SSM Futures?

[Marie32]

I will be graduating from a BSN Accelerated program in August and was thinking about applying for SSM Futures. There is not a lot of information out there about it and I was wondering if anyone on here has been in it and can tell me about it? What were your experiences with it, did you enjoy it, when did you have to apply by, is it competitive to get into, how long is it for, are you paid...? Anything anyone can tell me would be great! Thanks!!!

[skinandbones]

I work at DePaul ER. I have seen several RNs now come from the FUTURES program and they seem to be well rounded and lacking the *panicked deer in the headlights* look that a lot of new grad prior to them had.

I would recommend it.

[3kids]

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but does the program start only certain times of the year, or do they start new grads throughout the year?

[skinandbones]

It starts every 3 or 4 months I think

[maymay2]

I applied for the SSM program as well. Waiting to hear about doing a interview. Would love to hear more details about the program.

[skinandbones]

As far as I know, in the beginning you have a class element that basically reviews over the systems and procedures, then you have a preceptorship for a number of weeks. (sorry I'm not terribly specific, I'm not in the program, just work with people who were/are. Also, since I'm in the ER, the orientation may be different from the floor)

[chordringer]

I am a FUTURES alumnus, so to speak. I was an LPN prior to the program and actually was licensed as an RN before I had my first day. It's a fairly well-rounded program. They will teach you the ins and outs of the EPIC Electronic Charting, give you a review of several clinical things you should have learned in school, and provide you with 24 hours of telemetry knowledge (how to read strips, etc.).

This is integrated with practical experience working on an assigned unit with a clinical coach to actually follow along with a staff nurse to handle patients. Each week is a hybrid of shiftwork on a unit and classroom work.

During the last several weeks of the program, you will work with your clinical educator and recruiter to be placed in a unit of your liking (not always your initial or #1 choice... but you CAN transfer to something else within 6 months if you don't like the end result).

I think it's a very nice way to orientate and integrate new hire nurses into the system.

Cheers,

Jason, RN

St. Mary's ICU Stepdown