How to get clinical done? Use PTO or????

moonshadeau, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APN, NP, CNS · Jun 29, 2005

Hi everyone. Well, I've just started arranging my 576 hours of clinical time for my CNS. I actually don't start classes until mid-August but need to get a jump-shot on these hours. How is everyone else doing this? I currently have 406 hours of PTO (I work full-time and must continue to do so). My boss has been wonderful and will give me two weeks off every month for the next three months in order to get some of the clinical done. However, what other alternatives are available? Thanks for any and all suggestions...

Can you do the Baylor program to get your full time hours in? How many shifts does that work out to anyway, the 576?

My clinical meets the minimum 500 to sit for boards since it is an online program. Since my clinical site is my workplace. I think that the time when my clinical shows up, I'll be living at work.

SharonH, RN · Jun 29, 2005

Hi everyone. Well, I've just started arranging my 576 hours of clinical time for my CNS. I actually don't start classes until mid-August but need to get a jump-shot on these hours. How is everyone else doing this? I currently have 406 hours of PTO (I work full-time and must continue to do so). My boss has been wonderful and will give me two weeks off every month for the next three months in order to get some of the clinical done. However, what other alternatives are available? Thanks for any and all suggestions...

Last semester, I worked 2 days a week, did clinicals 2 days and went to class 1 day a week. Since my job is a Mon-Fri, I did not have the option to work weekends. I found that this was very exhausting. When I restart clinicals, I will be moving to a different clinical site, and my new preceptor has promised me the option to get many of my hours on Saturdays. Do you have the option to do extended clinical days, like 10 hours a day? That will help you get those hours added up also without using so many of your days.

Trauma Columnist · Jul 1, 2005

Unfortunately, as a case manager - I have to be here the full 40 hours/week. We currently work every third weekend but we are on-call for another weekend. Thanks everyone. Since I have so much PTO, I guess I will use that. I'm just not in the mood to kill myself...I've already been in school for 2 1/2 years doing the ADN to BSN to MSN thing...I'm getting a little fried around the edges.

suet · Jul 1, 2005

When I went back to school in the BSN degree completion program for Diploma RNs (goes to show you how old I am), I had two back to back clinicals to do. Since they were morning clinicals I worked it out with my boss to come in at 1:00 PM and work until 7:30 PM. This was great for the unit because I covered a busy shift change time and if someone called in sick on the PM shift I was able to help that team out.

It was a win-win for me and management.

glascow · Jul 3, 2005

I have found that using my PTO is the best way to fit in my clinicals while working FT.

I am also at the 2 + yr point of a 3 yr program. I already have my BSN and am going for NP. The program is 9 semesters straight, no summers off. I am so burnt right now!!!!!

Trauma Columnist · Jul 24, 2005

Glasgow - good luck! I just did four days of clinicals (41 hours) and it was wonderful. Really cemented the idea in my head that I'm doing the right thing.