Columbia BSN/MSN ETP 2014

mecks625 · Feb 26, 2014

Awesome! Thanks for clarifying @BICT!

Does anyone know anything about Federal loans for graduate students?

BICT · Feb 26, 2014

This would be the site to look at for all info regarding federal loans.

jessica725 · Feb 27, 2014

Hey Everyone!

Just found this thread. I was accepted for the FNP program!! I requested to join the FB group but I was just wondering if anyone has started to look into housing yet.

Excited to meet you all!!

lifeismuzik · Feb 27, 2014

Hey All

I am a current ETP student (finishing my last rotation before integration -- a really unique and great part of the program). I will matriculate into the FNP program, though I know a fair amount about he ANP, Psych NP and ACNP tracks because I stronger considered switching. I hope to start in the Fall half time, giving myself the summer to train for and get in the flow of a new nursing job before taking on a course load. I may take the year off to focus just on working though...depends how the cookie crumbles. Lot of factors, and I am happy to go into it more if anyone has questions abut taking time off to work and the value in that.

I know how little info there is out there, and when I was in your shoes I resolved to answer Q's and offer perspective for those making this academic/work/life transition once I have more insight.

I have read back a bit, and here are some thoughts on some topics.

With deferrals, the school really doesn't do it. I think military may be the only excuse. I know someone who, just a few weeks before the program started, still couldn't get a loan. They made her reapply.

This kind of goes into the next theme. Why is the ETP portion so expensive! Someone hit it right on -- that the credit load is more. The MSN courses are also slightly more expensive that the BSN classes. The program also shifts many MSN classes into the earlier portion, and while that gets us working faster, it also helps get the school more money. Once you have invested so much in reaching a goal, the chance of you leaving is much lower.

I also hear a ton of shade being thrown at the area CUMC is. The vast majority of my friends commute -- the transit system actually rocks. It is on the A C and 1 trains, so there is an express option through Manhattan and parts of BK (it takes about 20 min to get to 59 st, about 30 min to 14 street. But I actually live in the area...because I love it! My room is over 350 sq feet. It is the top floor of an elevator building, has roof access, plenty of washing amenities and is pet friendly. I pay well under 1k a month in a few bedroom 1 BR place--that is TOUGH to find that in NYC in a safe neighborhood. There are SO many parks in the neighborhood to relax, run and explore in. Mainly latin american food, which I love, but still very diverse...especially up at 181. I walk out at night regularly with a dog and feel safe. Id like to think it isn't because of the dog. Between parks, cost, food, transportation, safety and apartments, I am quite content. If you aren't willing to travel an hour on the late night subway or else pay 25 for a cab, then it may not make sense for you. Also, our nation is becoming increasingly diverse--linguistically and culturally. Learning in a setting as diverse as the heights can also be an asset for your career and experience.

Another also commented on the lack of a campus feel because people commute and the library is shared. Yes, you are right, it has a VERY commuter feel. I would say about 20% of the class lives within a 20 block radius, 10% commute from outside of the city (driving or metro north), 40% live downtown and 30% live in brooklyn or queens. But I like that the facilities are shared. I have befriended some cool people in the OT program. And there is a sense of camaraderie -- different schools and research groups have lectures/series/rounds you can attend. People from different programs play sports together at the gym, have different performances...I think it is nice that the nurses/PH/OT/PT/MD programs have some relationship. And the schools are also investing more money in fostering stronger relationship.

I feel like many of you are becoming enamored with CU's name. Yes it is ranked, but have you looked at the research methods of the US News and World Rept? I have...and I certainly don't think they are strong indications of what I seek from an institution. CU has a very mixed relationship with hospitals in the city because the hospitals know that ETP students will only work a year before heading back into the program. But it is a double edged sword--hospitals won't hire NPs without experience (ask ANY nurse that is not involved with CU and they will 100% agree). This combo leads many to be a bit stuck when trying to get work post ETP/NP experiences.

Most independent students get a very fair amount (25-30k I think it was) in financial aid from columbia. That took off part of the sting. I also have a lot of family around here and love NYC. I really like the program and love the professors. My peers are interesting, supportive and engaging. Our clinical groups are a good size and our settings/instructors diverse.

