SN2012

I'll tell you what I do - however lengthy the chapter in front of me is, I try to get myself excited for it (even if I'm not really excited about reading it). It's silly, but I basically have to say out loud "Endocrine system is so interesting! I've always wanted to learn more about it! Now is my chance" Don't forget to smile while doing it, or it won't work lol. Just trust me. Then, as I'm reading, I try to either think of a friend of a friend who has this disorder, of picture myself having it someday, or make up a patient in my mind who has it. This adds a little "personality" to the words on the paper. Get excited about the material! As far as staying awake - I would suggest taking frequent breaks. So, read for 15 minutes - really focus - then take a 5 minute break by walking around, getting up and having a glass of cold water, washing your face, whatever works. Eventually, increase the reading increments to 45 minutes and take 15 minute breaks in between. The key here is to get up, stretch, get your blood flowing. I wouldn't eat too much if I were you, b/c that will just weigh you down and make you more sleepy. A cold drink on the other hand is a great idea.

Thank you everyone for your advice. I am leaning toward Job 1. Although I was looking forward to working in an ICU this summer, I'm more interested in securing a job upon graduation in the hospital of my dreams and working my way up to the ICU if I have to : )

I got accepted to both of them, and I'm trying to decide which one I should turn down.

That's great advice! I forgot about my senior preceptorship.

Thanks for your reply! I'm not as worried about the drive, it's the Medical step-down vs ICU that I'm deliberating between in regards to the two hospitals and my desire to work in each one.

I have been accepted to a few internship programs for this summer, two of which I'm torn between. Both have positives and negatives, but my main dilemma is - One hospital is the hospital I want to work at in the future. Another hospital offers the ICU Rotation, and ICU is where I want to work at in the future ( but not at that hospital). Which one should I go with? The dilemma: Internship 1: PAID In an amazing "competitive" hospital, where I would like to work at in the future Location: 1 hour away, but in the area I will be moving to when I graduate 3 12-hour Night shifts (full-time) based on preceptor's schedule on a Medical stepdown unit (not ideal) Internship 2: UNPAID In a good hospital, but one I will be moving away from after graduation About 30 minutes from me now, but I will be moving further away upon graduation 2 12-hr day shifts with a semi-flexible schedule (and opportunity for more unpaid hours if desired) Rotates through SICU and MICU (Love!) When it comes to internships what matters more - the unit you want to work on in the future or the hospital you want to work at?