CrispyRN

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, TX

I'm a hopeful candidate for FNP program in Houston, TX for the fall 2009. A friend and also hopeful stated the other day that she felt that she may be "limited" selecting FNP as her master's choice. To me, FNP is totally me...I'm med/surg/oncology, hands on and like the clinical aspect. I don't know if I'll really end up doing "womb to tomb" but at least I have numerous options to persue. I feel that I can go into multiple aspects including management and teaching. Basically, I want to set up my future! The "limitations" she brought up where that: 1. You can no longer work the floor/unit when you are an FNP (I guess money is a concern) 2. The course work...I'm not sure that she will be able to pull it off. Plus there could have been some other concerns that didn't spark as true problems to me... What is your take on this? Thanks in advance!

I'm in the program now...I have a house, husband, dogs and a full time job and it's still very doable. I'm a bit of a procrastinator and still get it all done. No clinicals. You have to have your chemisty done to get in.

Well, would I work there....NO. First its an HCA hospital..for profit, which in my opinion means less care, less supplies,and less staff for the patients. I believe there is a GREAT sign on bonus over 2 years (ER I heard) but no one leaves our hospital to go there. Everyone knows better. I was there agency and didn't care for it, but it's been a while. I don't really know what to tell you, but be careful...check it out carefully before you are stuck in a contract. Thanks!

Yes, there are! Don't feel alone.

There are absolutly tons of nursing jobs in houston. If you move to the Sugarland area there is a methodist hospital there. Check out www.methodisthealth.com. If noticed in the Triump ICUs they use divita dialysis, but I'm not sure that they will hire you as a new grad. As far as rental rates and new grad rates I honestly...its been a long time that I pay or received either. Thanks

Waitress, lvn to RN!

I worked 8 hour nights many years ago and NEVER got use to it! However, I was new, young and my lifestyle didn't really match up at that time. Please be careful driving home! I ran my car off the road twice because I was always so tired! Luckily it was just into the grassy shoulder, but it could have been really bad. Good luck! I'm sure you will do fine!

I agree with several of the above posts including: the ratios are too high, med-surg IS a specialty in itself! We are also in a crunch with our nurses on med-surg. They want to get that experience and move on. I started off on surgical-pedi went to Neuro ICU and then back to medical oncology. I don't need the daily stress at work that ICU provides. My motto is "let's get them upstairs before they crash!" It is hard work and the patient's attitudes sometimes don't help at all. However, you get the one's that are super sweet and make you so glad you are in nursing. ADN's can take the cert exam-so do it and show your support of your specialty!!

I would say to follow your hospital or place of employment policies! They are there for a reason. They will include medication administration, blood administration and the works. Read over them while in orientation and don't forget about them!

I live in that area but don't work at that hospital. There are a ton of housing option and good schools around there. Try Atascocita. I love it there and it's growing fast!

I'm currently in the program (now they start 2 times a year). Currently I think there are about 20-30 in my orientation but I was very surprised there weren't more! If you can get in online is the way to go...especially at UTMB. It is NOT a difficult program and you only have to go to the school for orientation. Try to have all you pre-reqs done, especially chem, and you should have a better chance. Believe me...I didn't get in Fall 2007, missed the deadline for Spring 2008 and then got a late acceptance if I was still interested. So...anything can happen, but waiting on a response is a long process!

What is the nurse/patient ratio? Do you ever feel understaffed?

Does anyone work at MD Anderson in Houston? I applied for a per diem job thinking that it would be a good place to regain some perspective of why nursing is important to me. Anyways, what is nurse/patient ratio? Overall what do you like/dislike? Just any info would be great! Thanks a gazillion!

You don't want them bothering you do you??? Give it!! Have a restful day!! Ha Ha!!