Integration is also amazing -- really enables you to build professional connections and gets you a lot of experience in a part of nursing you think you might like. Without it, no one would get a job after our program (there are so many nurses that want to come to nyc, many nursing schools and a few accelerated nursing BSN programs in NYC). I am happy with my choice so far, but do not use US News or the Columbia name as your basis for choosing the school. You will be disappointed, as most hospitals do not care about your school's name.

For housing and other matriculating student shares and cares: make a facebook page for your year! It will be an important resource for your class (posting helpful links, selling things, telling each other about scholarships etc).

And about the stethoscope and other equipment -- no one should buy the whole package, I think. The only time you will need the whole package at any given point is for your physical assessment exam...which everyone doesn't do at the same time. So get a kit and share it. Or better yet, buy the pieces for cheaper a la carte.

I would recommend the littman stethoscope, but unless you want to work in an ICU I wouldn't spend the money on the cardiac one. Most MDs, NPs and PA, on the floors won't have it either. You will stand out and most won't need it. On the other hand, I do find the littmans better quality and more consistent.

The tuning fork and reflex hammer...share it. You won't use it...maybe in your career, but not in the ETP.

Get the measuring tape because it is cheap. You will need pen lights. You will need a watch with a second hand.

Many of you can buy scrubs on the cheap from people in my year -- so don't buy 10 scrub sets. I would get maybe one or two and plan on getting one or two more on the cheap from my class. They are neither comfy nor cute...so no one uses them once they aren't required anymore.

Hope this is helpful! PM or post on here with questions for me!

futureeastcoastNP · Feb 27, 2014

Hey All
I am a current ETP student (finishing my last rotation before integration -- a really unique and great part of the program). I will matriculate into the FNP program, though I know a fair amount about he ANP, Psych NP and ACNP tracks because I stronger considered switching. I hope to start in the Fall half time, giving myself the summer to train for and get in the flow of a new nursing job before taking on a course load. I may take the year off to focus just on working though...depends how the cookie crumbles. Lot of factors, and I am happy to go into it more if anyone has questions abut taking time off to work and the value in that.
I know how little info there is out there, and when I was in your shoes I resolved to answer Q's and offer perspective for those making this academic/work/life transition once I have more insight.
I have read back a bit, and here are some thoughts on some topics.
With deferrals, the school really doesn't do it. I think military may be the only excuse. I know someone who, just a few weeks before the program started, still couldn't get a loan. They made her reapply.
This kind of goes into the next theme. Why is the ETP portion so expensive! Someone hit it right on -- that the credit load is more. The MSN courses are also slightly more expensive that the BSN classes. The program also shifts many MSN classes into the earlier portion, and while that gets us working faster, it also helps get the school more money. Once you have invested so much in reaching a goal, the chance of you leaving is much lower.
I also hear a ton of shade being thrown at the area CUMC is. The vast majority of my friends commute -- the transit system actually rocks. It is on the A C and 1 trains, so there is an express option through Manhattan and parts of BK (it takes about 20 min to get to 59 st, about 30 min to 14 street. But I actually live in the area...because I love it! My room is over 350 sq feet. It is the top floor of an elevator building, has roof access, plenty of washing amenities and is pet friendly. I pay well under 1k a month in a few bedroom 1 BR place--that is TOUGH to find that in NYC in a safe neighborhood. There are SO many parks in the neighborhood to relax, run and explore in. Mainly latin american food, which I love, but still very diverse...especially up at 181. I walk out at night regularly with a dog and feel safe. Id like to think it isn't because of the dog. Between parks, cost, food, transportation, safety and apartments, I am quite content. If you aren't willing to travel an hour on the late night subway or else pay 25 for a cab, then it may not make sense for you. Also, our nation is becoming increasingly diverse--linguistically and culturally. Learning in a setting as diverse as the heights can also be an asset for your career and experience.
