How hard is it to get your #1 choice for clinicals?

[floatingribs]

I'm a freshman but I like to unnecessarily stress myself out haha. But is it hard getting to your #1 choice. I've been told by advisers that's it's pretty much on us and from reading on my unis website you need to apply to the specific hospital requesting it a semester before. It makes it sound quite competitive and I've got a hospital in mind and it's one of the best in the country, directly affiliated with my uni, and less than 5 min from my house, so it's pretty much the best place.

Also do some people actually not get any clinicals because hospitals have already reached their quota? and does the same hospital you had one clinical for give you preference if you apply to it again for the nest semester or do they like to diversify the opportunity so no one gets the same clinical hospital twice? Or is it all first come first serve?

We've only been told a couple of things about nursing school as freshman and most of it seems like an exaggeration to keep us on our toes and the info on clinicals is pretty minimal

(I mean we're only freshman so it makes sense, but I'm curious)

Thanks in advance!

[llg, PhD, RN]

What country are you in? If in the US, what city?

I have lived in 8 different US states and I have never heard of a place where the students apply to hospitals individually for routine clinical rotations. I've heard of a few things similar to that for special practicums, but not for routine clinicals the whole way through the program.

[direw0lf, BSN]

Imo: I'm guessing they keep info on clinicals limited every semester actually. They need to collaborate with nearby colleges.

In my school you get to register first if you're an honors student, athlete, senior, or disabled. Luckily I'm honors. I picked the site I want but it was fierce! Only 7 slots.

See if your school gives precedence for honors and try your best, it's worth it.

[floatingribs]

I'm in usa in a pretty good nursing program (Rutgers for the 4 yr BSN), I mean I know the advisers make sure all your paperwork is in and they guide you but what I've read online on the school's website the best chance would be calling them before hand, like they have a couple of schools that are affiliated directly (40 around and the one I want to go is in their system) but I know pretty much nothing about it.

Also thank you for that direw0lf! We find out if we're in the honors program late spring and hopefully I'll get in next yr and if not the yr after before clinicals to get the best slot.

Thank you!

[seasidesoul]

We had no choice in the matter.

[direw0lf, BSN]

Oh you're in Rutgers! I know about that school. Had a family member and some friends go there although I don't live near the area anymore. The gen eds can be tough with such big classes but you seem like you will get that honors!