New grad critical care

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I just was wondering if anyone can give me advice. I applied at both Sibley and WHC for their new grad fellowship programs. Is there and pros/cons to either? Also, I'm moving to DC from WI at the end of the year, where do people suggest living? Keep in mind I'll be living alone...EEK! Thanks everyone.

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Specializes in PICU.

I am not sure about the programs at those hospitals, I have heard the Critical care program at WHC is good. As for living in DC, it depends on what you are looking for, if you have a car or do not have a car. There are neighborhoods in DC such as Georgetown, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle that are fun neighborhoods, great restaurants. Also in the suburbs of Virginia and Maryland have some nice areas such as Rosslyn/Courhouse, Pentagon City, Alexandria in Virginia, and in Maryland I know of several people who live in Silver Spring Maryland. Hopefully this is helpful.

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RNNPICU- Thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it. I will have a car out there, is the commute to either of these hospitals really bad? I appreciate you writing back!

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Specializes in PICU.

It is going to depend on where you are living. I do not have a car but live close enough to use public transportation. Whe you do the 7a-7p shift, the commute both ways is not terrible from what I have heard since you would be leaving in the AM before the majority of the rush hour commuters. People from Rosslyn, Pentagon City, Crystal City have said it takes about 20 minutes. The cities farther out can take up to 45 minutes. In DC it depends on where you live, In Maryland it also depends on where you live, but the suburbs that are close in are about 30 minutes (give or take)

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Specializes in none.

Hello fellow new grad. I will be a new grad in December of this year. I recently applied to the WHC CCU fellowship as well after the great reviews I've heard from quite a few nurses in the DC area. As far as the commute, I agree with RNNPICU. If you have a 7a-7p shift, you won't have a problem. As far as where to live you may want to consider places in suburban Maryland such as Greenbelt, Glenn Dale, Laurel, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Mitchellville, Lanham, Beltsville. These areas are nice as well and may not be as expensive as some of the areas around here. I haven't heard much about Sibley, but I've heard WHC is a great teaching hospital. Another important aspect that is crucial to our growth as nurses is exposure. One thing I can tell you, you'll probably encounter more of a variety of situations at WHC that will enable you to become a more well rounded nurse. In comparison to WHC, Sibley serves a more geriatric population because of the location which is located in an affluent upper-middle class community. WHC is one of the most respected hospitals in our community. Because of it's size you will be able to network and meet quite a few people in the healthcare industry that you'll probably encounter/work with again at some point in your career. If you want to work for a relatively small, community hospital Sibley may be a viable option. If you want to work in a large facility where you'll see all kinds of stuff then WHC may suit you just fine. Please let me encourage you to try to get as much as experience as you can first wherever you decide to work. Try not to concern yourself with salary too much. The money will come with experience. Hope this helps. Sorry it's so long. God Bless!

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Telemetry.
RNNPICU- Thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it. I will have a car out there, is the commute to either of these hospitals really bad? I appreciate you writing back!

Traffic here is hellacious... I lie in Fairfax, VA - right outside of D.C. and the traffic gets worse every year.

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Hey thanks for responding. I actually found a place in adams morgan so I don't have to do the commute outside of the city. I can grab a bus to WHC. Sorry you have to deal with the commute :(

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