Another also commented on the lack of a campus feel because people commute and the library is shared. Yes, you are right, it has a VERY commuter feel. I would say about 20% of the class lives within a 20 block radius, 10% commute from outside of the city (driving or metro north), 40% live downtown and 30% live in brooklyn or queens. But I like that the facilities are shared. I have befriended some cool people in the OT program. And there is a sense of camaraderie -- different schools and research groups have lectures/series/rounds you can attend. People from different programs play sports together at the gym, have different performances...I think it is nice that the nurses/PH/OT/PT/MD programs have some relationship. And the schools are also investing more money in fostering stronger relationship.
I feel like many of you are becoming enamored with CU's name. Yes it is ranked, but have you looked at the research methods of the US News and World Rept? I have...and I certainly don't think they are strong indications of what I seek from an institution. CU has a very mixed relationship with hospitals in the city because the hospitals know that ETP students will only work a year before heading back into the program. But it is a double edged sword--hospitals won't hire NPs without experience (ask ANY nurse that is not involved with CU and they will 100% agree). This combo leads many to be a bit stuck when trying to get work post ETP/NP experiences.
Most independent students get a very fair amount (25-30k I think it was) in financial aid from columbia. That took off part of the sting. I also have a lot of family around here and love NYC. I really like the program and love the professors. My peers are interesting, supportive and engaging. Our clinical groups are a good size and our settings/instructors diverse.
Integration is also amazing -- really enables you to build professional connections and gets you a lot of experience in a part of nursing you think you might like. Without it, no one would get a job after our program (there are so many nurses that want to come to nyc, many nursing schools and a few accelerated nursing BSN programs in NYC). I am happy with my choice so far, but do not use US News or the Columbia name as your basis for choosing the school. You will be disappointed, as most hospitals do not care about your school's name.
For housing and other matriculating student shares and cares: make a facebook page for your year! It will be an important resource for your class (posting helpful links, selling things, telling each other about scholarships etc).
And about the stethoscope and other equipment -- no one should buy the whole package, I think. The only time you will need the whole package at any given point is for your physical assessment exam...which everyone doesn't do at the same time. So get a kit and share it. Or better yet, buy the pieces for cheaper a la carte.
I would recommend the littman stethoscope, but unless you want to work in an ICU I wouldn't spend the money on the cardiac one. Most MDs, NPs and PA, on the floors won't have it either. You will stand out and most won't need it. On the other hand, I do find the littmans better quality and more consistent.
The tuning fork and reflex hammer...share it. You won't use it...maybe in your career, but not in the ETP.
Get the measuring tape because it is cheap. You will need pen lights. You will need a watch with a second hand.
Many of you can buy scrubs on the cheap from people in my year -- so don't buy 10 scrub sets. I would get maybe one or two and plan on getting one or two more on the cheap from my class. They are neither comfy nor cute...so no one uses them once they aren't required anymore.
Hope this is helpful! PM or post on here with questions for me!

