NYC Nursing Student - clinical placements?!

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 26, 2009

What are your options?

purplemargie · Jul 27, 2011

I realize that this is an old post, I'm hoping you can tell me what hospital did you choose for clinicals? I am starting NYU ABSN in the fall and have tried EVERYTHING and I do mean everything to get information about what are disqualifying events for clinicals! UGHH! I got a DUI 12 years ago and I can't get a definitive answer about this! Thank you for your time!!!

I hope everything worked out for you!

Meant2BeRN712 · Jul 27, 2011

Hi purplemargie,

So I just finished the program this January and I cannot tell you how scared and nervous I was about going through clinicals each semester. I know how you feel...

I honestly don't know what the disqualifying events are for clinicals. Other than skipping clinicals with no good reason or acting inappropriately during clinicals, there isn't too much else that will get you disqualified once you start the semester.

Most hospitals do not do background checks on the students so I wouldn't worry about your history disqualifying you because there is no way the hospitals will find out. Harlem Hospital is the only hospital that did a background check and a drug test on the students. I did not get that hospital, and once I found out they did checks, I tried my best to make sure I didn't get that location for clinicals.

You should be fine. I don't know any classmate who had a background check at hospitals other than Harlem. If you do happen to get assigned to Harlem, NYU gives students a chance to switch/trade clinicals with other classmates via email. Get someone to switch with you and you'll be fine.

Don't worry too much. You'll get through it! Hope this helps. Let me know how things go for you!

purplemargie · Jul 27, 2011

Thank you so much for your response. I got Bellevue for my first clinical, I actually chose it. I understand that this is an HHC? Not even sure what that means, but I think Harlem hospital is an HHC too?

So, you said that you graduated from the program in january....can I ask..what did you think of the program? Have you taken NCLEX yet? Did you have to disclose the petty theft? I am so torn as to what to do. I have done exhaustive research about this stuff.....some blogs say if you have ANYTHING on your record that you are going to be out of luck finding a job anywhere and then others say things like they know someone who had a felony?? on the record and were still able to find work. The NY BON hasn't been much help, they say every case his handled seperately. UUGH! What did you think of the clinicals? Do you think NYU is worth the $$ Sorry so many questions.....I have a lot to think about!

Thanks for your time!

oh and congratualtions!! :)

Meant2BeRN712 · Jul 27, 2011

I had Bellevue for 3 clinicals. No background checks =) HHC is the Health and Hospitals Corporation, a network of city hospitals. The hospitals within the network are public, city hospitals, not private hospitals like NYU Med or Mt. Sinai. I loved Bellevue; had some great experiences and learned a lot working within the public hospital system.

I liked NYU's program. It was expensive but I just took student loans because I really wanted to become a RN. It's worth it because of the name "NYU." Hospitals, clinics, non-profits, etc...they all recognize the name and it helps prove you are credentialed and smart. I took NCLEX, passed, and am a Registered Nurse in New York =)

True, the BON takes each case individually and you MUST disclose everything that is on your record. Don't hide anything because if they find out, they can completely deny your application. When you apply for your license, complete the application like usual, then they require you to submit a written explanation of the event, date, reasons, what you've done to better your life, etc. I am CONFIDENT a DUI 12 years ago will not deter you from becoming an RN. I'd bet money on that!

After you pass NCLEX, the state will process your paperwork and it may delay you getting your official license # by 2-4 weeks. (My friends and I took NCLEX the same week and all passed. However, with my petty theft, my license # was issued 2 weeks after theirs was becase BON was reviewing my papers.) Doesn't matter. I still got licensed! Although waiting is anxiety-causing.

I just got my first offer for the ER and am so excited! Don't worry about jobs. You will land one. Most places don't ask about your history till after the application and interview process. If they do ask, be honest and they should honor your truthfulness. Your DUI was so long ago and I'm sure you have done a lot to improve your life since then. That's what they want to see.

