For all student externs in the Memphis area...

[Cinqly]

I am a nursing student in Memphis finishing my first semester, and many students (myself included) are in the process of applying to nurse extern positions now. I was just wondering if other student extern's (current or former) would be willing to share their experiences. There seems to be a lack of information regarding the programs available in Memphis hospitals, and it seems our fellow older students are either tight-lipped or too busy to answer questions! [Not to mention the professors tend to have their opinions of each hospital already set in stone...:uhoh21:] Any information would be appreciated, and I'll be sure to pass your opinions on to my peers.

Thanks!!

1) Where did you extern?

2) What type of unit(s) were you on? Were you able to work in many different units of the hospital?

3) How would you rate your experiences there? (Actual work, extern program management, nurses you worked with, ratios, duties, etc).

4) Do you feel you gained valuable experience doing an externship?

5) How did your pay compare?

Anything else you might want to add would be great!!

[*future_RN*]

thanks so much for this thread everyone! I applied to the U of M nursing school this past week and got a letter stating that my file was complete and notifications would be made/mailed by October 1, 2008 for the Spring 2009 semester. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I was wondering when the best time would be to look for externs/intern position and where. This thread will definitely be helpful.

[Gauge]

Well, it really depends on the hospital to be honest. Some of the hospitals around me allow you to work as a nurse intern as soon as you get into nursing school and others will only accept you once you are within 1 year of graduating. I would go ahead and get a nurse intern job, but the hospital I want to work at won't take interns until they are within 1 year of graduating so I have to wait until Spring. Darn BSN programs, heh.