Thank you so much for this!

I wanted to ask - can you elaborate on no one will hire an NP without experience? Many people plan to go through the program all at once without working as an RN. They won't be able to find an NP job?

mecks625 · Feb 27, 2014

Hey All
I am a current ETP student (finishing my last rotation before integration -- a really unique and great part of the program). I will matriculate into the FNP program, though I know a fair amount about he ANP, Psych NP and ACNP tracks because I stronger considered switching. I hope to start in the Fall half time, giving myself the summer to train for and get in the flow of a new nursing job before taking on a course load. I may take the year off to focus just on working though...depends how the cookie crumbles. Lot of factors, and I am happy to go into it more if anyone has questions abut taking time off to work and the value in that.
I know how little info there is out there, and when I was in your shoes I resolved to answer Q's and offer perspective for those making this academic/work/life transition once I have more insight.
I have read back a bit, and here are some thoughts on some topics.
With deferrals, the school really doesn't do it. I think military may be the only excuse. I know someone who, just a few weeks before the program started, still couldn't get a loan. They made her reapply.
This kind of goes into the next theme. Why is the ETP portion so expensive! Someone hit it right on -- that the credit load is more. The MSN courses are also slightly more expensive that the BSN classes. The program also shifts many MSN classes into the earlier portion, and while that gets us working faster, it also helps get the school more money. Once you have invested so much in reaching a goal, the chance of you leaving is much lower.
I also hear a ton of shade being thrown at the area CUMC is. The vast majority of my friends commute -- the transit system actually rocks. It is on the A C and 1 trains, so there is an express option through Manhattan and parts of BK (it takes about 20 min to get to 59 st, about 30 min to 14 street. But I actually live in the area...because I love it! My room is over 350 sq feet. It is the top floor of an elevator building, has roof access, plenty of washing amenities and is pet friendly. I pay well under 1k a month in a few bedroom 1 BR place--that is TOUGH to find that in NYC in a safe neighborhood. There are SO many parks in the neighborhood to relax, run and explore in. Mainly latin american food, which I love, but still very diverse...especially up at 181. I walk out at night regularly with a dog and feel safe. Id like to think it isn't because of the dog. Between parks, cost, food, transportation, safety and apartments, I am quite content. If you aren't willing to travel an hour on the late night subway or else pay 25 for a cab, then it may not make sense for you. Also, our nation is becoming increasingly diverse--linguistically and culturally. Learning in a setting as diverse as the heights can also be an asset for your career and experience.
Another also commented on the lack of a campus feel because people commute and the library is shared. Yes, you are right, it has a VERY commuter feel. I would say about 20% of the class lives within a 20 block radius, 10% commute from outside of the city (driving or metro north), 40% live downtown and 30% live in brooklyn or queens. But I like that the facilities are shared. I have befriended some cool people in the OT program. And there is a sense of camaraderie -- different schools and research groups have lectures/series/rounds you can attend. People from different programs play sports together at the gym, have different performances...I think it is nice that the nurses/PH/OT/PT/MD programs have some relationship. And the schools are also investing more money in fostering stronger relationship.
I feel like many of you are becoming enamored with CU's name. Yes it is ranked, but have you looked at the research methods of the US News and World Rept? I have...and I certainly don't think they are strong indications of what I seek from an institution. CU has a very mixed relationship with hospitals in the city because the hospitals know that ETP students will only work a year before heading back into the program. But it is a double edged sword--hospitals won't hire NPs without experience (ask ANY nurse that is not involved with CU and they will 100% agree). This combo leads many to be a bit stuck when trying to get work post ETP/NP experiences.
Most independent students get a very fair amount (25-30k I think it was) in financial aid from columbia. That took off part of the sting. I also have a lot of family around here and love NYC. I really like the program and love the professors. My peers are interesting, supportive and engaging. Our clinical groups are a good size and our settings/instructors diverse.
Integration is also amazing -- really enables you to build professional connections and gets you a lot of experience in a part of nursing you think you might like. Without it, no one would get a job after our program (there are so many nurses that want to come to nyc, many nursing schools and a few accelerated nursing BSN programs in NYC). I am happy with my choice so far, but do not use US News or the Columbia name as your basis for choosing the school. You will be disappointed, as most hospitals do not care about your school's name.
For housing and other matriculating student shares and cares: make a facebook page for your year! It will be an important resource for your class (posting helpful links, selling things, telling each other about scholarships etc).
And about the stethoscope and other equipment -- no one should buy the whole package, I think. The only time you will need the whole package at any given point is for your physical assessment exam...which everyone doesn't do at the same time. So get a kit and share it. Or better yet, buy the pieces for cheaper a la carte.
I would recommend the littman stethoscope, but unless you want to work in an ICU I wouldn't spend the money on the cardiac one. Most MDs, NPs and PA, on the floors won't have it either. You will stand out and most won't need it. On the other hand, I do find the littmans better quality and more consistent.
The tuning fork and reflex hammer...share it. You won't use it...maybe in your career, but not in the ETP.
Get the measuring tape because it is cheap. You will need pen lights. You will need a watch with a second hand.
Many of you can buy scrubs on the cheap from people in my year -- so don't buy 10 scrub sets. I would get maybe one or two and plan on getting one or two more on the cheap from my class. They are neither comfy nor cute...so no one uses them once they aren't required anymore.
Hope this is helpful! PM or post on here with questions for me!

This is such wonderful information! Thank you so much for taking the time to write on here!

I was curious about what you know about the process for finding RN jobs! Do you know if people are able to find work, relatively ok? I am definitely interested in doing what you are doing (part time, or taking a little time off to work).

lifeismuzik · Feb 28, 2014

You hear all over "There is a nursing shortage! We need more nurses!" What this really means is, "there is a nursing shortage in fields within nursing people don't usually want to work." Gone are the days when hospitals would come to CU and give bonuses to nurses to quit before the NP program because they are so desperate for employees. Most people who go into nursing tend to want to work in major cities (Manhattan, San Francisco, Chicago, or top academic/MAGNET hospitals in other cities etc) and want to work in chic fields (L&D, ER, Peds, ICU, CCU, maybe Med Surg). If you plan on working in one of these fields or in a major, wealthy city, you will not have a job given to you on a silver platter.

My advice is based on speaking with countless nurses on my rotations, my clinical instructors and an info session by NYP recruiters (at which many students left noticeably upset). But don't take my word for it -- check out job listings online. In these fields and locations, you will need a few years of experience.

