Clinicals at GSU

troop949 · Mar 7, 2012

I don't have any answers (since I'm also hoping to get accepted), but you asked a great question! I applied for ACE, so I'm wondering if clinicals start earlier; I think I read somewhere else on this board that they don't start until 2nd semester though. I'm also curious about the locations for clinicals. I live on the southeast side (OTP), so I'd prefer to not have to drive any further north than downtown to a site if possible. Also, evenings might be tricky for me, since I have 2 daycare-aged children and my hubby takes classes at night. Hopefully, though, we can all make it work! I hope someone else can chime in with some more info...

Kel3 · Mar 11, 2012

Hi, breezy7. I'm a current A2 and can answer these questions for you. :-)

For the Traditional program, clinicals begin T2 and (unless there is some huge change next year) will be either Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. The only "say" that you get about when your clinicals are is if it is for military or religion. They tell you that nothing else will be considered. That being said, I would still talk to them and tell them your situation, in hopes that they will work with you. But, I want to be completely honest about what we are all told right up front, so that you are not completely blindsided if they aren't flexible. I have also known a couple of people who they refused to work with due to work schedules, but they did allow them to "trade" their clinical day with a classmate, so that's another option.

No, many clinical sites are not Marta accessible, so you must tell them prior to each semester (several weeks prior!) that you need to be on the Marta line. Just a heads-up--this might be an issue for you when it comes to the community clinical, but that's late in the program, so you can cross that bridge when you get to it.

Let me know if you have other questions. Good luck!

Kelly

Kel3 · Mar 11, 2012

troop949:

Nope, you won't wait until 2nd semester--clinicals will begin A1 for you. :-)

To put it bluntly, they won't care that you are driving from outside the perimeter and want to keep it closer to home. There are too many people in the program who are in your exact same boat that they just can't make adjustments based on geography for everyone. That being said, you may very well luck-up and get lots of downtown clinical sites. Thus far I have worked at DeKalb Medical in Decatur, Atlanta Medical Center, and Grady...all of which would be fairly close for you. But, there are also people in my class who live in Tyrone, Conyers, and other OTP cities who have worked at St. Joe's, which is a bit of a drive for them.

The night thing might be an issue for you. I would definitely talk to them and tell them your situation, but I can't promise that it will make a difference. The clinicals in first semester are very light...they don't begin until a few weeks into the semester, are only 1 day a week, every other week, and are typically scheduled from 7a-1p. It's not a huge deal.

Beginning A2, things change. While I have only worked day shifts, I have *many* friends who are working 3p-11:30p twice a week, or 7a-7p once a week...several have Saturday shifts. Things are getting worse over the summer--we just received a message letting us know that we'll be in class 2 days a week, working 2 12-hr shifts each week, and that the rest of the days must be left open for observation experiences...in other words, they own our summer. ;-) It sounds rough--I'm sure it will be--but it's the price that we are paying for getting through the program quickly.

I can tell you that getting through the program with kids is tough but possible...you just needs lots and lots of support. There are many parents in my class (married and single) and we are all making it. :-) Let me know if you have any other questions, troop. Best of luck to you!!

Kelly

peachshan, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2012

Hi Kel3:I know I may be off topic but I wanted to know if any people in the ACE program are working?

Kel3 · Mar 12, 2012

Yep, there are definitely some people who have part-time gigs...but nothing too heavy, and you have to schedule around class and clinical time. I know that I couldn't do it and maintain decent grades (plus, I'm a mom...between the ACE program and work hours, I'd have no time at all for my poor son) but others seem to make it work.

Let me know if you have any other questions. :-)

Kelly

troop949 · Mar 12, 2012

Wow kel3, than you SO MUCH for your answers. And congrats on making it through the program this far as a mommy - you give me hope!:yelclap:

So yeah, I'll just suck it up, and roll with the punches if I'm accepted. I can handle a long drive, and the hubby and I will have to work out something on clinical days. Now, if only I could convince my mom to move down here for the next 2 years or so to help with the little ones, LOL.

Thanks again kel3, and I'm wishing you much continued success!

peachshan, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2012

Yep, there are definitely some people who have part-time gigs...but nothing too heavy, and you have to schedule around class and clinical time. I know that I couldn't do it and maintain decent grades (plus, I'm a mom...between the ACE program and work hours, I'd have no time at all for my poor son) but others seem to make it work. Let me know if you have any other questions. :-)Kelly

Thank you for the response! I am more interested in the ACE program since I have a bachelors but I wasn't sure how the workload was going fit with my family. My son would turn 2 by the time I apply for the program and I wanted to make sure not all the finances fall on my husband.