Accepted to 5 programs... and that's my problem! (Advice Welcomed)

[inertia_keeps]

Hello All,

Well I've wanted to become a CRNA for many years and finally I built up the courage (and resume) to apply, and now I've been accepted to five different programs. I'll be honest I have no idea which one would be best for me, and each of the five are different in length, cost and structure, but I can certainly see the strengths in each program. So with that being said now it seems that one of my major concerns is the ability to stay employed while in school (part-time employment that is). I presently have a two day a week job where I can sleep and/or have my nights completely available to study etc... So I was wondering if I should even let this weigh in on my decision making process when considering which of the five programs to attend (three of the five I can commute to, the others I would need to relocate)?

I know of people who have managed work, family and even children while attending anesthesia school and have succeeded and went on to become anesthetists, and consider myself to be a person who like them can handle many difficult things at once and excel. I'm not married, nor do I have children so I feel I'm up for the task, but also I've repeatedly been told that anesthesia school is the "most difficult professional endeavor you can undertake", and that you owe it to not only yourself, but also your patient's to focus entirely on your education and training during your time as an SRNA. Also I find myself drawn to programs that have SRNA's taking the same classes (A&P, pharm, etc...) as MD students at the university, because I feel like I have something to prove and that I don't want to miss out on anything, or feel like I'd been given an abridged version of something while in anesthesia school (this only applies to one of the five programs). So is my reasoning valid, or is this more of an pedantic chip on my shoulder, and something I should put behind me? Either way I would be interested in hearing what others think about these matters and any other advice that is pertinent to my dilemma.

Thank you for your time in reading this and take care.

[maroast]

I presently have a two day a week job where I can sleep and/or have my nights completely available to study

So you get paid to sleep? Hey! I'm good at sleeping!


Hmmm, lets see, working while in CRNA school… I’m only a little over a month into my first year of school, so take my insight for what it is. To this point my program hasn’t been all that hard. BUT! It does take a lot of time. For instance, gross anatomy isn’t loaded with difficult/ alien concepts, but I spend an incredible amount of time studying and memorizing the finer nuances of the inner workings/ structures of the human body. Hard? Not really. Time consuming? YUP. Keep in mind though, this is me and not you. Your millage may vary.

I’ve always been an exceptional student with moderate effort…this is my 4th degree (one being bio). But I have to say that this time it’s different. I feel there’s a lot more at stake. Again, I’m not that far into my program, but I truly feel what you get out of school is what you put into it. You can go to lecture, study PowerPoints, read here & there…and do well. But there’s more to school than just doing what youre told….

So….can you work while in school? People do it. But why? For a few extra $? Why waste your time ****ing around running yourself truly ragged for pocket change. Study your ass off, be the BEST SRNA you can be…so you can be the best CRNA. That’s me though….I recognize that there are people who are smarter than me and can do this stuff with less effort.

One final consideration (then I have to study for my anatomy test this afternoon)...I’m excited to have this opportunity and want to truly enjoy the learning process…So to achieve that I have to decompress in my free time and relax… and pulling shifts in the ICU is not relaxing!

In making a decision on what school to attend, the ability to work while in the program wouldn’t even be the slightest consideration. Again, that’s me…YMMV.

[gaspass3]

I would agree. While I am sure many people out there work while in s hooligan and do fine, I would not recommend it. I have worked with hundreds of students and it really is not too difficult to pick out the ones working. If family circumstance dictates you to work, I guess I can't argue, but if it is just for beer money, don't work. Study, sleep, relax, and be a stronger SRNA.

[FST6]

I'd hate to rain on your parade, but work and NA school do not mix well. You will be so busy that any "free time" you have will be spent studying. Work will only be a distraction from what you need to do. Anesthesia school is completely unlike your undergrad years. It will demand all of your time and attention. Take the student loans and focus full time. You will make more than enough money down the road to pay the loans back. Don't base your decisions off of what others have done in school. That is highly subjective at best. As for what school to choose, which one will provide you with the best clinical opportunities? Which one will allow the most exposure to all the anesthesia techniques and procedures you will be expected to know as a CRNA? What is the attrition rate of each program? What is the board pass rate of each program? The answers to those questions may help out. Be careful with the idea that you have something to prove. It can lead you to make decisions based on pride and ego. For me NA school isn't about proving anything. It's about learning how to be a safe and effective anesthesia provider. I don't want to sound like I'm bringing the party down or anything. Just sharing my $0.02. Otherwise congratulations on your plethora of acceptance letters! Pick your horse and get ready for one of the most intense experiences of your life. See ya around the OR!

[BolderBoy]

Piece of paper, columns, rank the schools by finish date (ie, start making money date), length, location, COST, start date, etc.

Most important may be start date, finish date and cost. The longer and later start date programs put you at a financial disadvantage from the outset. Costly programs can add to that. Location should be the last criteria since you'll see little of it if you truly study enough. Working while in school is problematic. I went to school at a time when "anesthesia school was easy - little more than OJT", so I taught nursing school for a semester at the same time, but then quit, feeling I was neglecting the opportunity that being a full-time student offered - to STUDY and learn.

Base it primarily on the financials described above and you won't regret it over a long career.

B

[Anthony]

Also...Make sure the program you selected provides excellent exposure to the areas that will set you apart from other grads who arent as well versed d/t program limitations. This topic has been hashed/rehashed a few dozen times on this site...Good luck...

[EsqtoCRNA]

I'd hate to rain on your parade, but work and NA school do not mix well. You will be so busy that any "free time" you have will be spent studying. Work will only be a distraction from what you need to do. Anesthesia school is completely unlike your undergrad years. It will demand all of your time and attention. Take the student loans and focus full time. You will make more than enough money down the road to pay the loans back. Don't base your decisions off of what others have done in school. That is highly subjective at best. As for what school to choose, which one will provide you with the best clinical opportunities? Which one will allow the most exposure to all the anesthesia techniques and procedures you will be expected to know as a CRNA? What is the attrition rate of each program? What is the board pass rate of each program? The answers to those questions may help out. Be careful with the idea that you have something to prove. It can lead you to make decisions based on pride and ego. For me NA school isn't about proving anything. It's about learning how to be a safe and effective anesthesia provider. I don't want to sound like I'm bringing the party down or anything. Just sharing my $0.02. Otherwise congratulations on your plethora of acceptance letters! Pick your horse and get ready for one of the most intense experiences of your life. See ya around the OR!

Where is the THANK YOU button when you need one. Great advice and one I also intend on heeding.

[EsqtoCRNA]

Also...Make sure the program you selected provides excellent exposure to the areas that will set you apart from other grads who arent as well versed d/t program limitations. This topic has been hashed/rehashed a few dozen times on this site...Good luck...

Anthony, can you elaborate or kindly direct to such discussions? What do you mean by "exposure to the areas that will set you apart from other grads" ?

[bettermj]

Whatever you do, don't mention to the PD that you are thinking about working while in school. No matter how brilliant you are, it doesn't show them that you have Crna school at your first three priorities.

I know several CRNA's that "worked" in school, one who will still to this day tell you how brilliant she is and how awesome of a CRNA she is.... (also planned/got pregnant 12 months before graduation), but anywhoooo both failed the first year, and had to repeat.


Sent from my iPhone using GasTalk

[inertia_keeps]

Thanks,

I do appreciate the advice, and I absolutely did not mention my desire to work to any of the faculty members I spoke to. So I can't help but feel that regardless of which school I pick I'll be in for a tough run of it for a while, but I know that I can get through everything no matter what it takes. I'm leaning towards one of the 27 month front loaded programs right now, but due to the staggered start dates of the schools I've been accepted at I think I'll go through with one for the first 7 months and if school and work is not manageable in tandem, I'll either attempt to secure a leave from my job or start another anesthesia program in the winter which is part-time for the first year and move on with things from there. Who knows it might even help in the long run going about this the hard way, because I'm sure I'll learn a lot, especially when I'm actually in school, but having a unique experience in school might very well come in handy when and if I'm imparting some of my life's wisdom to another troubled soul on this forum down the road (kidding... in part).

So thanks again and I wish everyone the best.

Take care...

[premaseeker]

reach out and speak to some of the students at the programs you are interested in...their answers will be subjective but invaluable perspective from inside the role you will be in if you join that program.

[littlefights]

Man, that would be the absolute douche-baggiest thing to do. A school starts investing in you from the moment you start the program (if not before). The faculty, preceptors and even senior students put a lot of time and energy into you and you would essentially be giving them all the bird. And you're potentially taking a spot from another student who maybe wasn't as fortunate to be accepted to as many programs. All this for some job? And what happens after the part-time portion of the other program ends? Your job is going to go away eventually. And what kind of asinine way of picking a school is this? You should go to the school that is going to prepare you to be the best possible CRNA. That should be your first priority, not this job.