Most people who get jobs volunteered while in the program or networked pretty hard on their rotations/in integration. Even so, most of the people who got jobs have them in the Bronx, Brooklyn (not the chic parts) and Queens.

At the aforementioned info session, NYPs formal statement is that they will not hire any new BSN nurses below a 3.3 GPA (which most people in the program I think can maintain) and without any outside of clinical experience. The problem is, most nursing student jobs and internships in NYC require that you are in your senior year of nursing school. This renders us ineligible because we are in our first and only year! They simply won't take us (tried at Cornell, NYP and Mt Sinai). NYP took 250 new nursing grads into BSN positions--but these nurses came from around the country.

NYP won't hire NPs without at least a couple years of BSN/NP experience. Period. Many recent grads just left the info session in the middle, quite disgruntled.

This isn't a problem with Columbia per se. It is a problem within the field of nursing and structural problem with accelerated nursing programs. If you want to go right into primary care, research, are interested in a less than popular field or want to work in less urban/more disadvantaged groups (and that is not even NYP, despite all of the previous comments about how the neighborhood supposedly is). What this means is that wherever you go, I URGE you to get volunteer experience or additional clinical experience if you do not already have it before entering the program. Start now! Get phlebotomy trained and start volunteering or working. Or start volunteering at your local hospital. I also urge you to approach nursing with humility. The field is based upon experience. There is a reason why nurse practitioners have awesome patient outcomes even though they have less formal education than MDs--it is because most NPs have years and years of experience to compensate!

Also, to stop being such a negative nancy, our grads do get jobs. They say that you should expect to look for work for about 4-8 months after you finish up. This is a bit complicated for ACNP and ANES students because they need to work in their year off, but the program does provide these students with a bit more support. I know of people who got jobs off the bat and some still looking for work from last year. What makes the difference? Like I said, A) networking prowess/luck, B) experience as a volunteer/EMT/aide, C) humility, D) flexibility in work environment.

Hope this is helpful! I really do love the program and CU. The instructors are awesome. Placements are great. But don't think Columbia's name will make you any more special when the people evaluating you are often nurses who got their BSNs at state schools after being forced to by their hospitals because they were trained in the 1960s through hospital based associate programs. They will laugh in your face for how much money we are spending on school and they are looking for commitment in nurses -- not people who are going to drop in for a year and drop out (after they have spent over 55k on training you over the course of 1 year). As an NP the name may matter more -- I can't speak to that yet. But the experience will certainly matter as well.

futureeastcoastNP · Feb 28, 2014

You hear all over "There is a nursing shortage! We need more nurses!" What this really means is, "there is a nursing shortage in fields within nursing people don't usually want to work." Gone are the days when hospitals would come to CU and give bonuses to nurses to quit before the NP program because they are so desperate for employees. Most people who go into nursing tend to want to work in major cities (Manhattan, San Francisco, Chicago, or top academic/MAGNET hospitals in other cities etc) and want to work in chic fields (L&D, ER, Peds, ICU, CCU, maybe Med Surg). If you plan on working in one of these fields or in a major, wealthy city, you will not have a job given to you on a silver platter.
My advice is based on speaking with countless nurses on my rotations, my clinical instructors and an info session by NYP recruiters (at which many students left noticeably upset). But don't take my word for it -- check out job listings online. In these fields and locations, you will need a few years of experience.
Most people who get jobs volunteered while in the program or networked pretty hard on their rotations/in integration. Even so, most of the people who got jobs have them in the Bronx, Brooklyn (not the chic parts) and Queens.
At the aforementioned info session, NYPs formal statement is that they will not hire any new BSN nurses below a 3.3 GPA (which most people in the program I think can maintain) and without any outside of clinical experience. The problem is, most nursing student jobs and internships in NYC require that you are in your senior year of nursing school. This renders us ineligible because we are in our first and only year! They simply won't take us (tried at Cornell, NYP and Mt Sinai). NYP took 250 new nursing grads into BSN positions--but these nurses came from around the country.
NYP won't hire NPs without at least a couple years of BSN/NP experience. Period. Many recent grads just left the info session in the middle, quite disgruntled.
This isn't a problem with Columbia per se. It is a problem within the field of nursing and structural problem with accelerated nursing programs. If you want to go right into primary care, research, are interested in a less than popular field or want to work in less urban/more disadvantaged groups (and that is not even NYP, despite all of the previous comments about how the neighborhood supposedly is). What this means is that wherever you go, I URGE you to get volunteer experience or additional clinical experience if you do not already have it before entering the program. Start now! Get phlebotomy trained and start volunteering or working. Or start volunteering at your local hospital. I also urge you to approach nursing with humility. The field is based upon experience. There is a reason why nurse practitioners have awesome patient outcomes even though they have less formal education than MDs--it is because most NPs have years and years of experience to compensate!
Also, to stop being such a negative nancy, our grads do get jobs. They say that you should expect to look for work for about 4-8 months after you finish up. This is a bit complicated for ACNP and ANES students because they need to work in their year off, but the program does provide these students with a bit more support. I know of people who got jobs off the bat and some still looking for work from last year. What makes the difference? Like I said, A) networking prowess/luck, B) experience as a volunteer/EMT/aide, C) humility, D) flexibility in work environment.
Hope this is helpful! I really do love the program and CU. The instructors are awesome. Placements are great. But don't think Columbia's name will make you any more special when the people evaluating you are often nurses who got their BSNs at state schools after being forced to by their hospitals because they were trained in the 1960s through hospital based associate programs. They will laugh in your face for how much money we are spending on school and they are looking for commitment in nurses -- not people who are going to drop in for a year and drop out (after they have spent over 55k on training you over the course of 1 year). As an NP the name may matter more -- I can't speak to that yet. But the experience will certainly matter as well.

