chickel

Toobemall: Thanks so much for your input. To clarify, the university requires two years commitment for all new graduates; there is no associated signing bonus, just their extra commitment to training. So, I would definitely have to remain in the PACU for the 2 year period. The 'county' hospital is actually a very large facility that gets most Level I traumas from a major metropolitan city and the patients at that facility are very sick. With respect to resources I was referring to the fact that equipment tends to be dated, etc. because about 60% of their client base is uninsured. Given your response and my own thoughts I'm leaning toward the county facility since as you point out, it would take me three years to get one year in the ICU at the university facility while I would probably get 2+ years in the ICU in that same three year period at the county facility. The university hospital does not have a CRNA program, so there would be no advantage to being in that setting from that prospective. Thanks again for your help! I need all the help I can get with this decision.

Help!! I am getting ready to start my career in nursing and have two basic options for new grad positions with the intent being to get to the ICU for my experience and then apply to a CRNA program. I need some advise on the best option. 1) Take a 2-year postion in the PACU at a major university teaching hospital and then transfer to the ICU after fulfilling my 2-year commitment in the PACU, then apply for CRNA school. This university offers new grad ICU postions but they are all taken for the year. This position offers a 6-month preceptorship and a 1-year training program with ACLS, PALS certification and the critical care class. 2) Take a position for 6 months to 1 year on a med-surg floor in a Level I Trauma center where I have been working for a year as a nurse intern then transfer to SICU or MICU as soon as possible. This facility will also train ACLS and PALS as well as critical care class upon transfer to the ICU, but preceptorship is only 3 months and less structured than in the university teaching hospital setting. Also, being a county hospital there are fewer resouces at this hospital in general. Any words of wisdom as to the best/fastest route to CRNA school, which is my ultimate goal? Also, I'm in my late 30's now, so time is somewhat a factor as I'd like to finish school before retirement!

Cheerfuldoer & Zambezi, Thanks also for your comments :) Zambezi, I will definitely look up the past threads on the subject just to see the different prospectives, but what you guys are saying makes complete sense to me. Thanks again!

elkpark, Your reply makes a lot of sense. I would agree that lawyers representing the hospital would not have your interests at heart. I also was unaware that malpractice insurance for nurses was that inexpensive. This is great information for me and I appreicate your time in responding so thoroughly to my question. chickel

Again I am seeking the assistance of anyone who would be willing to share their experiences and opinions on nursing ethics questions. This time, the subject is malpractice insurance. I'm wondering how many of you carry your own malpractice insurance. If you do carry it, why did you decide to do so? If not, why not? What is your view on malpractice insurance? Any help on this issue would be very much appreciated!!

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to let me know your thoughts on this ethics question. All of you had interesting things to say and some different perspectives on the subject. Thanks again for your time and effort!!

I am currently a nursing student at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. I have been asked to find out from currently practicing nurses what their opinion is on the following: 1.What is your understanding about off duty liability? Would you stop at the scene of an accident? Have you had such an experience, and, if so what was the outcome? 2.If a neighbor asks you for free advice, how do you respond? I know that you are busy, and thank you in advance for any input you would have on the above two questions.