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Ft. Carson, Colorado
After Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) I went to Ft. Carson, Colorado for three weeks to work at Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH). There were three other Cadets aside from myself working in the hospital. Two of us (including myself) were assigned in the Medical Surgical Unit, one was in the Emergency Room, and the other was in the Intensive Care Unit.
Each of us had our own rooms in a hotel that was within walking distance to the hospital. We ate the majority of our meals at the hospital (for free) since we would be working from 0700 – 1900 4-5 days a week. The majority of us picked up extra shifts on other Units to gain more experience. Myself and another Cadet were the only two who had an overnight shift which goes from 1900 – 0700.
On the Medical Surgical Unit I worked with the same Second Lieutenant during those three weeks. We would have patients ranging from 2 years old to 80 years old. Also, you would get such a variety of cases on this Unit. The majority of patients were post surgery, but I also had patients suffering from asthma, depression/anxiety, and chronic pain.
Throughout my time at EACH I was able to improve my skills I had learned in nursing school as well as learn new ones. I was able to give medications (bolus, oral, and subcutaneous) regularly, emplace foleys and catheters, start IV's, take blood, as well as provide basic nursing care.
We didn't have a lot of time off but when we did we had the opportunity to go see Seven Falls, go horseback riding in the Garden of the Gods, and do a little shopping in Maitou.
I highly recommend attending Nurse Summer Training Program (NSTP) to every Nursing Cadet. The experience and knowledge you gain is invaluable and will remain with you throughout your career as a nurse and Army officer.