Clinicals at Level 1 Trauma Hospital?

[kalimuse]

Hello all,

Would appreciate any info. Am considering 2 nursing programs - one has their students do their clinicals at the university teaching hospital, and is the only level 1 trauma hospital in 2 counties - but is a private school and pretty expensive. The other is a state school and has their students do clinicals at different hospitals. Which clinic setting would better prepare you as a nurse? Which would make you a stronger candidate to employers? Thanks for feedback :)

[itsmejuli]

I'd stick with the state school based on affordability. Where you do clinicals isn't going to make much difference when you're looking for a job.

[Music in My Heart]

I basically agree with itsmejuli... with one caveat.

Your best shot at being hired is at a hospital where you did clinical rotations, simply because you have an opportunity to network there. This is more true for preceptorships than for basic med-surg clinicials but the general idea holds. If your dream is to work at the trauma center then you might give that some weight in your decision making.

On the other hand, exposure to various hospitals gives you both a better idea of the variety that exists in terms of culture and protocols, and may network you with more folks.

Me, I chose the cheaper route. Again, nobody really cares where you did your clinicals.

[kalimuse]

Thank you for taking the time to respond! It definitely helps to hear how it is in the "real" world...:)