Hallelujah! Finally!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Emergency Department.

I attend school in California, and just finished the LVN portion of my school's 3 year ladder program...

you have to apply for the first 2 years, which is the LVN portion, then apply for the 3rd year which is the RN portion. There are 20 spots available for the 3rd year, and over 50 applicants, including myself, and my 6 other classmates. Long story short, I received a letter beginning of July saying I didn't get in for this Fall 2011 semester, but I have a spot for the Fall 2012 year. I was disappointed, I had a "feeling" I was going to get in the first time around. I eventually got over it, and embraced that this was how it was going to be. I would have a year to mentally prepare myself, take a few classes, work, and just relax.

So, last week I went on vacation with my bf, and his family. While there, my phone started vibrating, and my bf said "Your school is calling". This meant one of two things: either I messed up my paperwork for accepting a fall 2012 spot, or I got a spot in the program. IT WAS THE LATTER! I was so excited! Someone apparently gave up their spot for this fall, and I was first on the list. But then it hit me. I wasn't going to get a year off to relax, its now full force ahead, I'll have to hold my breath for a year. Don't get me wrong, I am so excited, but my stomach turns thinking about it.

So what I'm on here looking for...Advice? Words of wisdom maybe? Idk. I will have my preceptorship in the spring. I want to get the most out of that, so does that mean precepting in either ER or ICU? I know I should do what my heart is in, but I also want to do what will really hone my nursing skills and critical thinking. I loved L&D, and I loved the NICU, but I don't want to corner myself. Can someone tell me how I should be looking at this? Any advice is welcome

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Congratulations :) Sometimes it's easier to just keep going, since you still have momentum...then, when it's done, it's done (unless you decide to go on !!) :D

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

They are such two different specialities. You will learn different things. Won't you be exposed to both?

ETA: I vote for ICU.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.
They are such two different specialities. You will learn different things. Won't you be exposed to both?

ETA: I vote for ICU.

I know they're different, I just meant I've heard people say those 2 departments are what people should precept in because there is so much to learn.

I've had many rotations in both the ER and the ICU, enjoyed both, but how do I pick just one department for my preceptorship if I love it all? Lol! I just want to get, I guess you can say, the "most bang for my buck" type of thing, where I will learn the most, and even possibly have a higher chance of getting a job after graduation.

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Hi laceface24!

First off, congratulations on getting in to your program! What a great vacation surprise! :)

No matter which you choose, I think you will have great opportunities! A major hospital in my area offers an ICU residency program for new nurses who have completed an ICU preceptorship and I have a good friend who just had her second interview for an ED position at another local hospital. They told her they usually don't hire new grads in the ER, but since she had done her preceptorship in a level 1 trauma center, she had a good chance. The nurse supervisor even winked at her. :) So If your area is anything like mine, you'll do well either way.

Anyway, I wish you wisdom as you make your decision! Also, It's great that you are considering all of these things now :)

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Congratulations!!!

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:ancong!:

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Specializes in Specialty Infusion Services.

Both are considered critical care experience so you will be able to do many things after a few years in either one. Good luck.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Congrats! My advice is to make school your #1 priority till you finish. You will be proud of your effort and the sacrifice is worth it. Good luck in your new career.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

Best advice I've seen is treat every clinical situation as a job interview, because you will need that job later. Good luck.

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congratulations you have worked hard to get where you are. I know you'll keep going as far as you can...reach for the stars!

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