DMVRN1

Couldn't agree more. It matters where you go. When I started my first job in orthopedic trauma, within a week I had the process nailed down and was doing almost everything on my own. It just came so natural to me. The major difference I found between my medic career and this one is that I have to ask permission for almost everything now. I just wish certain state boards were a little more lenient and understanding of a person's prior experience.

I found this out the hard way. I went to Excelsior and graduated in 2021. It was suspended due to the pandemic, of course. When I graduated, I was able to license into DC from New York because of the emergency order they had. By the time I expired, the order was gone and they refused to renew me. Same thing in Maryland, who also restricts several college programs including Excelsior's. I think it's ridiculous, if you ask me. To me, Excelsior's program was designed for healthcare workers. I was a Paramedic for 16 years. Most of us had clinical experience already. I'm lucky that Virginia took me with no questions asked. I think what happened with Excelsior was that lawsuit they had filed against them and then they lost one of their accreditations. The program went way downhill after that and I think enrollment plummeted.

Hi, all. I just got hired at VHC Health in Arlington, VA for their Cardiac IMCU. It's a rotating schedule, though, something I've never done before in my life (I didn't have a choice here LOL). I know it flip-flops between days and nights. Do any of you have advice on how to handle the changes? My girlfriend works late afternoons-evenings 5 days a week. Appreciate you all and can't wait to start my new journey.

I'm being completely honest here and not trying to turn you away. But DO NOT live in DC. Wayyyyy too unsafe, the crime has skyrocketed. Also, stay away from Prince George's County. It's one of the most dangerous counties outside of Baltimore. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of affordable rent around the area (I live in North Bethesda, Montgomery County). You're looking at easily at least $2000/month for a one-bedroom, even some studios are also that expensive. Gaithersburg and Germantown have become a problem crime-wise. Silver Spring has also gone downhill rather quickly. You could look at Bethesda, which is historically a very safe city with metro train access but again, the cost of living can be nuts (MedStar is on the green train line, which covers Prince George's). The problem around here is that the riffraff troublemakers from DC have been pushed out into the suburbs of Montgomery and Prince George's due to the cost of living. The bordering towns of DC have become over-populated, and the local county police department is understaffed and overworked. If I were you, I would look into Northern Virginia and I know you said MedStar Washington, but look into Virginia Hospital Center, they pay a lot more. Although it's expensive, Arlington is a very safe city and consistently ranked as one of the best in the country. Good luck ?

I'm thinking of eventually doing the CMSRN certification exam. Is it worth it and if so, what is the best study guide for it?