Negative Aspects of SUNY Downstate's Accelerated Nursing Program

I need to take a second to say that I have only posted on this blog about the positive aspects of SUNY Downstate's Accelerated Nursing Program. 

 I, like many of my peers, had issues with the program.

I, like many of my peers, had issues with some of the professors.

But there are 2 main reasons I didn't write anything negative about the program on the blog.

#1 I researched about the program before enrolling and I was aware about what the problem issues were before I started.  So while some things were annoying I never really freaked out like some of my classmates.  

#2 Many of the professors or issues that annoyed the hell out of me didn't bother my classmates in the least.  And many of the professors and issues that annoyed the hell out of my classmates didn't annoy me in the least.

Everything is subjective.  That being said I would recommend that you do your homework.  Go on allnurses.com and read the negative things people write.  Come here and check the positive things I write.  Then weigh the pros and cons.  

I would also like to take a second to mention the fact that if there is a major issue with any professor.  The department generally boots the person out next year and seeks a suitable replacement.

While the folks in the nursing department may not respond to student's complaints as quickly as they would like them to.  They do eventually respond and make changes.

IF YOU WANT TO LAND A JOB AFTER GRADUATING THEN GET ROLLING WHILE IN THE PROGRAM

• 2 independent studies.
• Leadership practicum.
• Landing a Nurse Externship.
• Volunteering.

The independent studies helped tremendously.  I did both of mine in the same hospital in the same area focusing on two separate issues.  You need luck here.  I lucked out with clinical preceptors that took to me and liked my personality.  In the end they introduced me to the nurse manager.  They suggested that she hire me.  

Be sure to buy donuts and coffee for the entire unit and a thank you card at the end of your indy studies.  I bought small bags of Godiva chocolates for my preceptors.  These small touches help.  

The Leadership practicum.  I did my leadership practicum at Kingsbrook Jewish and after graduating my preceptor pushed to help me get a job.  Very important as well.  Put your best foot forward here with your nursing leadership class.  Other classmates also formed relationships here that landed them jobs after graduating.

Nursing externships.  I did a half-ass job applying at Maimonides and didn't get it.  So glad I didn't because they don't let you touch the patients really.  It's just shadowing.  On my second indendent study I got a preceptor who made me do everything.  From prepping to administering meds to every damn thing.  I even signed off on nurse's notes.  But nursing externships are still GREAT!!!!  If you can get one that is AWESOME!!!!  Look on North Shore LIJ's website as spring approaches and look for professors in the program who worked at North Shore LIJ that can recommend you.  Hint!!!  Hint!!!!   Two of my classmates landed North Shore LIJ.  I was in Pediatric clinicals when my classmates were all abuzz about trying to apply and going on and on about when they would open the gates for accepting applications.  It was a somewhat tedious process to fill out the online applications.  You fill them out first then they open up to applications later.  While an externship is just shadowing.  They do pay you.  And it does greatly increase the likelihood that you will get hired.  Greatly!!!  If they like you they will keep you on after you complete your externship and keep on paying you as a student nurse until you pass your boards.  Two of my classmates got externships at Methodist Hospital in Park Slope.  One is looking very good for getting a job once she passes her state boards and the hospital is currently paying her bills.  I'm sure it feels good to go in and get a paycheck for doing work that is health care related.  Another classmate was hired at Lenox Hill after she graduated through doing her externship.

The program will not support you in getting an externship.  The hours cut into your class time.  You will have to cut class to complete your externship hours.  The hours cut into psych and the early part of Community.  And Nurse Leadership as well.  So there is a little grief that comes along with it.  But it is well worth whatever headaches the faculty may give you.

Volunteering can't hurt.  Also as a side note my classmate that got into Methodist as an extern was volunteering at Methodist long before she applied for the externship; which may have helped her some.

Downstate's program is only concerned with you passing state boards.  That's it.  They don't want to know about what you are doing to find a job.  That doesn't really interest them.  

 So hopefully these are some helpful hints for you because many of us were dead broke after completing this program.  I will write more about what I did job wise after graduating.  As I chose to beat out on a totally different path from my classmates.