scanders77

It could be. I’ve never heard of it either. I’ve hunted around online thinking maybe it was a role specific to the VA, but except for the initial job posting, I can’t find it anywhere. There is now a Clinical Nurse Expert for Psychiatric Clinics posted for the Buffalo VA, but the job description is fairly different from the position I was offered.

Does anyone have any knowledge of or experience with the Clinical Nurse Expert position? I was recently offered this position on a med surg floor within my area VA hospital, and apart from the job description and my short interview I have very limited information on the role. This would be my first job with the VA- I'm an outsider. It sounds like an excellent opportunity bridging nursing education department/admin and floor nursing- acting in a supportive educational role for a specific nursing unit. I find it strange though that I can't find any more information about this specific role online. Is it a newer position? Infrequently staffed? If anyone with VA hospital experience can tell me more from an insider's perspective, I would really appreciate it! From the little I know, it's seems like a dream gig. If I jump ship from the private sector RN job I currently have, I'm looking at a $12,000-15,000 annual pay cut. Worth it??

Hello! I am in the current program- we finished our third semester today- whoot! It goes amazingly fast. I'll answer your questions as best as I can: 1. We began May 12, 2014. There is always a week's overlap with the graduating class, which is kinda cool (unless you're a professor teaching in both programs, but hey- wasn't OUR decision! 2. There is not too much information after the acceptance letter until you go to Orientation in April. It will drive you crazy. Once at orientation, much is explained. 3. We started off with about 56 and ended the summer with 51, I believe. This fall we joined in with the traditionals, adding about 70+ to our group. It's a LOT of people, which means LOTS of group work fall and spring, with sometimes unmanageably large groups (we're trying to "encourage" the faculty to fix that for you guys!). Try to pick your own- by then you'll know who you can work with. Thankfully, no group work in the summer. They do a nice job of streamlining the information then. You will get to know the other ABSers fast- I have made some terrific friends. They are a great support! 4. During the summer, don't work unless you absolutely have to. Some did, but not many, and only a little bit. Per diem is the best option if you can swing it. Although technically there is more time for a job in the fall (class time more spread out), you will have a LOT more work assignment-wise. I don't have to work, thankfully (thanks, husband!). I had thought about getting a PT job for fun this fall, but it just wasn't worth it. Chose to spend my little free time with my family instead. You do get 6 weeks off over December/January (which you will need!), though, so that may be the time to do it! 5. I purchased my books, but did it online at the cheapest costs. Don't get the optionals, but you will want the required texts. Reading, especially in the primary nursing content courses, really does = better grades. 6. Overall, I love the program. You get your BSN in one year, and I really can say that even with a full semester left, I feel like a nurse, I've learned a ton, and I'm ready to get out there. You will feel like your clinical experiences, especially at first, are too short. They are, in the summer especially. But fall will bring a more in depth experience (2 5-week placements), and spring you will have a 10 week critical care placement, plus your capstone at the end (3 weeks of basically FT clinical that many students try to use as a stepping stone to that first job). I have NO REGRETS at all about my decision to attend UB. It's been great. 7. Early assurance applications to the DNP programs are due February 5, I believe. I will be applying. 8. During the summer, you will have class basically 8am-5pm every day, and on clinical days typically 7am-3pm although weekends and later schedules are sometimes assigned. There is NO break between session I and II during the summer, and just a week between summer and fall. You will be doing work at night and on the weekends. But you get through the sessions quickly, so you see the payout from your efforts, which is nice. This semester I had classes M 9-11am and 2-4:30pm, T 12-3pm, W/TH clinicals 7am-3pm, and Fridays class 9-11am and 12-2pm. Much more a typical college schedule. You will fill your free time during the day with group project meetings (blech!!). My schedule next semester is similar, only classes will go til 6pm on Mondays in exchange for nothing on Fridays. I can handle that. Spring is supposed to be the hardest, as they cram all the material into the first 12 weeks so that classes are totally over when you begin your 3 week capstone experiences. Then 4 days of ATI review/NCLEX prep, and graduation! I hope that helped answer some of your questions. Feel free to ask more, or for clarifications if I was confusing. I remember feeling like I had NO information last year at this time, and it made me a little crazy. Overall, if you are accepted, do it! It really is a great program, and at UB prices instead of private schools. Good luck, everyone!

Hello everyone! I didn't think to look on allnurses until today to find a thread about NurseCorps. Glad I did, as it's always better to have company when you're going crazy waiting for something! Lol. I am in an accelerated BSN (started in May- it's been a crazy summer!) program. No emails (yet??) and my status is under review. I DID check my credit report (thanks for the credit karma tip- it's awesome!) and my credit was pulled July 31st. So, from what I can gather, I still have a chance?? I'm in western NY. Good luck to everyone still waiting!

Alicia- thanks for the info- that is great!

Hi Alicia! No- my husband was a career-changer. He was a wood-worker for years and after being laid off a few times, got an Anthropology degree and, while doing that, decided to be a nurse. He finished and at that point decided to get the ADN. It was a round about path, but worked for him. I do think we'll have an advantage w the 4 year degree. Kaleida rarely hires ADN RNs because they are trying for magnet status, so that's a plus. My husband liked his program and was pushing me towards it a little, but I plan to be an NP too, so the ABSN seemed like a no-brainer (I am still so psyched I got in!!). I'm hoping it gives me an edge into UB's DNP program- we'll see. :-/ Does anyone know if we get more detailed information before April?? I have so many questions, but I don't want to bug the nursing office staff- haha!

I have very little healthcare experience. LOTS of people experience, just not health-related. It couldn't hurt to volunteer ahead of time.

Hello! I'm in too! TeraTW- thanks for starting the new thread! My husband is a new nurse- graduated from an ADN program in May. It took him longer than we expected to find a job (we are also in the Buffalo area), but he was sort of picky. Only wanted to work at ECMC. It took him four months, but he is very happy now. He also has the 2 year degree, so hopefully it will be a little easier for us. I'd be interested to know what the current student you met has to say. Does anyone know when we will get more detailed information, like schedules, financial aid, etc.? Congratulations everyone!

The estimated price for the 12 month program at UB, with books and materials, fees, etc. factored in was about $18,000 I believe. There was an info sheet with the figures at one of the information sessions- I can't remember exact numbers, but $18,000 is ballpark.

Hi nycnursetobe2014- I am 36 and have pretty much lived in Buffalo my whole life, except for about 4 years out of state for my BA. I am a huge Buffalo fan, and honestly think there is a wealth of things to do, good food, culture, night life, etc. I think you'll be surprised- Buffalo gets a bad rep but it's a great little city. I live in the Elmwood Village neighborhood and my husband and I bike and walk all over. It's my favorite neighborhood in Buffalo and one of the cultural centers. Rent is pretty cheap too! You can get a 3 bedroom flat in the area for $600-900 easily. You'll find stuff to do- I promise!

We should plan a get together for those in the buffalo area- I'd love to meet everyone!

Ooh- that's a really tough decision! U of Rochester is a great school! Enjoy having two great options- you can't go wrong! Let us know what you decide.

Congratulations etnursing!!!

CHECK YOUR EMAILS!! I got in! I think I'm going to cry! Good luck!!!

Well, it's snowing in Buffalo, too, so if you say that's a good sign, let's go with it!! Good luck, everyone! Not too much longer now!!