Senior Preceptorship

[tr1shatakara]

Hello! I'm about to start my last year in BSN program, and I wanted to precept in the NICU. Ideally, I want to move back closer to home again and work at a level IV NICU in the area. My school, however, has contracts with two hospitals that I'm considering: one that's a level III (and it's only 20 minutes away from my current apartment), and one that's a level IV (except this one is 1 hr 20 minutes away). Of course the much longer drive to the level IV isn't something I'd want, but I am willing to do it if it would put me at a significant advantage to work at my dream hospital back home. What do you guys think? What would you choose? Would it really put me at an advantage?

Thank you everyone!

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

See if the NICU back home hires new grads or what their level of preferred experience is. I'd go with the experience that will lead you closest to your dream

[tr1shatakara]

Yes they do! I'll see if I can get in contact with someone that can give me some more information. Thank you for your reply! I think I'll go ahead and let my professor know that I want to precept at the level IV NICU ❤️

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

When I was in nursing school, I had two choices for a NICU Capstone/Externship. The first option was a small Level II that was local (10-15 drive) or a Level IV at a children's hospital 1.5 hrs away. I chose the Level IV because it would give me the best experience and the better chance of a new grad NICU job. Unfortunately, when graduated that hospital group had a hiring freeze. Although I didn't get a job at the NICU I had my Capstone at, I was offered a job at a Level IV in a neighboring state. 

Traveling  1.5 hours each way sucks, especially if it is back to back shifts, but the reward of having exposure to Level IV (surgical) babies was worth it. 

[tr1shatakara]

Thank you for sharing your experience!! My situation is so similar to yours ? Yeah, the commute is going to be long but I also think it will be worth it! Thank you so much for your advice!!