Where should I start?

[billythekid]

Hi. I'll be a new grad next month (November), and was wondering what advise you would have for a new grad nurse. I've never worked in a hospital before, but have 8 yrs experience as a nyc paramedic. I was thinking of applying to an ICU program, ER, pediatrics.. I'm not sure where to start. I'm familiar with ACLS (instructor) so I was leaning toward ICU because at least I'm somewhat familiar with the core information. I've heard North Shore has a great ICU orientation... thanks everyone for your input!

[elizabells, BSN, RN]

MSCHONY (@ NYP Columbia) has a year long internship program for new grads. You do 3 months each on 2 different floors, then 6 months on either PICU, PCICU, or heme-onc, depending on which you were hired for. So if you wanted to work in the PICU, you might do 3 months in the NICU and 3 in the ER. You'd then have a 6-month orientation in the PICU. Your time on other floors is treated as if you were really orienting to that unit. There is extensive classroom time as well; I believe some of it is at Columbia's med school. I'd have done it if they had one for the NICU. It's possible they have it on the adult side as well, I just don't know.

[billythekid]

Thanks elizabells. sounds like a comprehensive and structured program, which is what I'm hoping to find. From your experience, what schedules are available for new grads... classroom time during the day?... is it possible to work days, or are nights a given for new grads? Also, what are benefits.. start salary? vacation? overtime available? Thanks so much :)

[elizabells, BSN, RN]

I didn't do the internship, but from what I understand you could be oriented on either days or nights. My unit's policy is that all new nurses orient on days, but I did hear of someone doing nights in the ER on her internship. You will then almost certainly go to night shift once you're on your own. The pay is very competitive, 68K base with education diff and 6K nights diff. You get very good health insurance, weak vision coverage. Four weeks paid vacation/year, but can't take it for the first six months, which is the probationary period. I don't know if that's different for the internship, as the orientation is obviously so much longer.

I don't know much about the classes, really, other than that some are at the medical school.

ETA: Oh, and my unit didn't allow orientees to do overtime, but YMMV.

[billythekid]

Thank you so much for the inside scoop on your program. Calling HR or talking to a nurse recruiter doesn't get you the same spin on the details... If I do decide with the NYP program I'll contact you so that hopefully you'll be eligible for referral bonus :)

[elizabells, BSN, RN]

Heheh. Thanks, and good luck! Maybe you'll rotate through the NICU.

[BrooklynRN2008, BSN, MSN, RN]

I am also interested in the NYP program - do you know if they accept ADN grads?

Thks

[elizabells, BSN, RN]

I don't know about that, sorry! You might check on the job search website.