Looking for an externship....

Nursing Students General Students

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Specializes in ICU, ED.

I just finished semester 1 and am looking to go right into a nurse externship after semester 2 is finished. I want to start the process early because Im not sure what all is involved and how long the process takes. Can anyone give me some tips about where I should search, what to look for, and how to make contacts at the facility?

Thanks

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Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.

You can start by looking at local hospital websites. They usually have some info about their nurse extern/intern programs for students. You can contact the HR department or nurse extern/intern coordinator (if they have one- sometimes it might be the nurse recruiter who also hires externs) to find out what qualifications you need, how to fill out an app, if you need a recommendation from an instructor, where to send your transcript, what areas you can go into, etc.

Speak with some of your fellow students who may be working or plan to work as an extern. They can have a wealth of information specific to hospitals in your particular area and the benefits of the different programs.

How much time the process takes just depends on the hospital. I got on at one hospital as an extern and it only took about two weeks after I put in my app to get an interview and complete orientation. I took a second externship at another hospital and it took several months before they had an opening and called me back, it was another three weeks before an orientation started, and it was almost two weeks of orientation before I was actually on a floor. Hope this helps!

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Specializes in ICU, ED.

Thanks for the advice!! Thats why im starting the process so far ahead of time, especially trying to get hired in so. california

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