NOVA Need to switch Clinical Assignments

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jul 29, 2008

The joys of trying to switch clinicals! I was there today at campus as well, volunteering for Camp med. One can post a request on the 1st year student board, which is outside the lab on 2nd floor. As well once your course (NUR 111) is up on blackboard, you should be able to send out an email to all 1st yr students, Should be under the tab COMMUNICATIONS, but I do believe you won't have that listed on blackboard until AFTER you register for classes. When do you guys register for ur classes?

Cilantrophobe · Jul 29, 2008

I have a question. I am applying for Fall 09 and I just saw your thread. Sorry I am no help, just curiosity. How were clinicals assigned? First come first serve? Were the majority in a certain region or all over the map? Do they pay any attention to who is assigned where?

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jul 29, 2008

The first year, clinical sites are just randomly assigned, and if you don't like them, the onus is on YOU to find another student to switch with, some luck out and do find people to switch with.

The second year, one gets the opportunity to pick their clinical sites. keep in mind, only 8 students to a clinical site, so first come first served (you register online) The highly sought after rotations are taken within SECONDS of registration opening up! They announce registration is on such a date at such a time, and majority of students are at their computer awaiting that time,lol And I mean they are gone within seconds, so have a few back up plans!!

I was at the MEC today volunteering for a kids camp med, and supposedly their were a lot of unhappy 1st yr students--not happy with their clinical site! I lucked out last year and had fairly close clinicals.

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jul 30, 2008

I should mention that occasionally the staff have stepped in and made changes, but has to be a very good reason. Living a far distance most likely isn't going to be a strong enough reason. One can always contact Mrs. Vito and see what she has to say.

mama2_3 · Jul 30, 2008

I was at orientation today too. We were probably in different rooms. I am in traditional program. I did ask a question about the same problem "what can I do if clinical rotation location is as far from home as possible?" During the break two girls approached me and we were able to swap our locations. Unfortunately, people from accelerated program can't trade with traditional program people. Our assistant dean said "It's just 5 times at each location. You can do it." She also said, the next semester we can't have the same location or instructor. That means you have a chance to have a better location next time.

mama2_3 · Jul 30, 2008

flames9,

I have a question about a stethoscope. What kind to buy? What kind people have? Those are expensive! Also, I can't visualize "duty shoes," as they put it. Do you have any advice? Thanks.

mama2_3 · Jul 30, 2008

They just gave us a list that had names of students put in groups with randomly assigned locations. That was it. You can't really choose. You can only hope (or trade). I was glad I didn't have Washington DC. It would be the last time my kids saw me. Ha ha ha I hate driving in VA. Than again, there is always next semester!

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jul 30, 2008

I just purchased a Littmann Classic II S.E. Check out Ebay. As well they should have given you a store to purchase from,think it was "Strandris" Probably find them cheaper on other online stores

It is a fine stethoscope. Both my younger sisters back in Canada are RN's and they said it was a fine stethoscope. And I have a habit of forgetting stuff,lol so during school, i didn't want to spend big $$$ and then loose it.

Shoes. I like zappos.com free shipping both ways, and their fast! Shoes have to be all white leather. Find a good pair of comfy shoes, as your on your feet all day. I first purchased a pair of new balance walking shoes, but they didnt have enough cushion, and my feet were killing me. I ended up with a pair of Etonics, look just like a running shoe, and very comfortable, being a guy, fashion isnt that important,lol As long as they are white leather, you should be fine, and something thats not going to fall off or have holes in them (crocs) i love zappos, even with regualr shipping (free) sometimes if i order in the morning, they arrive next day. Don't fit, simply fill out a form online, and return them to the UPS store for free return shipping. I have ordered multiple shoes, like 5 pairs at 1 time, then returned the ones I didn't want, all free. Wife has done the same! And they credit your credit card pretty quick. As well they will price match, so if you find them cheaper, phone them, give them the web address of the cheaper pair, they will investigate, and give u the cheaper price, takes all of 1 minute! And no, i don't own shares in them.

I have lucked out so far in my clinical sites, think my longest drive has been 20 minutes, if that. I'm at Inova fairfax during the first half of the semester, and thats like 5 min away! Long drives suck, but a good professor makes up for it. 99.9% of the profs are great. The top profs every one rants and raves about are Mrs. McIntosh and the Sutters (2 sisters) Mcintosh is a super lady, she has been a nurse for a long time, but she is very young at heart, and deeply cares for her students. And when your walking throughout Fairfax hospital, everyone knows her, as many were her students at one time,lol She teaches OB and psych

Don't be a slacker like myself, start your reading!! Anthign in tables are good to know, or in the small boxes, as they tend to be high lites of whats in the paragraphs

msjack · Jul 31, 2008

Hi everyone...I just attended the nursing orientation.
I was wondering if anyone wanted to switch the clinicals with me?
Mine are in Leesburg and Falls Church, and I'm in Dale City...these clincals are about 40 mins away from me!
Looking for something in Manassas, and Reston.
Please PM me!

I wish I could switch with you! I'm second year though. I'm coming back in to the program after 3 years....so I got the last pick on clinicals . I feel your pain, but 40 mins isn't that bad...I'm looking at about an 1-1 1/2 drive. I'm coming from Haymarket going to VHC and then the second half I'm going to Mount Vernon off of Rte 1. I just hope I will get something closer the second half. Good luck at finding someone to switch with you. I wish I could.

naide88 · Jul 31, 2008

LOL mama i was right behind you at orientation! You have a great accent

mama2_3 · Jul 31, 2008

Yea, I am stuck with my Slavic accent for life. :banghead:

BTW, I heard that people will still be able to switch clinicals later, when classes start. I think, it will be easier to do because we will have Blackboard.

Did you pass that math test? I didn't get any email from them. What does it mean?