Advice for SN-Level I Trauma Center Internship

Published

Specializes in Telehealth, Hospice and Palliative Care.

Hi. Just wondering what advice you all might have for a post-bacc RN student nurse with an upcoming internship/capstone at a Level I trauma center? I'm SO excited and want to make the most of my experience! Do's and don'ts? Brilliant or stupid things you've seen? Advice about body systems/pharm/procedures that I should brush up on? Quick reference cards I might want to carry with me? Thanks in advance!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/Oncology.

Congratulations! I only recommend going in with eyes and mind wide open and be ready to absorb anything you can, as fast as you can (since it is trauma! ;)). If they offer you something to do (start an IV, assess a pt, etc.) I highly encourage you to do it, but make sure someone else (someone licensed) is in there to watch you so they can offer insight on how you can improve, and/or can also intervene if you become overwhelmed or "stuck". Take a small notepad with you that you can stick in one of your scrub pockets and write down everything you hear or see that doesn't ring a bell to you (medical abbreviations, disorders, medical conditions, DRUGS...) and look it up when you get home.

But most of all, have fun! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telehealth, Hospice and Palliative Care.

Thanks so much!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion