New grad PCSing to Camp Pendleton

Specialties Government

Published

Hi there!

I am part of the Navy NCP program with a slated graduation date of May 2016, hopefully one and done NCLEX in June 2016 with an estimated arrival to ODS at the end of July to run to the beginning of Sept. After submitting my Duty Preference Sheet and talking with my operator I have been slotted to go to NHCP most likely in mid-September.

Before I dive into some of my questions I fully understand that September is fairly far away and a lot can change, especially my duty station, but I am still very curious!

1) How does NHCP handle new grads? Do they have a new grad program or do they function more with an orientation due to the small size of the hospital compared to SD/Bethesda/Portsmouth?

2) I have a passion for trauma medicine, but recognize that I am a new grad and don't have the complete skill set to most likely be in an ED or ICU at this time. Is it fair for me to assume I will be placed on a Med/Surge floor (which I am fine with!)?

3) What specific units are offered and what is the ED Trauma Level?

4) What do you think of NHCP? I understand that personal preference can fall into this but I still greatly appreciate any feedback!

5) Anything that I should be aware of in particular?

Any kind of feedback is greatly appreciated!

Thank you very much,

OCUI2 Adam Rondina

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Was stationed at NHCP once - most new Ensigns end up working on either the Multiservice Ward or Postpartum. After doing your 'time,' people often transition to other floors like the ER/ICU.

Be aware - most new grads are very hopeful to go directly to a specialty floor out the gate. You're best served growing on the Multiservice ward first (not that you will have the option...). You can always 'float' to the ER if things are slow to cross-train, they'll be glad to have you and will use you without a doubt.

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Deftonez,

Thank you very much for the information! Is it fair for me to assume that a Multiservice Ward is effectively a Med/Surg/Medical floor? I full anticipate being placed on a unit like this for awhile and I have zero problems with that, need a foundation before I dive into the ED/ICU settings! Do you know if we are given the option between either the Multiservice Ward and the Postpartum unit?

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Likely if you show some competence in Med-Surg and express interest in working MSW - you'll work MSW. It doesn't hurt to mention your future interests (ICU/ED).

MSW = Ill newborn, pediatric, adult; You get occasional post-partum moms with mastitis or endomyometritis.

It's really your best bet, in my opinion.

A piece of advice too: Focus on learning your job, become competent at caring for a team of 5 patients, train/respect your corpsmen; Everything else is low on the totem pole. After a year, you'll be pretty decent at your job.

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Awesome! Thank you for the amazing information!

As a new grad and new to the military I very much so am interested in basically just doing whatever they tell me to with the best of my ability! For work I currently tutor pre-nursing students so the fact that i'll be working with and training corpsmen was actually an extremely attractive thing about being a Nurse for the Navy. Now with that said I recognize that I am coming in green as one can be... so I am sure that they'll be a huge part of my OWN education.

Thank you again for all of the information Deftonez, I genuinely appreciate it!

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Shoot me a message when you get to Pendleton. I still know most of the people you'll be working with.

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Great! As I said in my initial post it most likely will not be till mid-late September but I will make sure to give you a holler!

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