Hm, seems bizarre that Columbia would even have a direct entry program if they KNOW that even their own hospital won't hire their NP grads when they graduate since they don't have experience?

Do any of the DE students go straight through to the master's portion without working as an RN? Are they able to find jobs? Maybe outside of hospitals?

lifeismuzik · Feb 28, 2014

It isn't really their own hospital. The hospital has had numerous owners over the last several years -- check out the history of the hospital. Columbia happens to be the mega donor as of late.

Also, the world revolves around money. Sorry if I am the first to tell you this. CU just wants your money. They don't want you to leave for too long and not come back.

I would say a bit more than half go straight through but nearly all look for work at the same time as they are in the MSN portion (unless they are in midwifery -- that program won't let you). Everyone clambers for experience. Many end up doing it in home health care because that is a less desired field

If you are willing to look outside of hospitals, then you have MANY more options. As a new grad NP and as a BSN nurse. Most people are not willing to do that though. I am not, for example, because I would like to learn from other nurses in the field. I also want to work in a more acute setting. I am also being a snob.

lifeismuzik · Feb 28, 2014

Also, no schools are completely altruistic. And many of these issues aren't CU issues--they are direct entry nursing issues. It is important to know these issues so you can accommodate for them in your lives -- not to hate on CU. I think CU is actually great -- new career services office, integration is a unique experience only CU offers where you work one on one with a nurse for 5 weeks before graduation (great for networking and intensive experience, potentially in your requested field)...I have been pleasantly surprised with CU and am really enjoying it. But I had a few friends in the program and came in with eyes wide open.

futureeastcoastNP · Feb 28, 2014

Thanks, good to know. I know for hospital NP positions they want experience so that makes sebse. I imagine for outpatient FNP positions it won't matter so much about having little to no RN experience.

I have no desire to work in a hospital as an RN or NP. I want M-F 9-5, no holidays and no weekends. I guess I'm a bit of a snob too lol

lifeismuzik · Feb 28, 2014

As long as you are not looking to work in a boutique manhattan clinic as an FNP, I would say that you should not be concerned. If you get to clinicals though and find you are learning a lot and want to advance those skills before working in primary/outpatient care, I would get on the fast track to volunteering or working. Volunteer gigs can take up to 4 or 5 months of searching, working, waiting and documentation in order to have something come through, so get on it earlier rather than later.

I thought I wanted to do primary care with disadvantaged groups -- and I still do when older. I feel that working in an acute setting for a while, though, will increase my assessment and diagnostic skills. I have decided to try and pursue that for a while first, but certainly many do not do this. There is no right way to go about it -- the only way to mess up is by not listening to your gut. So, if your gut says you want more experience or to work in a hospital, I would say get experience on the earlier side rather than waiting.

I also like the idea of a hospital schedule. In NYC, it is usually 3 weeks working 3 12h shifts then 1 week working 4 12h shifts. I love the idea of long weekends, but it certainly isn't forever for me.