Florida Hospital- Nursing Internships

SunshineAnytime · Sep 25, 2011

Would be interested in seeing responses as well! I just applied there last week

aachavez · Jun 30, 2012

Bumping thread, I have the same questions.

I know getting into their internship is very competitive, what do they look for? Was working there a good experience? SunshineANytime, did you get a job offer?

Isiah4031 · Jul 7, 2012

I currently work at FH and it is VERY competitive. They offer 7 week rolling admissions and (to my knowledge) take anywhere from 4-8 GN's in each class. Pay is in the low-20's and they either want you enrolled in a BSN program or be a graduate from one. I'm working on applying to the next class myself, but have been made aware of their requirements from other Nurse Residents on the floors I work. Good luck!

NewGoalRN · Jul 11, 2012

I currently work at FH and it is VERY competitive. They offer 7 week rolling admissions and (to my knowledge) take anywhere from 4-8 GN's in each class. Pay is in the low-20's and they either want you enrolled in a BSN program or be a graduate from one. I'm working on applying to the next class myself, but have been made aware of their requirements from other Nurse Residents on the floors I work. Good luck!

this is true. What floor do you work on? are you BSN or ASN? I've heard good things about this program although I haven't heard from anyone who has graduated from the program.I like the fact that they have a learning component to the program although it is not as long as All Children's 1 year residency.

aachavez · Jul 11, 2012

I would love to do a program like this, Getting the extra hands on training would be fantastic. But you're saying that you have to have a BSN to apply to Florida Hospital? Im only getting my ASN (will finnish in about a year) and won't be going for BSN for quite some time (if ever, I havn't decided yet, just know that it will be at least a few years away). I didnt see that mentioned on their website, and it would be dissapointing if that's the case.

evansmum · Jul 11, 2012

I would love to do a program like this, Getting the extra hands on training would be fantastic. But you're saying that you have to have a BSN to apply to Florida Hospital? Im only getting my ASN (will finnish in about a year) and won't be going for BSN for quite some time (if ever, I havn't decided yet, just know that it will be at least a few years away). I didnt see that mentioned on their website, and it would be dissapointing if that's the case.

No, you can apply with an ADN, but a BSN is more competitive. All of the Tampa hospitals--literally, all--are moving towards only hiring BSN nurses, with TGH being the first to move towards magnet status (I believe). I wish I would have known this three years ago, lol, because then I would have taken my AA and transferred to USF's upper division. Oh well, live and learn!

If you are coming up on your final year of nursing school, I would definitely look for a job in a hospital as a CNA so that you can start building relationships. It has certainly helped a few friends of mine bump up.

Best of luck!

Isiah4031 · Jul 11, 2012

To the best of my knowledge, FHT's program is 12 weeks in length with a 2 year commitment. You have to be licensed to apply or they'll just bounce the application back to you (like mine!). The first 6 weeks are spent on a general Med/Surg floor where residents are oriented by a BSN who has to meet specific criteria to be a preceptor. After that, the remaining 6 weeks (and more if needed) are on that resident's home floor. I've heard they'll have residents attend lectures, seminars, complete book work (makes up about 25% of the program), and will help them get whatever certifications needed for certain specialties. I looked into other local hospitals as well, and as Evansmum said, they really only take BSN's. St Joe's recruitment line said only BSN's are considered candidates for their GN program and said their job fairs are aimed at "experienced" RN's. TGH apparently doesn't hire ADN's out of school either. My honest guess is if an ADN graduate worked at one of those hospitals as a tech or CNA during school, AND they liked that person, they MAY consider them for a GN or residency position. So, as Evansmum and I recommended, get your CNA and try to work at least a shift or two a week to get the exposures that can help you in school and allow you to network.

evansmum · Jul 11, 2012

To the best of my knowledge, FHT's program is 12 weeks in length with a 2 year commitment. You have to be licensed to apply or they'll just bounce the application back to you (like mine!). The first 6 weeks are spent on a general Med/Surg floor where residents are oriented by a BSN who has to meet specific criteria to be a preceptor. After that, the remaining 6 weeks (and more if needed) are on that resident's home floor. I've heard they'll have residents attend lectures, seminars, complete book work (makes up about 25% of the program), and will help them get whatever certifications needed for certain specialties. I looked into other local hospitals as well, and as Evansmum said, they really only take BSN's. St Joe's recruitment line said only BSN's are considered candidates for their GN program and said their job fairs are aimed at "experienced" RN's. TGH apparently doesn't hire ADN's out of school either. My honest guess is if an ADN graduate worked at one of those hospitals as a tech or CNA during school, AND they liked that person, they MAY consider them for a GN or residency position. So, as Evansmum and I recommended, get your CNA and try to work at least a shift or two a week to get the exposures that can help you in school and allow you to network.

Right on. :)

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