Lindap126

My name is Linda. I am currently in the Master's Program in Nursing at University of Massachusetts Boston with a concentration in Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner. I graduated from Simmons College in May of 2009 with my BSN. I have worked at UMass Memorial Medial Center in Worcester, MA and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA on medical/surgical units. I am currently working as a Medical Review RN for a Medicare contractor. As a result of my diverse work experience, I feel as if I am well equipped to take on new and challenging opportunities. I am currently seeking a preceptor for my first practicum as a NP student this upcoming spring semester. I will be starting the spring semester on January 26, 2015. The course is Advanced Health Promotion and I have to complete a total of 150 hours. These hours can be completed with a NP, PA, or physician. I am seeking a preceptor who has worked with students before and enjoys teaching. I am hardworking and very motivated to learn. The focus of the practicum for Advanced Health Promotion is health history taking and physical examinations. This can be in a preop setting, occupational health, or a primary care setting. Please contact me if you are willing to be a preceptor or know someone who is or if you just have advice on finding a practicum placement. Thank you!

Hi, I do believe there is some assistance. However, I was told that I am better off finding placement myself. I was also told by prior students that I am better off finding my own. I am currently in the Adult/Gero program at UMass Boston and my first practicum will be in the spring semester. So, I am asking around now. Anyway, something to keep in mind.

I went to Simmons College as an undergraduate and I must say it's a great college! However, the amount of debt I accumulated, I always question whether it was worth it. Now I am in graduate school and I purposly avoided Simmons solely because of cost. I am in the AGNP program at UMass Boston, which was just smarter for me financially. The professors have been good so far and I believe at UMass Boston everyone gets a pretty good education and as I said before, you can't beat the price. So, it's really up to you and your financial situation. You'll get a good education regardless. One thing I can say though is that I believe Simmons helps find clinical placements for practicum (don't quote me on that). However, I have been told by UMass students and staff that I will have to find my own placement so I'm going crazy searching for one now.

Hi Cindy-20, I am just noticing this post! I hope your application process is going well. So I am now in my 2nd semester as a part time student. It's been challenging working full time and going to school. It is nice that the courses are in the evening starting. I had a course at 4pm last semester and one at 7pm this semester. My other classes so far have been online, so it is nice to not have to physically go to class for all of the courses. I find the online courses just as challenging as the in-class courses. I have had good experiences with some professors, but have also had 2 professors so far where it was their first time teaching the course and that has been a bit frustrating. All in all, things have been going well. Just be prepared to commit a good chunk of time to your course work. There is lots of reading, discussion posts, papers, presentations, and group projects. The professors, in general, have great experience and most are practicing NPs or in nursing research. Definitely a good choice financially for the good level of education offered there!

Hi everyone! After years of applying to the VA, I got called for an interview this upcoming Thursday. I have been a nurse for a little over 4 years. This is for a med/surg telemetry floor. Any interview tips? I cannot find information about the unit I will be working on, is that a problem? Should I be prepared to answer NCLEX type scenario questions in addition to the basics? I want too be prepared. I know I will be interviewing with more than one person. I have read some of the comments already and have already gotten some tips, but more would be appreciated. Thank you!

Hello, wondering how you felt about the program at UMass Boston. Please share your experience. I am going to be starting in the MS program this Fall 2013 in the Adult/Gero NP program. I'm nervous about it for sure.

I just finished nursing school and throughout all of my clinicals I have always been taught to wipe with an alcohol swab before giving subcutaneous injections. What you're saying makes sense, but I've always been taught to wipe. Definitely could be a cultural thing since I am in the US.

OMG I know!! It really is all about networking and it drives me crazy to know I am applying to a position that probably already has an owner. The nurse managers/hiring managers know someone they want to give the job to, but to keep it legal they post it. We get our hopes up and apply and for what? No reason. You're definitely right about working as a tech as well. I worked as a tech as a summer job when I was out of state, and figured the beginning of my senior year I'd just get a job when I went back home as a tech. I came back to Boston and applied, but no one would hire me. Of course not, because like you said - I was going to be graduating soon! Ughhh!! But, I still underestimated how almost impossible it was going to be to find a job. I honestly thought I'd have a job upon graduation, like those who graduated the year before me did. But, nope!! I was in for a surprise!! It just sucks and I'm tired of hearing "things will turn around soon"....well, how soon??? LoL and the co-op vent is completely fine!

I completely agree!!!! I had to check the username to make sure that this wasn't me! I feel the same way! I am getting so frustrated :banghead:with this job search. I spent 4 years in college and for what?! I never thought while I was in nursing school that I would graduate and be jobless! This is ridiculous. I've filled out over 30 applications as well, and for what?? I feel like they are all getting lost in cyberspace:typing & NO ONE is looking at mine nor are they looking at my resume or CV that I spent so much time working on!!! I mean, if I read one more description today that says "Required: 1 - 2 yrs experience" I'm just going to scream~~!!! How am I supposed to get experience if no one will hire me??? I just don't understand~!! Thanks for posting this! You've made my day!! Everyone needs to vent!

To not listen to prejudgments made by the nurse handing off a patient to you. It won't help you at all walking into a patient's room and already disliking them. They may not have gotten along with the nurse before you, but you may be the one who connects with the patient. So, go in and start off fresh new.