....
I agree, you have all been so helpful!!! Can any current GEPNs provide some insight regarding the types of questions asked in the interview? I am sure they vary by specialty, but in general, some interview do's and don'ts would be beyond helpful....Have a great day everyone!!!
I don't remember a whole lot about my interview... which I guess means it couldn't have been too traumatic! You will be interviewed by a faculty member in your chosen specialty, so first off I'd recommend doing a bit of research beforehand and finding out a bit about the person, their research interests, etc. Then when you're asked if you have any questions about the program, one of your questions/comments can pertain to that. It never hurts to show that you've done your homework! I'd say the main thing is just to be able to provide an honest and convincing explanation of why you are applying to this program specifically (know something about what makes Yale unique), why advanced practice nursing (and not medicine, other health professions, etc.), and also the reasoning behind your specialty of choice (why FNP, PNP, etc.). If you can cover those points comfortably, I'd say you'll be in good shape. I'd also recommend trying not to ramble on too much (which I can tend to do when I am nervous), and keep your answers succinct but thorough. Oh, and it would also probably be good to have a basic idea of where you see yourself career-wise in 5-10 years.
Wannabe, thanks for the advice. When you say that you are interviewed by a faculty member, is it usually the director of the program? Are you told ahead of time who you will interview with? I read on a previous GEPN forum that one person tripped up on a question regarding "why advanced practice nursing and not an RN" (an was not accepted to the program)....this question worries me and I am not sure how to answer because I do not know much about the difference between the two careers beside schooling and prescribing privelages. Anyone have any thoughts??
Wannabe, thanks for the advice. When you say that you are interviewed by a faculty member, is it usually the director of the program? Are you told ahead of time who you will interview with? I read on a previous GEPN forum that one person tripped up on a question regarding "why advanced practice nursing and not an RN" (an was not accepted to the program)....this question worries me and I am not sure how to answer because I do not know much about the difference between the two careers beside schooling and prescribing privelages. Anyone have any thoughts??
Yes - I should have mentioned that you will be informed of which faculty member you will be interviewing with in the same letter/email that notifies you that you have been selected to interview. And no, it will not necessarily be the director of the program - it can be one of a number of faculty members within the specialty.
As to how to address the question on choosing advanced practice nursing over RN, I recall reading the same post you mentioned above. I believe the person felt that she ended up devaluing the RN role in trying to explain why she wanted to become an NP. Should you be asked this (I wasn't), I would just focus more on why you WANT to become an NP over why you're NOT looking to be an RN... but to do that, you'll need to be well-versed in the differences between the professions. Otherwise, how do you even know you want to become an advanced practice nurse? Yes, there is additional education involved and prescribing privileges, but beyond that the roles are quite different (depending on specialty, of course). For example, in the PNP/FNP realm, an NP will serve as a patient's primary care provider, with duties similar to that of a family practice physician or pediatrician. I am not as well-versed in the psychiatric/mental health NP role, but I would assume the role there is equally as different from that of an RN. One thing I would mention, though, is that regardless of your ultimate job title, you will always be a nurse first and foremost. That means that you will approach your practice from a perspective that values disease prevention, health education, and a more wholistic overall view of the patient (a person, not just a disease). Hope that helps.
I know! Finding out somehow feels simultaneously so far away and so soon! The waiting is killing me, I am wildly flip-flopping between thinking I have a decent chance and thinking that all 5 schools may reject me.
Does anyone know if they let you know by email, phone, or regular mail? To make things a little mire stressful, I'm moving on the 15th and am hoping nothing gets delayed in the mail because of it!
Ah well, the harder things in life are often the most rewarding, right?!?
WannabePNP
46 Posts
Hi folks,
Another current GEPN here (PNP specialty, in case you couldn't tell from my screen name! haha.) I just wanted to chime in and reiterate most of what macmac84 has said about the program. It's definitely very challenging, mostly due to the vast quantity of information that you will be forced to digest and be tested on in a VERY short period of time. But in an accelerated program, that comes with the territory. Another thing, I would STRONGLY recommend taking A&P if at all possible before you come here. Though it is not technically a requirement, I really can't imagine getting through the material they throw at you from day one without any kind of a science background whatsoever. It's possible, I suppose, but it is VERY helpful to have at least heard of these concepts beforehand so that you will have established a basic framework for understanding them. My physiology textbook from a course I took last year has been an invaluable resource for me this semester.
With regard to clinicals, it really does come down to the luck of the draw as to who you end up with as a preceptor (clinical instructor). I know people in the program who have had a whole spectrum of experiences... which I will admit has been a bit frustrating to me. You'll quickly learn that just because someone has the clinical knowledge themself doesn't automatically translate into their being a good teacher/being able to effectively transfer the knowledge to others. But, on a positive note, I do believe that for the most part, it evens out in the end. As macmac84 mentioned, for the first rotation (which is traditional, hospital-based "medical-surgical" nursing), you'll spend 6 weeks at one site with one preceptor, and the next 6 weeks at a different site with a different preceptor. Speaking from my own experience, I wasn't totally thrilled with my first site, but looking back it was actually a good, low-pressure environment to learn the basics (believe it or not, in the beginning it can be a challenge just learning to take vitals, interact with patients, etc.). And I'm a lot busier at my current site and feel that I'm getting good exposure to different skills/procedures (I even got to insert a catheter - yay! It's funny the things you'll find exciting in nursing school... haha.)
Finally, just in case anyone is curious about notification dates... I remember receiving an email last year on December 9th notifying me of my interview status. And I received my acceptance letter via snail-mail on February 14th. Of course, I have no idea if the dates will be similar for this year's admissions cycle, but I remember scouring these message boards for approximate dates last year when I was obsessing over my application, so I thought I'd just throw those out there!
Ok, that's it - feel free to fire away with specific questions if you have any.
Good luck to all and happy holidays!