megameg

I have 4 weeks left of UNLV's BSN program, and chose home hospital Desert Springs last year when this all started. It has been fabulous! Having a home hospital allowed the nurses and staff to be more familiar with us and to build on older skills quickly; they didn't have to test out our skill level each semester before being comfortable with us and their patients- they already knew us. It saved time because we didn't ahve to go through facility orientation each semester, and had a great group that we learned to rely on and get us through the hell that is nursing school. The clinical rotations are so short, I didn't really feel there was time for all that if you rotate each semester. You also have a better chance of being hired there than a student who only rotated through one semester, if that is one of your goals. There are advantages to either choice though. They didn't have a peds, OB, neuro or trauma department. It could also be a disadvantage if you are in a group with people you don't get along with. As for which type of patients are better, your patients are mostly selected by your instructor according to the acuity of your level and current classes. I had an excellent experience at Desert Springs the past year and a half and highly recommend them if that is still one of your choices.

Vegasmomma, I am in my final 4 weeks of UNLV's BSN program! I can't compare to other schools, UNLV has been intense- but obviously not impossible. You're doing the right thing by NOT working, especially since you have a family like I do. It WILL take all of your time, you WON'T see your family for at least the first 6 months, but you will also pass the NCLEX and be trained as an awesome nurse! UNLV has earned their tough reputation and the BEST NCLEX pass rate in town. You can do it!