HFCC rotations...

amybethf · Jan 25, 2008

Hello,
I am currently on the waitlist for HFCC's RN program and was just wondering if somebody could fill me in...
Do you know what dept's we'll get to work in? How long does a rotation last (meaning entire time frame, not daily)?
Reading different threads on here makes me wonder how similar/different we are from the other programs! Some say they draw blood, others don't. Some get to physically work with patients, others just observe.
Will we get to go in the OR or ER? I'm just curious what exactly we are going to get to see? I think I am most excited about L&D. I love babies, always have!:redpinkhe
I have so many questions and if I call nursing admissions with all of them they'll probably want to kill me, lol!

You remind of myself before I started te program - full of endless questions! :)

Clinicals - first, you have no control over where you are placed, it is a lottery. 1st semester - after you pass check-off's and evals during the first 8 weeks, you are then off to your very first clinical experience for the remaining 7.5 weeks. Second semester, you can either take Psych first or Med-Surg and again you have no choice about your placement. But there is no guarantee that you will get what you want -you may want Psych first and it might fill up before your number comes up. But most get their first or second pick. Third semester is all med-surg and last semester is OB and Peds, plus a transition into handling 2 or more pts., time mgmt. and prioritizing.

We never draw blood, insert IV's or give IV push meds.

In 155, you observe in the OR and write a perioperative report.

There are many assignments and paperwork to be done while in clinicals and that on top of lecture makes the program very demanding. I study 6 days a week and still feel like I am never completely on top of everything so I feel that success in the program is more about time mgmt than brains. Your intelligence isn't in question, or you wouldn't have made it into the program so it's more about your motivation and tenacity. Just stay on top of your reading and ask questions before a problem arises. Do not fall behind. The lectures are interesting and clinicals are a blast - you're in this constant influx of learning and mastering on how to think like a nurse and it feels so good. Your confidence grows and grows.

Feel free to PM me anytime.:cheers:

RN2B73 · Jan 26, 2008

You remind of myself before I started te program - full of endless questions! :)
Clinicals - first, you have no control over where you are placed, it is a lottery. 1st semester - after you pass check-off's and evals during the first 8 weeks, you are then off to your very first clinical experience for the remaining 7.5 weeks. Second semester, you can either take Psych first or Med-Surg and again you have no choice about your placement. But there is no guarantee that you will get what you want -you may want Psych first and it might fill up before your number comes up. But most get their first or second pick. Third semester is all med-surg and last semester is OB and Peds, plus a transition into handling 2 or more pts., time mgmt. and prioritizing.
We never draw blood, insert IV's or give IV push meds.
In 155, you observe in the OR and write a perioperative report.
There are many assignments and paperwork to be done while in clinicals and that on top of lecture makes the program very demanding. I study 6 days a week and still feel like I am never completely on top of everything so I feel that success in the program is more about time mgmt than brains. Your intelligence isn't in question, or you wouldn't have made it into the program so it's more about your motivation and tenacity. Just stay on top of your reading and ask questions before a problem arises. Do not fall behind. The lectures are interesting and clinicals are a blast - you're in this constant influx of learning and mastering on how to think like a nurse and it feels so good. Your confidence grows and grows.
Feel free to PM me anytime.:cheers:

Thank you soooooooooooo much! You are definitely right, I have lots more questions... :bugeyes: