Thinking about changing fields

[Momof2inMO]

hello all! i have a couple of questions...lots of life variables at the moment, so i am considering lots of angles.. i graduated rn, bsn, 2009 and have been working med/oncology since aug. 2009.

1. does anyone know of icu fellowships in the kc area or across the country that don't require you to be a new grad? (then how to get in?)

2. does anyone know of oncology fellowships that don't require you to be a new grad?

3. what is the best way to prepare for acls is your present employer does not require it? (personal goal). i'd like to get the book anyway.

thanks!

[cardiologynurse]

I would say work at KU Med Ctr. I'm assuming that you are wanting more training? They are an excellent hospital to work for and they will make sure you have the training necesssary to do your job. Almost all nursing areas will give you 12 weeks of orientation plus will provide you with all resources to be successful. Along with ACLS!!

[muesli]

I am not in your neck of the woods but I would imagine the ACLS is similar given that the AHA teaches it. Search online keywords including your city and you will probably find someone is offering an AHA ACLS course. Over here there are lots of private companies run by EMS people and others who are trained and certified to run the course and give you an official AHA certification card. Here, if it's not required for our job we have to pay for it out of pocket. When I did it they had a book associated with the 2-day course which I was able to pick up ahead of time to review. Make sure wherever you go is officially certified.

[ajt575s]

I would recommend calling Truman, KU medical center, and the VA. The VA may be a surprising one for you, since most VA hospitals don't seem to offer fellowships, but the one in Kansas City offers critical care fellowships for new grads, so I wonder if they don't for experienced nurses, too? I would just call the HR department of these hospitals to see. From what I understand, Truman has an awesome program for new grads, so it might for experienced nurses, too. I've heard of these "experienced nurse internships" before in other cities, and the application process is often similar to or parallel to new grad programs. With your background, I think you stand a good chance of transitioning into one of these programs. Good luck!

[ajt575s]

Forgot to mention--I know for sure that Cox Health in Springfield, MO does have a "experienced nurse internship" program for critical care and several other areas. It's about 3 hours south of KC. Just call the HR department if you're interested.