Setting up clinicals-any experience??

[curliegirl80RN]

I am a 3rd semester online ADN student and only have one more semester to go! Unfortunately, my husband is in the military and we are moving out of state this summer. Can anyone tell me how much luck they have had setting up clinicals in a hospital? Is it just a matter of paperwork, or does the school have to be in the same state as the hospital? Who would I contact at a hospital to ask? We are moving to San Antonio, and I would especially like to get in to one of the military hospitals or the VA.

I really have no idea how to do this, and my school isn't the most helpful. They are suggesting that I just stay where I'm at last semester, but I really don't want to seperate my family for four months if I don't have to. Thanks!

[chaxanmom]

No idea but as a fellow military wife I'd say stick it out and finish. Four months is nothing. That's a medium size deployment, yk? It will be over and done before you know it and with FAR less headaches than if you went with him and had to transfer all of that.

[yellow finch, BSN, RN]

I am a 3rd semester online ADN student and only have one more semester to go! Unfortunately, my husband is in the military and we are moving out of state this summer. Can anyone tell me how much luck they have had setting up clinicals in a hospital? Is it just a matter of paperwork, or does the school have to be in the same state as the hospital? Who would I contact at a hospital to ask? We are moving to San Antonio, and I would especially like to get in to one of the military hospitals or the VA.

I really have no idea how to do this, and my school isn't the most helpful. They are suggesting that I just stay where I'm at last semester, but I really don't want to seperate my family for four months if I don't have to. Thanks!

While I'm in a different program than you, the process of finding a preceptor and arranging hours is similar.

I believe that most schools will accept clinicals out-of-state as long as a contract is arranged between school and site. Ask your school if this is ok with them. If it's not, then you will have to remain in the area to complete the clinical hours of your program.

The best person to contact regarding clinicals out-of-state would be to start with human resources and explaining your situation. Since you're interested in a military hospital and your husband is military you might have an easier time arranging this. They will most likely set up your preceptor. If they don't, then hit the streets... find out where the med-surg floors are and call or email the manager of those departments asking if there is a nurse willing to precept a student. Many managers encourage precepting because it helps with nursing "levels" which most hospitals pay extra for. You'll learn about it one day.

Best of luck to you. If you have any additional questions I'll be happy to answer them. Pm me or post here.