student stuck in the middle

MIA-RN1, RN · Nov 12, 2005

I am a 1st year student and thinking about what to do this summer. I live in the woods of Maine but want to get some experience for the future. I invision myself working with peds psych when I'm a nurse. what should or can I do to for work this coming summer..assuming I complete my first year and pass my LPN exam. should I travel to a big childrens hospital in a different state? do I work in a small local hospital? to I travel very far to a bigger city in ME and work in a bigger hospital, not necessarily a children's hospital? my teacher recommeded I work in a nursing home- which I have no desire to do? or do I do what I have been doing for the past few years- bartending and start paying off my loans???? Help looking for advice for my future!!!

The summer between my first and second year I worked as a tech in one of the smaller hospitals in my area. It was nice for the experience and gave me a relatively less-stressed summer than the school year. (My regular job is in a school so I don't work that job summers) I left the job in september when school and my other job started back up.

You might also think about the implications of working in another state--you;ll have to get the LPN license for that state and it might take a good part of the summer to get that paperwork accomplished. (Not sure--I don't know much about that)

I am with you on not working in a nursing home. I knew from the start that LTC is not my cup of tea and you don't need to do something that you know you don't want to do if you don't have to.

NurseLatteDNP, MSN, DNP, RN · Nov 12, 2005

If you already know what hospital you want to work in after you graduate, I would do a summer externship there. You will see if you really like the facility, and you will make a good impression on the DON when she/he sees their hospital on your resume. I will be doing the same thing. My favorite Childrens Hospital in Dallas (1 1/2 hours away) is hiring students for summer externships. Since I know that I want to work there after I am an RN, I want to get my foot in the door early. Good luck with what ever you decide.