kgrands

Hey! Congrats on your first day alone! Glad that you got through it seamlessly. My 12 weeks are almost up! I'll have my first day in about a week. So scared! Sorry that I missed you while you were in the PICU. Maybe I'll see you if you come down for burn care. -katie

Hi Liz Thanks for responding! It's such a strange thing - wanting to get pregnant, deciding to start a family, etc. But, I know that you're right - I want to be good at what I do and I know that the last time I was pregnant all I could focus on was me! lol. So...we're thinking of starting to try in April/May. That'll give me a good enough time to get somewhat used to my new job and get a full maternity leave when I do have the babe. Again, thanks for responding and giving good advice. I really appreciate it. Good luck to you with your new baby and your return to work. Take care, katie

Hi everyone, I'm a new grad about to start my first job as a nurse in the PICU working nights. My husband and I want to start a family and are trying to figure out the best time to do that. A little background, I had a miscarriage in June. Things changed after the miscarriage in a way that was completely surprising to me. Ever since then we really want to get pregnant again. BUT, I'm pretty sure that my first year as a nurse (let alone an ICU nurse) is going to be stressful in itself without being pregnant. Does anyone have an advice on how to handle trying to conceive and your first year in nursing? Personal experience? The idea of waiting hurts my heart but my brain knows the answer. Help! I really appreciate any advice and help! Thank you!! -katie

BICU - wow that's an amazing opportunity. Good luck to you! Maybe we'll bump into each at some point.

When are you starting at Cornell? I accepted a job last week for the PICU. I start on December 10th. Are you part of the Residency program? -katie

CONGRATS!!!! I hope I have the same outcome. I did take it under the Manhattan bridge...1st time taking it...Computer shut off at 75 questions...lots of pharm, tons of mult response, priority, and precautions. Prob the weirdest test I've ever taken. Thanks for the well wishes and the information!

Moeroe1: Did you find out your results? I just took the NCLEX today (I'm in Bklyn). I went to the pearsonvue site...I know they won't be ready till sat...but it says "ready for delivery." There is no quick results link. Does this show up later on? thanks!

Nyforlove: Understanding that you can't start working until you have license at Methodist. Do they let you start the application proces? Thanks so much for your advice. It has really made me start thinking about Methodist more seriously. Hearing your good reviews of this hospital has kind of opened up new doors for me. Thank you so much! -katie

Nyforlove: I'm a recent grad searching for a peds position. I actually live in Park Slope and have been considering Methodist. Could you tell me about the orientation? How long is it? Do they have tuition reimbursement? What are the ratios like? I really appreciate any advice you can offer! Thanks! -katie

Hi everyone, New question: What do you do if you're pregnancy is showing (like 5-6mths) when you're supposed to be going on interviews? I graduate in August. What are the chances that I'll be able to ge a position while having a visible pregnancy? Thanks for the advice. -katie

Usually a nurse will work three 12 hour shifts a week - a total of 36hrs for the week.

Curls105, Although the administration at Downstate is disorganized and usually unhelpful, please don't feel intimidated. This program is doable and if you are proactive (like Shuffler said), you can create a really good experience for yourself. Our class (graduate in August) has been working to put together an "unofficial orientation" packet to give to the incoming class of '08. It's going to have tips on clinicals and setting up your independent study. Hopefully, it'll help you guys more easily navigate the system. Good luck - feel free to PM if you have any other questions. I'm sure I'll meet you at your orientation day. -katie

Hi Kristen, Just wanted to let you know that I private messaged you to give you my take on this program. PM me if you have any other questions. -katie

Hi Kristen, We had two women give birth during this program (so far!) One gave birth in October 2006 - she had a C-section and was out for one week. The professors were super supportive and allowed her to make up the clinical time. At that time, we only had lecture one day a week and clinical one day a week. So even when she came back to class, she was only away from her new baby two times a week. The other woman gave birth the second week of December. The professors let her take the final at the beginning of January (as opposed to one week after she delivered). Same thing happened for a girl that got married - she was able to take the final at a different time. I think overall, the professors were very accomodating to these new moms. Another little note, I'm going to Greece for a family wedding for a week right in the middle of our summer session. I spoke with the dean about this and she was very helpful and just told me that I can make up any work that I miss. I thought that was pretty cool. Hope this helps. -katie

I'm a student in the Downstate program right now - finish up in August! As far as the time committment, all of the other posters are right, it's very intense. The first summer you take 7 classes and are in lecture or lab 4 days a week minimum from 9-5 every day. The fall lightens up a bit but you still are in school 4 days a week. There have been people that worked at night, on days off, etc. The clinicals so far have only been on weekdays - either a 12hr shift or two shifts (one 8hr, another 4hrs). It's really the first summer sessions that make you feel a bit crazy. That said, we've had two people have babies and one get pregnant while in the program. They were able to figure it out somehow so it is possible. Hope this helps - if you have any other questions please PM me. Thanks! -katie