I am so AFRAID about going to UTICA in December!

Published

My friend just testing in Utica this weekend and she called me Thursday night freaking out because she said that UTICA is nothing but mountains and she had to drive along the water the whole time from Albany(She's afraid of water, bridges,heights,mountains and flying) She had to overcome it all to say the least. Well the Lady at Red Lobster in town told her that the town gets hammered with snow from October though Spring. When I accepted the site UTICA, I had no clue that it was in the mountains. I test Dec 5-7 and all I can picture is me flying out Thursday and getting stuck at the airport because of 3 feet of snow. Once I get to Syraques we have to drive 45 minutes to the site. My hubby is going and knows how to drive in snow. But the little snow in NC don't compare to the snow the NY gets. I don't know what to do. I can't focus on studying because I feel like I am setting myself up going there. Any advise? If I get stuck traveling there and can't get to the hospital in time, I will be devastated. I am sure EC will not refund me for travel complications. I am projected to get to Syraques Thurday at 2pm. I would die if I lost $3000 + if I could not get there because of the weather. Can anyone out there reassure me? I have done nothing but think about it all weekend. I really need to start studying and getting my "A" game together but I can't. Please Help with Advice.

:hdvwl::yldhdbng::urgycld:

I am leaving Thursday at 10:30am and plan to get there by 2pm.

You'll be fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pulm/cardiology pcu, surgical onc.

NC Girl,

THere are 2 ways to get to Utica from Syracuse. Either the more scenic way which I wouldn't call 'mountains' but rolling hills OR you can drive the toll thru way (or whatever it's called) which is well traveled and relatively FLAT. The toll road is well maintained and I would believe that the state would keep it clear when snowing. Good luck, Utica is a great test site!

p.s. I could have failed d/t bubbles too, I had to start over at 2 stations b/c of that. The syringes they use are VERY stiff. Just keep calm and know you have plenty of time to pass each station :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey NC Girl, Maureen from Boston here!!! Do not worry about snow up here in the northeast. We can get these monster storms known as nor'easters but it's like with hurricanes, you have plenty of notice. Mostly, even in New Hampshire (lived up there for a long time) it is just like rain only it piles up.

Are you driving your Toyota? If so, you have front-wheel drive which makes it easier. The only thing that I would warn you about is driving in "snice" which is really just frozen water that coats everything, including the roads. We get a lot of that on Cape Cod but sanders and salters do a great job out there. If you are really nervous, try heading north a day early. I will keep you up to date on weather and if you get stuck or afraid, just call me and I will go get you!!! I have been known to take very long drives just for the heck of it. My car will be fixed by then I hope!!! PM me and I will give you my phone #'s.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
NC Girl,

THere are 2 ways to get to Utica from Syracuse. Either the more scenic way which I wouldn't call 'mountains' but rolling hills OR you can drive the toll thru way (or whatever it's called) which is well traveled and relatively FLAT. The toll road is well maintained and I would believe that the state would keep it clear when snowing. Good luck, Utica is a great test site!

p.s. I could have failed d/t bubbles too, I had to start over at 2 stations b/c of that. The syringes they use are VERY stiff. Just keep calm and know you have plenty of time to pass each station :)

Those who live here call it the Northway, flatlanders all it "the thruway" or "87."

;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

We don't get much snice here - too far from the coast.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.

I'd consider leaving one day earlier just in case. Even if there is no snow and even if the roads are ok, it will give you more peace of mind. Peace of mind will be invaluable for the CPNE. :hngon:Just keep hanging in there and I know you will do just fine. Memorize those critical elements and take your time. You can do this.

:flwrhrts: Good Luck !

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pedies and er.

relax ncgirl....I escaped from syracuse snow a few yrs back and live in sunny coastal nc now. I would follow the previous suggestion re leaving a day early... the 4x4 is a good idea, and the roads are normally plowed and sanded really well. you should be fine!!!!

btw--I have at least 21 ice scrapers/brushes in my garage if needed.:hrnsmlys:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac.

I understand your fear of New York in December....I'll be right next door in Alabany that same weekend :) Good job planning to arrive on Thursday....I will be, too. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you feel better.....we can support each other through this!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Staff nurse.

Lived my first 18 years in Schenectady and travelled thru Utica in the 1950s-late 1960s once a month to visit relatives...and had to turn back maybe once (my dad was driving). We drove the New York State Thruway.

You should do fine. Dress in layers. Hugs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I tested in Utica in August and I also flew into Syracuse, there are barely any mountains when you take that trip. Its actually not bad, just boring as hell (sorry to those who live in the area, but I'm from sunny Miami). The CA and CE's were wonderful, the hospital wasn't as high tech as what I'm used to and that was a plus if you ask me. I also failed IV push on the first day, forgot to ASPIRATE, caught it before I finished and verbalized it, but there was no going back. If you have to repeat something, you will NOT make the same mistake a second time. Most of the others stayed at Days Inn Utica which was right around the corner from the hospital, I didn't. My husband was with me and he loves driving and looking at the scenerary so we stayed in Vernon Downs which was nice, but its about a 20 minute drive.

My advice, try your best not to stress (funny as it sounds) and take your time!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh, I forgot to mention in my first post that I did pass!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion