Options

Ok let's talk about options.

First, new-grad nurse residency programs vs. preceptorship (assuming that I could actually get a spot in a new-grad program and get hired at a hospital without one, and would have the option to choose).  I know that there are statistics that show that new grads who go through the residency program make less mistakes and are generally more satisfied with the transition from student to RN.  However, I feel like the length of some of the programs might be overkill, and I wonder if I would appreciate the increased autonomy of a shortened preceptorship instead.  I would have to start applying to new-grad programs now for a March start.  Thoughts?  Experiences?

Second, what about joining a professional organization (e.g. ANA, ONS, etc.)?  I know if I join now as a student, I get a discounted membership.  Are there real benefits besides receiving a journal in the mail?

Third, how about NCLEX prep courses?  I could pay a whole bunch of money for a Kaplan course that guarantees that I will pass on the first try...or I can take my chances with my NCLEX review books.  Has anyone taken the Kaplan course?  Any other ideas?

So Close Now

Well hello again, old friends.  I realize it's been a while since we've caught up.  I hope you've had a lovely fall.  

So I completed my Senior Integrated Practicum.  I was a little less than excited about my placement.  However, I had a great experience.  My preceptor was a lovely woman who has been an oncology certified nurse for almost 30 years.  What a wealth of knowledge!  I also enjoyed the culture of the hospital, and the other nurses and administrators were extremely supportive.  

(They even encouraged me to come back and apply for a job once I pass the NCLEX!)  

I completed an educational project about Graft-Versus-Host Disease after stem cell transplant for the unit, and really enjoyed both the subject matter and the research.  The night shift was difficult, but I learned to manage.  It's not so bad as long as you are prepared and manage your time accordingly.  It does require a lot of planning ahead for meals and homework (and I'm sure childcare and transportation for many).

The actual didactic portion of the class was less than fun, but important I'm sure - to cover the roles of leadership, management and quality in nursing.  What I am learning in this semester is that I am really not a huge fan of online classes.  I miss the connection with classmates and teachers, and sometimes it is hard to know if you really grasp a concept if you don't have someone explain it to you.  Sometimes, books and articles just don't cut it.  But then, you don't know that you haven't really grasped it until you do poorly on the exam.

After SIP ended, I decided to feed my creative soul for a bit.  I did no homework for a week.  Instead, I got a haircut (see above photo), I finished the thrift store dresser I had been trying to refinish since August, and I started crocheting again.  It feels good to relax and put my effort into something I really enjoy.  

I recommend a creative and/or active outlet for anyone going through nursing school.

Public Health is my last course, and it started a week ago.  My clinical placement is in rural Colorado, near where I grew up.  Although public health is not something I want to jump into after graduation, I do have an interest - especially in rural public health.  I know that it is very hard to recruit and retain qualified health professionals in rural areas, and that access to care is limited in many areas.  I think that once I have some acute care experience under my belt, I will probably be interested in doing some rural public health work.   Perhaps I will even enroll in a Masters or Doctorate program in the future.  But let me not get ahead of myself!   

By the way, did you notice the countdown to graduation in the sidebar?