Thanks,

I'm leaning towards one of the 27 month front loaded programs right now, but due to the staggered start dates of the schools I've been accepted at I think I'll go through with one for the first 7 months and if school and work is not manageable in tandem, I'll either attempt to secure a leave from my job or start another anesthesia program in the winter which is part-time for the first year and move on with things from there. Who knows it might even help in the long run going about this the hard way, because I'm sure I'll learn a lot, especially when I'm actually in school, but having a unique experience in school might very well come in handy when and if I'm imparting some of my life's wisdom to another troubled soul on this forum down the road (kidding... in part).

So thanks again and I wish everyone the best.

Take care...

[snaggletooth]

Man, that would be the absolute douche-baggiest thing to do.

to be expected from sdn

[Anthony]

Here (http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/12124-Another-example-of-a-school-not-graduating-Full-Service-Providers-quot?highlight=applicants+position)and Here (http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/13309-WIll-CRNAs-ever-start-fighting-the-CRNA-schools-or-will-we-all-just-sit-by-and-watch?)are (http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/showthread.php/13309-WIll-CRNAs-ever-start-fighting-the-CRNA-schools-or-will-we-all-just-sit-by-and-watch?)some recent examples ...discussed too many times I care to count -
Anthony, can you elaborate or kindly direct to such discussions? What do you mean by "exposure to the areas that will set you apart from other grads" ?

[Vents-n-gtts]

Please clarify, are you saying you would start the 27month long program, quit if you could not maintain your current job and then move on to the part time program?? You do know that the anesthesia world is pretty small and PD's talk right?

Anyway, some people in my class work part time/per diem with a 14 credit load this semester. I don't know how they are doing, grade wise, but I can tell you I would not dream of working. Guess I'm not smart enough, but I've worked WAY to hard to get in and I'm not taking any chances. Nurse Anesthesia school is my priority, and from your posts it sounds like you should also make it your own. You have no kids and no spouse, so what exactly is preventing you from committing yourself 100% to school? I don't get it. Medical, law and pharmacy students rarely consider working while in school and just pack on the student loans like a right of passage, is there something they know that many SRNA's don't?

If you don't have to, do yourself a favor and just work like mad until school starts. Whatever you decide, good luck!

And in considering schools, I would look into the opportunities Anthony referred to (many posts on this forum discuss this), cost of attendance, and a good chat with current students wouldn't hurt.

[inertia_keeps]

Man, that would be the absolute douche-baggiest thing to do. A school starts investing in you from the moment you start the program (if not before). The faculty, preceptors and even senior students put a lot of time and energy into you and you would essentially be giving them all the bird. And you're potentially taking a spot from another student who maybe wasn't as fortunate to be accepted to as many programs. All this for some job? And what happens after the part-time portion of the other program ends? Your job is going to go away eventually. And what kind of asinine way of picking a school is this? You should go to the school that is going to prepare you to be the best possible CRNA. That should be your first priority, not this job.

For starters Littlefights why the animosity? Don’t anesthesia programs have attrition rates? And are you so judgmental of the reasons other students decide to exit a program they rightfully deserve to be in? It’s their choice as it is mine, I earned it! And as for all the other people out there who didn’t get accepted to school because of me, well I don’t feel bad for them, and I assume you don’t either because aren’t you standing in this hypothetical person place every time you walk into the OR? But I doubt you lose sleep over that fact while you’re preoccupied as an SRNA.


Littlefights, you preach the mantra of “You should go to the school that is going to prepare you to be the best possible CRNA.” Like that has any substance to it. Seriously though like we all could even attend this mythical anesthesia program. Or better yet, maybe we should all go join the Army, because only then we’d maybe feel as if we truly follwed your words of advice to a tee. So you honestly believe with any shred of doubt that there is an anesthesia program out there that prepares its students above all else better than any other program around, and that each person in school right now is in it? Well what about your program ? Is it one of the “best” that you speak of? And hypothetically if not, does that make you an underprepared anesthesia provider? No, it certainly does not, nor would I jump to that conclusion. I don’t know the first thing about you Littlefights, but I wouldn’t be so presumptuous to assume that you picked “the best” anesthesia program to attend, nor would I assume you picked the worst. I will assume however that with hard work and training you will be a competent anesthesia provider as long as you pass your program and then you boards, for that’s the only measuring stick I have to compare. I don’t think it’s sensible and/or fair to spout off anything other than that. And yes Littlefights I do know where you were going with your whole "best possible CRNA" comment, but then again it's totally subjective at best, and especially moot when preceded by your "douche-baggiest" knock.


