Do I NEED an externship to get a job?!?

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I'm in a BSN program going into my senior year here in NYC. It's soooo competitive to get an externship so I've kinda given up hope. Most hospitals either closed the program, had them open to apply for a very short period, don't call you back, or like today, HR cancelled my phone appointment because the slots were filled. I feel like it's just the luck of the draw!

Anyway, I'm trying to move as soon as I get my BSN to Miami, so does it really matter if I do an externship?! I'm not quite sure the pros of it. I know a lot of people do it just to get hired. I would rather do it for the experience, but regardless do nurses really need externships to get hired? I'm moving out of state anyway, but I kinda don't want to go to Miami as a new grad with no experience. :(

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

You don't "need" an externship. You could get a CNA and work as an CNA which would give you more "hospital" experience. There are many hospitals that offer Fellowship programs to help train new nurses. If you're planning on moving anyway, you can have more options (a pit stop along the way).

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Need? No. But it sure helps.

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Specializes in Adult/Ped Emergency and Trauma.

I went to school in a small town, surrounded by desolate rural rolling hills and lots of trees. Lol, point, there were like 4 externship programs in a day's drive. I would have loved to have done one to tighten up on skills. Plus, it lets you be one of the Graduate Nurses who doesn't graduate without placing an IV/IV Pumps/Drips, Foley, sterile dsg change, and on and on.

But, I don't think it will be end of a position if you'd rather do something else this summer. My summer I had gone straight through my last HS year, and then college classes all summer, first year of college, and I was ready for a break!!!!!

Either way, I worked full time as an SNA during Summer, but not stressed out like starting a new job. If I could go back, I don't think it really make a difference- but it was easier to get a job back at the turn of the millenium too.

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Need? No. But it sure helps.

Ya, but my point is it's so crazy competitive here in NYC, at my school out of the thirty who applied last year only THREE recieved it. Even getting HR to call or e-mail you for an interview is hard. I'm interested to know if new grad nurses still get hired as easily, or if an externship is imperative.

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Specializes in Adult/Ped Emergency and Trauma.

I didn't get chosen either:( But, I had a funner summer, and my SNA job lead to an RN job that was posted requiring 2 yrs experience. So, if you can't get in, it's not the end of the world, . . .unless your one of those who gets upset with an A-, I threw parties for a "skin of the teeth "B!" Lol. Great Luck!

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