Start-Up Program... Pro's and Cons

[kayboh]

When it comes to new programs, how long does it take to work out the kinks? What are the pro's and cons?

Thanks :nurse:

[MmacFN]

Hmm

That is a hard question to answer.

Generally I would say there is no way to tell how long till the 'kinks' are worked out. Some new programs change program directors within the first 2-3 years and add or replace staff. These changes 'reset' the clock so to speak, on kinks.

As for pros and cons:

Pros:

None.

Cons:

- Depends on the staff
- Depends on the clinical site affiliations
- Depends on how much influence others have on the program in regards to how the SRNAs are trained (do everything be independent vs be assistants).

So really, it is hard to say.

[m_playman]

Having recently completed a 'new' program (I was in the 1st class)...all I can say is be flexible. If you go into it thinking it will be the perfect program (of which one does not exist BTW), you're in for a long and bumpy road. If you take initiative to make it work for YOU, then you'll be just fine.

There is so much that goes on 'behind the scenes' with the institution, clinical sites, adjunct faculty, etc...trying to make sense of the politics within the program will just turn your focus away from what you should be doing...anesthesia.
My 2cents

[daitheflu]

In addition to what everyone else said, here is my experience with enrollment in a newer program.

I am in the third admitted class of a new program. I have either seen first-hand, or heard from faculty and former students, about the progress that the program has made since the program's inception. These changes include improvements in clinical sites, clinical schedules, preceptors, teaching methods, teachers, classes, and faculty...basically everything as you can see. These changes have all been for the positive and many of them are based on student feedback. Not to say that the first class had a bad experience. In fact, they enjoyed their education and 100% of them passed boards. I also continue to see improvements implemented for the fourth admitted class.

I think the success of a new program depends on the motivation and dedication of everyone involved in the program.

I have been extremely satisfied with my experience at a newer program, but I cannot speak to the performance of other new programs.