As for my reasons in choosing a school they are my own, and I know I’ll receive a good education where ever I go, but I was curious to know what other peoples motives were when choosing a school. So that’s why I asked, not to be judged or judge them.


As for my part time job… I fully well intend to keep it if possible even after anesthesia school, and my employer is encouraging me to get my master's degree and become a better healthcare provider. So once again this job isn’t a casual thing, neither is my interest in anesthesia.


So best of luck to you and thanks for the advice…

[ethernaut]

For starters Littlefights why the animosity? Don’t anesthesia programs have attrition rates? And are you so judgmental of the reasons other students decide to exit a program they rightfully deserve to be in? It’s their choice as it is mine, I earned it! And as for all the other people out there who didn’t get accepted to school because of me, well I don’t feel bad for them, and I assume you don’t either because aren’t you standing in this hypothetical person place every time you walk into the OR? But I doubt you lose sleep over that fact while you’re preoccupied as an SRNA.


Littlefights, you preach the mantra of “You should go to the school that is going to prepare you to be the best possible CRNA.” Like that has any substance to it. Seriously though like we all could even attend this mythical anesthesia program. Or better yet, maybe we should all go join the Army, because only then we’d maybe feel as if we truly follwed your words of advice to a tee. So you honestly believe with any shred of doubt that there is an anesthesia program out there that prepares its students above all else better than any other program around, and that each person in school right now is in it? Well what about your program ? Is it one of the “best” that you speak of? And hypothetically if not, does that make you an underprepared anesthesia provider? No, it certainly does not, nor would I jump to that conclusion. I don’t know the first thing about you Littlefights, but I wouldn’t be so presumptuous to assume that you picked “the best” anesthesia program to attend, nor would I assume you picked the worst. I will assume however that with hard work and training you will be a competent anesthesia provider as long as you pass your program and then you boards, for that’s the only measuring stick I have to compare. I don’t think it’s sensible and/or fair to spout off anything other than that. And yes Littlefights I do know where you were going with your whole "best possible CRNA" comment, but then again it's totally subjective at best, and especially moot when preceded by your "douche-baggiest" knock.


As for my reasons in choosing a school they are my own, and I know I’ll receive a good education where ever I go, but I was curious to know what other peoples motives were when choosing a school. So that’s why I asked, not to be judged or judge them.


As for my part time job… I fully well intend to keep it if possible even after anesthesia school, and my employer is encouraging me to get my master's degree and become a better healthcare provider. So once again this job isn’t a casual thing, neither is my interest in anesthesia.


So best of luck to you and thanks for the advice…

the best prep anesthesia school would be the most ideal, and should be any possible student's primary focus. littlefights made valid points. you really do come across as a douche bag.
best of luck to you!

[gaspass3]

Yep. Big Douche. What a credit you will be to the profession!!

[Anthony]

Often the internet is a failure at communicating intent and nuances - lets relax for a sec.

Can folks work and get through school?

Sure.

How that impacts the student will vary but for certain it will take away time from focusing on ones education. Some programs, due to the stress and known time commitments, want to set up students for success and prohibit working. Of those I have mentored, the students that worked did so not by choice but by necessity (primarily d/t family).

For what its worth, the universal sentiment was the wish of not having to work. School is so many things, best to keep it simple if possible....

[bettermj]

Often the internet is a failure at communicating intent and nuances - lets relax for a sec.

Can folks work and get through school?

Sure.

How that impacts the student will vary but for certain it will take away time from focusing on ones education. Some programs, due to the stress and known time commitments, want to set up students for success and prohibit working. Of those I have mentored, the students that worked did so not by choice but by necessity (primarily d/t family).

For what its worth, the universal sentiment was the wish of not having to work. School is so many things, best to keep it simple if possible....

The ones I referred to did so to remain in the hospital system. It paid off for them as one had a job waiting for her when she graduated, even though she failed her first year, and even though she's a miserable human being.

Oh wait.... Did I say that? That part was irrelevant. I should delete that.


Sent from my iPhone using GasTalk

[pilot424]

Well, I will set myself up for a bashing. If I had the problem of being accepted to five different programs, I think I could figure out what I should do. Many that frequent this board wished they had one offer.

[CO_Gas_Passer]

I am not about to bash anyone but I do agree stating an acceptance more than program might be considered gloating a bit. I would agree if your intelligent enough to get 5 offers then your very capable of deciding the pro's and con's of each and deciding what to do and your family. I would ask you decide quickly so the programs you turn down can offer to other students.

