J.L.Harper3

Wow.. thanks!!! That is so nice of you to offer the possibility of a free lot! I'll PM you if that's going to be my final decision. We have to do a total of 64 hours. Once the nursing department tells us if we got our number one pick we'll receive a copy of the nurse's schedule we would follow so I'm not totally positive of the hours. But the possibility of paying $22 (minimum!) for an 8 hour shift and having eight 8 hour shifts.... $176!!! And that's not even taking into account the gas money to get there :/ No thanks! That pushes me a little more toward the smaller hospital.

Okay, so I have a debate regarding my preceptorship; Here's the background-- At my school, senior nursing students must do 64 hours in a hospital shadowing a nurse and working independently as well. We have several hospitals to choose from. I am debating whether to go to a small on-campus hospital or travel to Pittsburgh to UPMC Magee. The pro's of the on-campus hospital are; 1. It's convenient. A short drive means less money spent on gas. 2. Free parking. 3. Familiar environment. 4. Similar hospital to a hospital in my home-town I may very well apply to. The con's: 1. Unlikely that I would learn as much than if I went to a large hospital (Magee's) 2. No desire to work there in the future Pro's of Magee's 1. Likely that I would learn more 2. Small possibility that I may apply there in the future 3. Learn my way around that side of Pittsburgh 4. Stay with a close friend I don't get to see too often (lives in Pittsburgh) Con's: 1. Unfamiliar environment that I will probably get lost in 2. About 2 hours away 3. Parking expenses 4. Inconvenient with scheduling A bit more information; this is for an adult health II clinical rotation so I would probably choose emergency department as the unit. (There's also CCU, skilled care, telemetry, ICU). I work as a nurse's aide on a maternity unit and would absolutely love to be an RN in the same environment so acute care isn't exactly my preference. So, should I go for the better learning experience (even though I don't want to be that type of nurse) or the convenient experience and get my hours done faster?? Thanks ahead for any suggestions!!! I would appreciate anything, even similar stories and what helped you choose.. or if anyone is familiar with Oakland Ave. and UPMC Magee.. advice??

Great! Thank you for all your advice!! It's greatly appreciated :)

We use ATI at our university and because of it so many students have failed. It's a lovely addition as far as supplemental education goes but the way it is incorporated into our grade is ridiculous. It is scored by our school as a level 1,2, or 3. A level one means you get 0% of the total 10%. A level 2 is a 5%. A level 3 is 10 of 10%. Now, I have done decently well on the exams. I'll get an 83% when the national average is a 72%. However, if a level three requires an 84%, that means I will be dropped 5% of my total grade in the course. That makes a huge difference! What I don't understand is why I can't get a 8.3% of that 10%. Well, I hope it's done differently where you are because it just doesn't seem fair. One plus I can tell is that while we have had ATI, the NCLEX pass rate has increased.. but that may be because students have had to stay an extra semester or year and had the information jammed into their heads!

Okay, I assumed it would be like that. Thanks for all of the information!

That does help, thank you! You mentioned being deployed at anytime. Does this include an extended period after your contract/commitment is over? I remember reading somewhere that the military retains the right to call you back to service 8 years following your duty (it might have been in a forum on this site, actually)...?

Hello everyone, This is the first time I have posted anything and here it goes; I am a Senior nursing student in a BSN program and will graduate in May. It's a scary time realizing how many opportunities are out there (what if I choose the wrong one?!). One of the things I am considering is Air Force Nursing. I have done some research but I guess what I am looking for is a more personalized point of view. I am contemplating the decision because I am not much of a risk taker but at the same time I don't want to look back and have regrets. I am very close to my family and fear I will join and shortly after realize it's not for me but be stuck. Has anyone been in a similar situation and then made the jump and been thrilled or disappointed?? I would really appreciate any advice or personal stories. Thanks!