Question about how clinicals work

This will vary by school, I know there are a few "alterative" type programs out there that have night classes and clinical days on weekends for those who need a non-traditional schedule. But I believe even those will require early mornings. The latest clinic start I had was for my psych rotation, which started at 8, and that was just a small segment of my clinicals. Most start somewhere between 0600-0700. And could go as long as 13 hours. I don't think you can get around early morning clinical days...

Does anyone else have some experience they can share with me? I've been reading through threads over various years, and it seems there are some folks (probably long gone from these forums) that spoke of their programs having preference sheets each semester to help somewhat with flexibility. I forgot to add in my long first post that there is also the matter of my partner and toddlers. Does anyone know of some of these BSN programs (2nd degree seekers) whether full or part time that at least can schedule you in the afternoons if not the evenings?

Thanks all.

I went to a school that had clinical on all three shifts for the hospital based rotations, because you worked with one nurse and followed his/her schedule like a preceptorship. I was also able to do my final practicum on nightshift, which was awesome.

For psych, geriatrics, and community health it was all day shift/early morning clinicals.

Fwiw, I went to a 4 year university that was closely affiliated with the local teaching hospital/trauma center. The nurses from the hospital who precepted volunteered and were compensated both by the hospital and the university, which is unusual from what I gather. Your experience may vary based on the type of program you attend. Good luck!

Good day:

You are asking a good question, but the question source needs to be asked. Each school is different. At our school, it varies by semester in terms of the # of clinical days. Early one, we had to state would be free for two days, then the school would pick one of them for clinicals. In the 3rd and 4th semesters, we had to give them four days for which they picked two days; and there are times we don't know our clinical schedule until the week of classes. So I recommend asking the school you are applying.