About working in school, that's a personal choice, I did but only a shift a week and that was so I could keep my seniority and stuff when I was done in case I choose to stay at the hospital I was working for at the time. But there will be times in your program where all the exams will hit at the same time and you will need every waking moment to prepare, so it's an individualized decision at best.

Oh, some advice, the program you chose should give you one thing at graduation: the knowledge to pass your boards. Otherwise it matters not. And at the end, your 5 acceptance letters and the next persons one gets you BOTH those same 4 letters: CRNA. Hope that helps.

[snaggletooth]

Anything good on t.v. tonight? how about the movies?

[gasaholic]

what are the schools you ahve been accepted to? and also, what are teh potential start dates of each?

[yoga]

Go to the school where you get the best and most clinical experience. Get as many cases as you can. CRNAs are made or broken in the operating room, not in the classroom.

It will be difficult for you to go from the ICU King/Queen to a lowly student. If you are at all arrogant, the process of administering anesthesia will humble you quickly. Your clinical preceptors will beat you up and knock you down. But, the important lesson is that YOU have a patient's life in your hands and you better know what you are doing.

I have been administering anesthesia for over 51 years and as recently as yesterday, I was humbled by a patient. That is why we love anesthesia.

Good luck and let us know how you do.

Jan Mannino

[Gimpy]

If one of them is Georgetown, don't go to that one, i'm in clinical and am afraid that i will not be getting the quality experience that everyone talks about.

[ethernaut]

If one of them is Georgetown, don't go to that one, i'm in clinical and am afraid that i will not be getting the quality experience that everyone talks about.
to me, truth is, out of about 105 schools, the majority will/should produce quality, safe and 'experienced' providers. the majority of them will be deficient in some fashion. me? i lack on PNBs. i can do them, but i'm inexperienced to the point of still needing a quick debriefing before the block.
this is my perception of things, anyway.

[littlefights]

I don't think there is any animus involved in telling someone that a jerk-move is a jerk-move. Doing what you have described is most certainly a jerk-move.

No, I feel no guilt for getting into a program because I only accepted a slot at ONE program. If you accept & start a program with the intention of quitting that program to start another program you have, in fact, deprived another student from the chance to matriculate into your original program. I feel the primary reason you shouldn't do it is a matter of personal integrity - you are making a commitment, and barring unforeseen changes in your circumstances, you should abide by it. Second, the program faculty have committed a lot of time & resources into the education that you are proposing to drop. Do you think they would have still offered you a slot had you informed them of your plan at the interview? If your plan is so reasonable, why don't you give them a call and let them know of this possibility and see what they have to say about it? Third is the impact it has on another student.

My statement does have substance to it; there are programs that are better than others. For example, a buddy I worked with got into a different program at the same time I did. I was chatting online with him a few months ago and he said he had an open AAA the next day with a CVL, a-line and thoracic epidural. He then told me he'd be "lucky" to get the a-line. For my program, that's a given and, depending on the site, I'd almost certainly get one of the other 2 (if not both), especially as a senior student. You think there are no differences in our programs? You honestly think that every program in the country is precisely equal in its educational experience when some students only get their CVL's through simulation, share their hearts with a resident or other SRNA, never see independent CRNA practice or only get to observe PNB's? Of your 5 programs, I would be surprised if there weren't 1 or 2 that provided objectively better clinical experiences than the others. For someone with no kids, no spouse and freedom of movement, that should really be the primary deciding factor. And not just for some 'subjective' or idealized pipe-dream about our practice. Look around the board and you will find numerous threads about the financial and political pressures that are likely to affect CRNA practice in the near future: being capable of independent practice may well end up being the ultimate factor in getting a good job.

You're right, you have no basis for comparison because you haven't even started a program and are clearly laboring under some major misconceptions about both school and the practice of anesthesia. Passing the boards makes one licensed, not competent. You really think there is no difference between the two?



For starters Littlefights why the animosity? Don’t anesthesia programs have attrition rates? And are you so judgmental of the reasons other students decide to exit a program they rightfully deserve to be in? It’s their choice as it is mine, I earned it! And as for all the other people out there who didn’t get accepted to school because of me, well I don’t feel bad for them, and I assume you don’t either because aren’t you standing in this hypothetical person place every time you walk into the OR? But I doubt you lose sleep over that fact while you’re preoccupied as an SRNA.


