Strategy for selecting clinical sites

[INN_777, BSN, RN]

Hi all:

Wanted to pick your brains on clinical site selection. My ABSN program (which I start in a couple months) released clinical sites for first semester and this is where I realized that I have no idea what the strategy should be for picking one.

1. Should I shoot for the more prestigeous location (not in my area) in hopes that I will learn more?

2. Should I go for my local hospitals since this is where I am going to seek employment?

3. Should I stick with my hospital of choice for as many rotations as I can or should I diversify to get experience in various settings and more exposure?

What is best both for learning and future employment?

Any thoughts appreciated!

[krisiepoo]

Personally, I liked going to different hospitals because you could see how different systems worked. How one hospital does things may not work in another hospital. If I had had the opportunity to choose, I would have chosen the inner city hospital because my friends got to see SO MUCH more than I did because of the different clientele. A presitgeous location does not automatically mean you will learn more.

In my area, you won't get a job from your clinical time so I can't say anything to that but I if your hospitals generally hire from the clinical pool, then I'd go to where you think you'd want to work (realizing you might change your mind)

[elkpark]

I vote for as much diversity (as many different sites over the course of the program) as possible.

[4boysmama]

you actually get to PICK where you go?! I'm jealous! We just get assigned each rotation.

Anyway, I'd go with as much diversity as you can, and not focus in on where to *think* you might want to work because there's a good chance that will change anyway once you're in the rotations and actually seeing firsthand how a particular place runs and what area of nursing you most enjoy.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

prestige really does not mean much to a novice nurse. You need to learn the basics and that can be done anywhere. Also, you are not making a lifetime commitment so maybe you can change with a classmate later on if needed. I also favor diversity

[INN_777, BSN, RN]

Thanks everyone, very helpful. So far sounds like diverse experience is the way to go.

[mrsboots87]

I also vote for diversity. Both for the learning the difference, but also to cast a wider net. To get a job, you need to network. By going to more facilities, you are meeting new medical professionals, and they are seeing your work first hand. This may help you with later employments. If you put all your eggs in one basket and something happens that either you don't like the facility or the employees, or they don't like you, then you will be limiting yourself later. Good luck. Im jealous you get to pick. We just get assigned.