NTP in Scottsdale, AZ

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Specializes in OR, Clinic, Med-Surg.

Hey All,

I will be attending COT starting on 08/23/2010 and then graduating on 09/24/2010. After, I will be heading directly to NTP in Scottsdale, AZ. I had a few questions.

Is it true that NTP at this location is not completed in a military hospital but rather at a couple different civilian hospitals?

I was told that I will work with a preceptor in different clinical areas. What areas are included in this?

Where do they house you for NTP and how far away is it from where I'll work?

What items or clothing should I bring with me and what items should I be prepared to purchase? Will I have to buy scrubs or specific shoes?

Anyone else out there going to this location at the same time?

Any other comments on this location or about your experiences at NTP itself are welcomed and greatly appreciated! Thank you!

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Specializes in pediatrics.

How exciting! I was there late Sept - Dec 09. You'll gain so much confidence while you're there! I had awesome preceptors!

Yep, it's all civilian hospitals- Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn campus and Shea campus, plus their outpatient surgery center (which I can't remember the name).

We mostly were assigned in general med/surg floors, oncology, ortho/neuro. You'll have dedicated preceptors in those areas. And if there's time/space available, you could spend time in a specialty area, like peds or L&D.

Um, unless they changed things since I've been there, we stayed at a Courtyard Marriott, which is walking distance to Osborn. You'll want to carpool, or just drive yourself up to Shea- about a 20 min commute. Oh, and you're a good 20-30 mins away from Luke AFB.

You get to use the hospital's scrubs from the scrub machine! It was the first time I ever saw one, and just FYI... double check the inseam on your scrubs... I used athletic shoes for clinical. As far as items/clothing, we had to pin on our rank/name plate to scrubs that we wore. Bring your stethoscope, and whatever you want to have during clinicals. I found it nice to have the basics (bandage scissors, penlight, carpuject, hemostat clamp), just in case.

You will have a WONDERFUL time there! I learned SO much! And it made me feel so much more comfortable going to my assigned unit.

Oh, and I was contacted in August by the NTP coordinators... that was BEFORE I even went to COT! Those Majors that run NTP were wonderful resources/educators, and I'm sure they'll take great care of you and address all your questions. If you're really worried, I could give you their email. :)

But otherwise, you'll have a GREAT time! :) Be ready for a couple papers, journals, and one larger paper/brief.

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Specializes in pediatrics.

I just looked at your profile! Elmendorf? I'm so jealous! :p

And, I think one of the Scottsdale NTP coordinators was stationed up there, if you have questions about that!

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Hey Spooky! I'm actually doing NTP at Scottsdale right now. Annabeap is right on with all the information...except we are the last class that will be staying at the Marriott. I don't know where the class after us will be housed at, but I know that definitely not at the Marriott as it was announced to us and the to hotel staff that our class is the last to stay here.

If you have any other questions, just jot it down here and I'll answer them the best I can.

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Specializes in OR, Clinic, Med-Surg.

Thanks annabeap & mt_nurse!! :D

Did/Do you have a car while you were there? I will not.

Was it difficult for those without vehicles to access transportation?

What kind of hours did you work? 12s? how many shifts per wk?

Papers? Journals? Really??? What were they about?? How much of it is classroom vs clinical?

I have an aunt that lives in Chandler AZ (20-45min away) and a friend that lives in Mesa. What is the likelihood that I'll be able to visit them?

I'm graduating COT on a Friday. How many days will I have to travel? Is there someone there to pick you up at the airport? Will I start work the very next Monday? (I have heard that you do. Is this true?)

Wow! Sorry to plague you guys with so many questions! Thanks for all your help!

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Specializes in OR, Clinic, Med-Surg.
I just looked at your profile! Elmendorf? I'm so jealous! :p

And, I think one of the Scottsdale NTP coordinators was stationed up there, if you have questions about that!

I'm actually a bit nervous/excited about it. I'll be soooo far away from home. lol It will definitely be an adventure though. ;)

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Specializes in Med/Surg, APU/PACU, Peds, Flight.

question about ntp in general.

for those staying in a hotel, is there some sort of money or reimbursement for food? how does all of that work living in a hotel for meals and such?

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

did/do you have a car while you were there? i will not.

having a car is a big plus. i think they're making it mandatory for the next cohort that you have one.

was it difficult for those without vehicles to access transportation?

you will need to carpool with your peers. there are times when you might not be able to carpool and that will be a problem. for instance...if you are going off on your own for an impact day like going off to the burn center.

what kind of hours did you work? 12s? how many shifts per wk?

12 hour shifts... days... shifts depends on your preceptor's schedule... not more than three 12s because that's a usual schedule for a scottsdale hospital rn

papers? journals? really??? what were they about?? how much of it is classroom vs clinical?

it will be 85% clinicals. papers aren't huge. it's short and sweet. don't worry about that too much. there is also a group presentation. journals is informal and just once a week.

i have an aunt that lives in chandler az (20-45min away) and a friend that lives in mesa. what is the likelihood that i'll be able to visit them?

you'll definitely be able to visit them on your off days. they can also come visit you where you are staying.

i'm graduating cot on a friday. how many days will i have to travel? is there someone there to pick you up at the airport? will i start work the very next monday? (i have heard that you do. is this true?)

that number of days is in the back of your order. it varies. my suggestion is to come here the day that they the ntp supervisors tell you to report. try not to come any earlier. the people who came early straight from cot did nothing for a good five days waiting for the actual reporting day.:redbeathe

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

luvbug...

the hotel will be paid for by the government. it will eventually be charged to your government travel card...for which you will get an accrual voucher. (this will all make sense when you get here.) you will get partial per diem of about $40/day for food (which is a lot!). i personally only spend about $15/day on food, so i'm saving a lot. that partial per diem will be given to you in the accrual voucher total (which you also use to pay your government travel card).

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Specializes in OR, Clinic, Med-Surg.
did/do you have a car while you were there? i will not.

having a car is a big plus. i think they're making it mandatory for the next cohort that you have one.

what do you mean by "next cohort?"

i'm graduating cot on a friday. how many days will i have to travel? is there someone there to pick you up at the airport? will i start work the very next monday? (i have heard that you do. is this true?)

that number of days is in the back of your order. it varies. my suggestion is to come here the day that they the ntp supervisors tell you to report. try not to come any earlier. the people who came early straight from cot did nothing for a good five days waiting for the actual reporting day.:redbeathe

hmm well if home was in ohio.. where would you go for the extra days?

make a pit stop in new orleans?? lol

thanks mt_nurse!

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Specializes in OR, Clinic, Med-Surg.
luvbug...

the hotel will be paid for by the government. it will eventually be charged to your government travel card...for which you will get an accrual voucher. (this will all make sense when you get here.) you will get partial per diem of about $40/day for food (which is a lot!). i personally only spend about $15/day on food, so i'm saving a lot. that partial per diem will be given to you in the accrual voucher total (which you also use to pay your government travel card).

Hooray for That!!! :yeah:

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Hi SpookyCat,

I'm attending the same COT and NTP as you. :) Here is a website about NTP at Scottsdale that I found helpful. http://www.shc.org/shcwww/Medical+Services/Trauma+Center/Military+Training/USAF+Nurse+Transition+Program/Getting+Ready+for+the+NTP

I'll see you next month at Maxwell and take care!

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