Over the next few issues, the interdisciplinary subsection of The Differential will be featuring different programs located in the Arizona Health Sciences Education Building. The goal for these interviews is to learn more about each program and to highlight a student in the program. For the first interview in the series, I interviewed Jenn Greer, a student in The University of Arizona Master of Science for Entry to the Profession of Nursing (MEPN) program.
Madalyn: How long is the program and what is the curriculum like?
Jenn: The MEPN program is a 15-month accelerated master’s program. We will end with a Master of Science, which allows us to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX and receive our RN license. After graduation, we are also eligible to continue on to become Advanced Practice Nurses by completing either a doctorate of nursing practice or a post-master’s certificate program.
Currently, we attend class Monday-Friday 8-5pm, where we are front-loading with lectures and skill labs. In about three weeks, we will start our clinical rotations twice a week, while continuing to have lecture on Mondays.
Madalyn: What are clinicals like? What hospitals or clinics do you get to rotate through?
Jenn Greer, student in the University of Arizona Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN)
Jenn: Last semester’s clinicals included long-term care and obstetrics. We were in groups of about eight or so and were at each clinical site for two weeks. We spent a total of six, 12-hour days at each of our two clinical sites. Last semester, I completed my long-term care rotation at Maravilla Care Center and my obstetrics rotation at Banner Thunderbird. This block, I am rotating at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center for my medical-surgical rotation and Phoenix Children’s Hospital for pediatrics.
Madalyn: There is a program is Tucson, too, right?
Jenn: Yes, the Tucson cohort is located on The University of Arizona Tucson campus, and we video conference with them during lectures. Our orientation was in Tucson, and we will also graduate in Tucson, which will be fun for me because that is where I completed my undergraduate degree!
Madalyn: How many students are in your graduating class?
Jenn: There are currently about 110 students between the Phoenix and Tucson cohorts. Phoenix has about 45 students, which has allowed us to form close relationships with each other and our faculty!
Madalyn: What makes the U of A nursing program unique?
Jenn: Our cohort is very diverse. We have bachelor’s degrees ranging from neurology to English literature, and we all bring something unique and fun to the program! Also, I am proud to attend The University of Arizona’s nursing program because of its traditions, strong reputation, and “Bear Down” mantra.
Madalyn: What is your best memory of nursing school so far?
Jenn: Definitely my obstetrics rotation! I cried during my first delivery because it was such a special experience as I was with the family throughout the labor and the next day during my postpartum shift! I absolutely loved labor and delivery!
Madalyn: Anything else you’d like to add?
Jenn: I am so thankful for the friends I have gained throughout the program so far. I have a great group of friends, and we have already created such a strong support system. Also, I am the secretary for our student government organization, and we are hoping to plan a philanthropy event with the medical students soon!
Madalyn Nelson is part of the 2020 class at The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. She is an Arizona native and graduated from Xavier University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology. Madalyn has a passion for traveling and global health. To contact Madalyn, please email her at madalyndnelson[at]email.arizona.edu.