curious 4 Colorado

Hello-

I am currently a nursing student (not in CO), but I am thinking of relocating to there. After I graduate I am looking to either specialize in a burn unit or a unit that focuses on children w/ cancer. I'm unsure about where to look and how to get the wheels turning. I would be ever so grateful for any feedback or helpful information.

Thank you very much!

Only burn unit in Denver is at University Hospital. Pediatric burn unit is at childrens. The only pediatric oncology programs are at Children's and P/SL. The P/SL unit was 4-5 beds when I was there. Not sure how big it is now or will be in the new unit.

David Carpenter, PA-C

NCMC in Greeley also has a burn unit - they are part of Banner Health Care. If you are interested in working there, contact them and ask about applying into their new grad program......I believe they pay tuition in return for a 2 year committment, but if you aren't in their 'program' you might have a hard time getting hired right out of school.

I would do the same with university hospital and they require a BSN.

Here is a list of all the burn units in the state. Penrose and Saint Mary's also have one outside of Denver. As far as University requiring a bachelor's here is the listing from the opening in the burn unit:

" The Registered Clinical Nurse Level II is a competent registered nurse in the UEXCEL Professional Practice Plan. The Level II Clinical Nurse uses Nursing Practice Competencies to intervene to achieve safe, optimal patient and family health outcomes; Leadership Competencies to coordinate patient care and communicate with the Care Team; Professional Profile Competencies to develop professionally as a life-long learner, and Practice Outcomes Competencies to evaluate care based on evidence, the UCH quality model, and patient safety goals.

The Level II Clinical Nurse demonstrates competency caring for complex patients and participates on the Care Team to improve the quality of care in the clinical area.

Minimum Education: Diploma or Associate’s Degree in Nursing. Licensed to practice professional nursing in the State of Colorado.

Minimum Experience: Six months or more as a practicing registered nurse. Diploma and Associate Degree prepared nurses must have a minimum of one year of full-time clinical experience to be eligible for employment."

Children's did require a bachelors last time I looked.

David Carpenter, PA-C

You are only eligble to apply to University as a new grad if you have a BSN.

Based on the requirements it appears that most of the jobs want six months:

Minimum Experience: Six months or more as a practicing registered nurse. Diploma and Associate Degree prepared nurses must have a minimum of one year of full-time clinical experience to be eligible for employment."

They do have a nursing internship, not sure if its open to ADNs or not.

David Carpenter, PA-C