Help choosing role immersion placement.

[Hockeymom65]

For my final semester of nursing school I have to complete 180 clinical hours. I have the option of choosing between maternity, Adults, Pedistrics, or Psych. We are allowed to select more than one to list as our preference for placement. I am leaning towards maternity and Adult. I am torn though because I can see myself working in maternity post had, however everyone says working with adults is important to get that med surg experience. What are your thoughts, should I select Adult or Maternity or should I list both????

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

You should always consider that capstone experience as prep for NCLEX. Pick that area which is most applicable to that exam.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I disagree with meanmaryjean on this one -- which is rare. We usually agree.

Unless you have reason to doubt your ability to pass the NCLEX, pick the type of unit where you really want to work after graduation. In many communities it is difficult to get your "first choice" of a job after graduation. In those situations, the ones whose practicums most closely match the type of job they are seeking are the "lucky ones" who get the jobs. Use the opportunity to land and prepare for you first job -- unless you are in special danger of failing boards because you haven't yet learned the material required for NCLEX and/or your school has a high NCLEX failure rate. A good school should have prepared you for the NCLEX all along -- assuming you are a good student.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

I disagree with meanmaryjean on this one -- which is rare. We usually agree.

Unless you have reason to doubt your ability to pass the NCLEX, pick the type of unit where you really want to work after graduation. In many communities it is difficult to get your "first choice" of a job after graduation. In those situations, the ones whose practicums most closely match the type of job they are seeking are the "lucky ones" who get the jobs. Use the opportunity to land and prepare for you first job -- unless you are in special danger of failing boards because you haven't yet learned the material required for NCLEX and/or your school has a high NCLEX failure rate. A good school should have prepared you for the NCLEX all along -- assuming you are a good student.

Agree to a point, but honestly, the students I've seen REALLY struggle with NCLEX (and there have not been many) insisted on uber-specialty capstone placements. (NICU for example).