Littlefights, you preach the mantra of “You should go to the school that is going to prepare you to be the best possible CRNA.” Like that has any substance to it. Seriously though like we all could even attend this mythical anesthesia program. Or better yet, maybe we should all go join the Army, because only then we’d maybe feel as if we truly follwed your words of advice to a tee. So you honestly believe with any shred of doubt that there is an anesthesia program out there that prepares its students above all else better than any other program around, and that each person in school right now is in it? Well what about your program ? Is it one of the “best” that you speak of? And hypothetically if not, does that make you an underprepared anesthesia provider? No, it certainly does not, nor would I jump to that conclusion. I don’t know the first thing about you Littlefights, but I wouldn’t be so presumptuous to assume that you picked “the best” anesthesia program to attend, nor would I assume you picked the worst. I will assume however that with hard work and training you will be a competent anesthesia provider as long as you pass your program and then you boards, for that’s the only measuring stick I have to compare. I don’t think it’s sensible and/or fair to spout off anything other than that. And yes Littlefights I do know where you were going with your whole "best possible CRNA" comment, but then again it's totally subjective at best, and especially moot when preceded by your "douche-baggiest" knock.


As for my reasons in choosing a school they are my own, and I know I’ll receive a good education where ever I go, but I was curious to know what other peoples motives were when choosing a school. So that’s why I asked, not to be judged or judge them.


As for my part time job… I fully well intend to keep it if possible even after anesthesia school, and my employer is encouraging me to get my master's degree and become a better healthcare provider. So once again this job isn’t a casual thing, neither is my interest in anesthesia.


So best of luck to you and thanks for the advice…

[Anthony]

Look around the board and you will find numerous threads about the financial and political pressures that are likely to affect CRNA practice in the near future: being capable of independent practice may well end up being the ultimate factor in getting a good job..... Passing the boards makes one licensed, not competent. You really think there is no difference between the two?

Very insightful and on target.....

[inertia_keeps]

I appreciate the feedback and advice (more the constructive kind) and I will consider the sensitivities of others more and alternative choice when going about my school selection. I'm going to stick to my guns on this one and ultimately pick the program structure that is conducive to my learning and lifestyle needs. It seems that from the information that was given to me on each program some offer more cases then others, but quantity isn’t always synonymous with quality so I’ve been told. I’ll just go with one that offers more diverse practice environments, and from the looks of it, the least shared anesthesia clinical (fewer residents). Not that I’ve taken a front loaded program before, but a pure didactic base seems beneficial especially if conflicts arise along the way. So I have less reservations in going about things the way that I am, and the programs structured this way all have good reputations, but then again I’ve never heard of a bad one for the most part.

Hindsight’s always 20/20 and I’m sure the information and opinions passed on to me here will make sense when and if that time comes. So I hope my education will provide me more than the bare essentials to anesthesia practice, and I get the feeling that hard work and exposure are key more than anything else. I just hope the experience is a positive one.

Thanks once again, the discussions and information on this forum are an amazing resource, much better then www.allnurses.com (http://www.allnurses.com/)

Take care…

[ethernaut]

www.allnurses.com
…

profanity and libel will not be tolerated on this site

[premaseeker]

\ I’ll just go with one that offers more diverse practice environments, and from the looks of it, the least shared anesthesia clinical (fewer residents).

Amen...

[lvl1micuRN]

If one of them is Georgetown, don't go to that one, i'm in clinical and am afraid that i will not be getting the quality experience that everyone talks about.

Which hospital did you rotate to that makes you say this?

[Bad Apple]

If you are considering working at the same job throughout both programs, I would guess that they are in close proximity to one another.

If you accept at both programs and start one, it is almost certain that someone from the second program will find out. They will definitely take you to task for this, your integrity will be questioned, and your offer may be rescinded. The first program will also find out, and you may not feel very welcome there either. If you are successful in carrying out your plan, it's going to be awkward when alumni of the first program are your co-workers and they think you're a slimeball. There are many reasons why I feel you should not do this, but these are the top two that would affect you directly and personally.

In my program, working is not prohibited by policy. I know who is working because everyone talks, including the co-workers who are never as supportive as the student expects them to be (in fact, they're resentful and would do anything to get you in trouble). Usually within a few months of starting the program I will see a difference in the performance of the students who are still working, then we have to meet in my office to discuss issues like whether the student can handle the program, whether the student has the necessary dedication, and whether the student is too distracted to perform up to expectations. After soul-searching, moonlighting usually ends but the student is now behind the rest of the class and has to work much harder to catch up. It's harder than you think it is going to be. I'm not saying it can't be done, but if your back-up plan is to decrease the demands of your program to accommodate your nursing job, maybe you should reconsider your end-goal.