Not An ACP at UCH: The Only One?

[PHhopeful]

Hello, Colorado nurses and nursing students!

So far, my cohort has been eligible for two cycles of the ACP (Advanced Care Partner) position at University of Colorado Hospital. There's one cycle left that we'll be eligible to apply for. It seems as though EVERY students I've spoken to has seized the opportunity to apply, and all have gotten the position. I have not applied.

It took me almost a decade to start nursing school after I decided to become a nurse. I've been meticulous at getting exceptional grades, networking, volunteering and working during school to enhance my resume. I currently work in an outpatient clinic in a position similar to a MA. I have years of public health experience.

I did not go into nursing to work in a hospital--it's never been my goal. I am in love with community health; it's where I thrive. Our inpatient clinicals have only confirmed this for me. However, I have a wonderful mentor who has strongly recommended doing the ACP and pursuing at least a year of acute care experience after graduation.

I really feel this is not a good fit, but I don't want to miss an opportunity during school that could help me find a job after graduation. I'll be $60,000 in debt when I graduate and don't want to take any risks. I've heard horror stories about students out of work for 6+ months after graduation. Have any students skipped the opportunity to do the ACP? Any new nurses? Do you regret it?

I would likely have to give up my job in the outpatient clinic, where I've worked for two years. I also have a learning disability, so it would make focusing on school even more challenging. I also fear the once-a-week commitment with the possibility of working nights--I do not do well functioning on little sleep. But I also feel I should be willing to sacrifice now to be the best nurse I can be after graduation...

[klone, MSN, RN]

I would say that if you KNOW you are not interested in inpatient acute care, and you already have a job working in healthcare (where your scope is likely wider right now than it would be as an ACP), I would not do it.

[scaredsilly, BSN, RN]

I agree with Klone! The main reason to do it is to have a shot at the nurse residency program and you don't sound like you want that, so don't do it!

[Melusine]

I wouldn't worry too much about it if you're not interested in acute care...Here's my experience as a fellow Denver nursing student.

I too have a background as a clinic assistant in a community health setting, which I LOVE and didn't want to give up to be an ACP at UCH, Denver Health, etc. Personally, I wasn't 100% sure I wanted to go into public health, so I chose to do my senior practicum in acute care, to have that experience. I did get a little crash refresher in all of those basic nursing skills we learned in Fundamentals. The first few nights of my practicum were made slightly more stressful by having to get used to all the peri care and bed changing, but it wasn't too bad :) I also ended up being offered a job in an acute care setting, WITHOUT acute care experience, so if you want to go that route after all, it will not be closed off to you.

Remember, your public health experience has value in many settings. You will probably excel in educating patients, since you are well aware of the impact of their socioeconomic circumstances upon their health. In other words you'll see a lot of connections that others may not- and being able to talk about this will always make a good impression on prospective employers.

Being an ACP is valuable no doubt, especially if you want to work at that specific clinical agency, but it isn't the only way to get a job after (or before!) graduation.

[PHhopeful]

Thank you all! I appreciate the positive feedback and insight!