externship

twarlik · Jan 7, 2004

Just got an externship at a local hospital. I haven't started yet, but everyone I've spoken to has told me that it's great experience. If you have the time I would definitely do it.

LilRedRN1973 · Jan 7, 2004

I'm doing an externship right now and just finished up with my first semester of my ADN program. I'm working in the ICU and I LOVE it! Unfortunately, as a Nurse Apprentice I, I can't do much in the way of patient care, but I have learned a LOT in just two weeks. I'm being paid almost $15 an hour to learn so much. Yesterday, I was able to see several central lines being put in, as well as a chest tube and the doctor drilling someone's skull to relieve intracranial pressure. I was able to see some massive trauma patients who were transferred from the ER (one of whom hit a tree while skiing). The nurses have all been great and the best part of it is if I decide to work there when I'm finished with school (which I am planning on doing), I will already be familiar with the unit and where everything is. I had no idea how many tubes, wires, machines, etc. there would be in these rooms and it was quite intimidating. But now I'm able to turn a patient without worrying I'm going to rip something out of them. All the nurses encourage me to ask, ask, ask and some will even quiz me occasionally while giving a med.

Until school starts, I'm welcome to work when I want. I'm a per diem position so my schedule is really flexible. Right now, I'm working 2 or 3 12-hour shifts. Once school starts, I will be working on Saturdays from 6:30am to 7pm and possibly on Fridays as well.

I love having a job in a real hospital, especially the ICU. I have been to a few other floors/units to check it out (telemetry, CIC, OR, ER,and General Surgery) and the only other place I think I might want to work would be OR or the ER. But I think I'm going to enjoy the ICU a lot and plan on staying there for a while. There is an incredible amount of material to learn and I'm amazed at all the nurses and how great they are at their job. They know what they're doing and really show genuine care and concern for their patients. And to top it off, the head of the ICU is great and I imagine she will be a great boss.

nursecompassion · Jan 7, 2004

Thanks for your replys! I am sure I am going to do an externship if I get the oppurtunity. It sounds amazing.

sincerely,jules

Bonnie Rabbit · Jan 10, 2004

I work as a Nurse Extender... Basically, I work as a CNA even though I am not state certified. Through the Extender program at my hospital, with only one semester of clinical experience under your belt, you can apply for the position. I work on the Medical Unit which isn't all exciting and glamorous, however, I do feel the experiences I've had on the job have only been beneficial. Among many of those benefits, this position has (1) opened my eyes to all sorts of patients and their families and their health and social situations and (2) exposed me to procedures I've only performed on the dummies in lab and (3) allowed me to see several styles of nursing and (4) helped me become more comfortable overall in working with patients, their families, and other healthcare providers. I think working in a hospital or other healthcare facility would only help! :)

Alexandres · Jan 10, 2004

Hi Melanie,

Was the externship something set up through your program, or did you get that on your own?

Working in the ICU is exactly what I want to do! Looks like you'll get experience, and the pay is not bad at all.

When are hospitals amenable to students doing externships, after 1 semester?

Thanks,

Alex

CPB · Jan 10, 2004

Is the externship something you can get extra school credit with or is it just a job? At my school we do a preceptorship at the end of the program. We sign up for where we would like to work, and we follow a nurse around on that floor for two weeks on her schedule. We don't get paid for it though. Usually wherever the student does there preceptorship is where they get their job offer.

twarlik · Jan 10, 2004

Originally posted by CPB
Is the externship something you can get extra school credit with or is it just a job? At my school we do a preceptorship at the end of the program. We sign up for where we would like to work, and we follow a nurse around on that floor for two weeks on her schedule. We don't get paid for it though. Usually wherever the student does there preceptorship is where they get their job offer.

The externship I am doing is a job and has no connection to my school work. Sort of like a tech job, but intended to be more of an educational experience for nursing students. Plus I'm allowed to do some things that techs aren't allowed to do. I've also gotten the impression that the hospital I will be working at uses the nurse extern program as a recruiting tool.

If you're interested, contact your local hospital and speak with a nurse recruiter. Good luck!

LauraLou · Jan 10, 2004

I contacted a recruiter at a local hospital and asked about externships. She said after one semester you can work as a nurse extern. They take an open CNA position and convert it into a nurse extern position.

I am just starting my first semester so I am not eligible yet, but she told me to call her a few weeks before the end of the semester and she would set up something for the summer. I also got the feeling they use it as a recruiting tool.