Question on Externship?

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Apr 2, 2006

I am going to be doing a nursing externship over the summer, I am wondering what I will be doing? Will I be passing meds and giving injections along with the nurse or will I be giving bedbaths? I am curious to find out other people's experiences with externships? Thanks!!

Your range of duties should be all of the above, and more. Generally, if the preceptor feels comfortable allowing so, an extern does just about everything the preceptor does (under his or her direct supervision, of course). Certain procedures are generally "off limits" to externs, such as giving chemotherapy or experimental drugs, or performing ABG's. Call the nurse educator on your prospective unit for more details and to review the facility policy and procedure concerning nurse externships. Should be a great learning experience :)

kell1566 · Apr 5, 2006

Hey .....i just recently accepted an extern position for the summer and supposedly ill be able to do almost everything except meds..... some places u are more like a glorified aide... so i tried to stay away from there bc i want the nursing experience....im hopin that illl learn alot bc right now clinical isnt doing much for me.. either u get lukcy and get to learn alot or not.... so im hoping this extern will be jus what i need to feel prepared.!! good luck !!

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Apr 10, 2006

I also couldn't pass meds on my externship. Our state board doesn't allow it. But I did everything elst that a nurse could do. We hung blood (but still needed another nurse to check it off), I did assessments and charting. To be honest, the biggest benefit of the whole experience was the assessments and charting. I had 6 patients routinely, so I got really good at streamlining my assessments, and very comfortable with narratives. I would recommnend it completely.