I read a lot of those blogs about misdemeanors and felonies also...and all it did was WORRY ME more. Try not to read them...they might just make you feel worse than you should. Your case is probably very different so there's no use in freaking out over other people's situations, right?

Best of luck to you. If you have more Q's...feel free to email me on here. More than happy to help someone in a similar situation!

purplemargie · Jul 28, 2011

Wow! Congrats...ER! Thats awesome! Actually, I want ER more than anything, I'm an EMT in NYC so I really love the ER! So, what was the first semester like? I am a flight attendant and I'm hoping I can fly on the weekends. From what I have read....the second semester is the hardest? Is it possible to do all of my clinicals at Bellevue? I have this strange fascination with Bellevue, I actually chose it for the first clinicals. Like I said I was an EMT and for the longest time.....Bellevue kinda scared me...not really sure why, so I chose it purposefully to face those fears head on! Anything else you can tell me about NYU would be great. What were the clinicals like? Were you able to get right in and do stuff? Thank you so much for your time and answers! BTW, where is your new job located?

Congrats on everything!

Columnist · Jul 29, 2011

Moved to NY Nursing Programs Discussion forum for more responses.

Meant2BeRN712 · Jul 29, 2011

Purplemargie,

The first semester of my program was tough. The material wasn't too tough, but adjusting to the fast pace of the program and to the new city (I moved from the west coast) was challenging. The second semester is definitely the toughest. However, since my cohort, they restructured the program so the classes are more spread out and from what I've heard from current students, it is MUCH more bearable. I honestly can't tell you much about the new program since it's completely different from what I went through, but seriously, I hear it's fine. Since you have EMT experience, learning the material should be a breeze.

I don't know if I would recommend flying on the weekends as part of your current job. There are weekly quizzes, papers, etc to be done and unless you can master getting it all done during the weekdays, the weekends are essential to studying and catching up. Personally I didn't know any student that worked more than part time - and that was hard to keep up with class.

You are able to choose every clinical placement but some semesters, NYU doesn't publish the clinical list. So basically you sign up for hospitals blindly, then NYU publishes the clinical list and you find out which hospital you signed up for. Like I mentioned, each semester you are allowed to switch placements. I never tried, but it's not always a guarantee people will switch with you.

Personally, I wouldn't recommend sticking with Bellevue for every clinical placement. I had Bellevue for 3 placements and that was RARE. It's good to see other hospitals, experience different nursing environments, etc. Plus, you can think about where you want to work/don't want to work after the program.

Clinicals are different each semester. It depends on the instructor you have and what you make of your own experience. It is absolutely possible to "jump right in" if you are assertive and don't get lazy. I mean, there were mornings where all we wanted to do was hide in the patients' rooms because we had exams/studying/papers, and if you choose to sit back for one day, you can. But if you take initiative and talk to your nurse, the instructor and patients, you can get a lot out of each day. Make the most of each day! Also, at the end of each semester, make sure you talk to the nurse manager on the floor and get her email address. It will help SO MUCH when you are looking for a job. If there was one regret I have, it was not getting contact info from the nurse managers. If they like you, they can hire you after the program! Don't forget! =)

NYU was great, some instructors were right on amazing, some were lackluster. But that's what happens at every school, right? Hint: Buy all your books on amazon, chegg.com, half.com. Do Not Waste Your Money at the NYU Bookstore. Also, I had 2 classmates who bought the old editions of the books and they cost $1 or $2 per book, compared to $100+ for the new editions online or at the bookstore. There were practically NO DIFFERENCES between the old and new editions other than a graph, table or the numbering of pages were off. If you are looking to save some $$$, I would definitely recommend buying the older edition (but no older than 1 edition). Teachers will say to buy the new ones...that's BS! At the end of the year, you'll probably sell the book anyway!

Any other Q's? Oh yea, my new job is at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx.

=)

purplemargie · Jul 29, 2011

I just wanted to say a huge thank you! I really appreciate the advice! Good luck and congratulations.