jopadeevra

Hi all, I am a nursing student about to enter my last semester :) !!! I feel a calling to work in peds, and I think specifically PICU. I'm looking for advice in which direction I should go initially after gradutaion to give me the best knowledge base to carry me into the PICU. I currently work in the Emergency Room Admitting Department at my local children's hospital. Sometimes I think that (ER) would be a good place to start , but other times I don't because of so many run of the mill (sore throats, minor lacs, ect.) cases. Maybe peds med/surg? Any input would be appreciated. Also, any words of wisdom from PICU nurses regarding not becoming too emotionally involved in cases is greatly appreciated. Does it get 'easier' over time? I am not an overly emotional person in the first place, but we recently had a patient at our hospital that was heart-breaking. I know the best gift a nurse can give is compassionate care, but how does it not chip away at your soul? Sorry so solemn, but thanks! Paula

HI, I am a 3rd semester student and IH, and am loving it. Some clinical instructors are better than others, but even the 'others' are not what I would consider bad. 1st and 2nd semester clinicals are days, you can request day or eves in 3rd sem, and I'm not sure about 4th semester. I was enrolled at STPC but got my acceptance letter form IH before I got started (thankfully!!) My advice is to apply to IH. I have not regret it for one second. Good luck!!!

I totally agree with the post 2 ahead of me, the ER story. I did it just last night. Luckily for me (but to the groans of my family) we have TiVo so I could pause and rewind to double check the BUN and Creatine values!!!!!!

This is the first year that they eliminated a waiting list that carries on beyond one year. The selection process used to just be a lottery system, but they have now made it more competitive. There were 400 qualified applicants for 90 spots this year. I originally was on the wait list at #17 for spring. I don't know how far down the list they got to. Hi Tam, Yep, Inver and Century is a joint program, they share teachers and clinical sites. The scrub tops have an Inver/Centruy logo on them. Do you start in spring? Paula

HI, I'm starting the RN program in January '05 and was wondering if there's anyone else out there attending/going to attend Inver.