To everyone who is doing an externship, internship, or some similar type program this summer, how is it going? For me, it has really gotten me a lot more excited about nursing; by the end of this past semester, I was really burned out!! I am so glad I am in this program because it makes me realize there is so much more to nursing than school has taught me so far, and really helped me better understand what a nurse does every day. I am learning a lot and discovering that there is a lot I have left to learn, too. Almost every day I work there are moments I feel like the biggest idiot in the world and like I haven't learned a thing in school, but then there are some moments when I actually feel competent, too! And I am getting to enjoy neurology nursing, a specialty I would never have thought of working in, that I was assigned to for the summer. Luckily I have been assigned a great preceptor to help me through; she is very supportive and encouraging but challenges me a lot too, which is good. I'm starting to feel more comfortable with nursing responsibilities, but still find it hard to believe that in less than a year I will graduate and those responsibilities will be solely my own! It's a very scary thought. Anyway- I have rattled on for a while- how are the rest of your summers going?
Hi! I am so sorry that you had a "different" experience. They should've told you upfront that it would be like that. I guess you did get some experience in some patient care at least. I think that is really helpful. Too bad you did not get the kind of experience that you would have liked to.
Thank you! I just reread my post and it sounded a little whinny. I guess I am just disapointed that I am not getting to do more "nursing" things. I have gain a lot from the experience, such being comfortable interacting with patients, dealing with difficult patients and/or family members, learning what questions to ask when looking for my first nursing job (how often will I float, where will I float to, how is the schedule set, how often do you cancel nurses, etc). The biggest thing I have learned is to appreciate the work CNAs do!
LauraLou
532 Posts
Thank you! I just reread my post and it sounded a little whinny. I guess I am just disapointed that I am not getting to do more "nursing" things. I have gain a lot from the experience, such being comfortable interacting with patients, dealing with difficult patients and/or family members, learning what questions to ask when looking for my first nursing job (how often will I float, where will I float to, how is the schedule set, how often do you cancel nurses, etc). The biggest thing I have learned is to appreciate the work CNAs do!