Dilemma about internship. HELP

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I have a question I would like your feedback on. I am a Nursing assistant on a surgical unit at a local teaching hospital. I was chosen as 1 of 10 Nurse Interns for the summer at the hospital. I chose to work as an intern on an Ortho unit (I have some interest in Ortho, I know who figures?) Anyway this morning my assistant nurse manager congratulated me on being chosen as a Nurse Intern, but she asked why I hadn't considered working on my current unit as an intern for the summer. I told her that I basically had an interest in Ortho and that I had some experience working with surgical patients and was just looking to get some experience somewhere else in the hospital. I really don't know what kind of nurse I want to be when I graduate in December and it is really starting to stress me out because everyone I know has some idea about where they want to work when they graduate. My ANM stated that they still had an opening for a NI on the unit and she would like to have me consider staying with them. When my internship is over I will go back to being a NA on the Surgical unit and am now worried about hard feelings if I chose not to be a NI on my home unit. I'm looking for advice!

Thanks for listening!:o

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Specializes in School, Camp, Hospice, Critical Care.

Your ANM must really like your work to be encouraging you to intern on their unit.

However, your reasons for wanting to get clinical experience on another service are perfectly valid, and it seems to me you explained your reasoning to her quite articulately.

I'd go with my gut about wanting that additional experience in another setting, but I would maybe take the time to let her know that you value your position and the experience you have received on her unit, and have every intention of returning once the internship is over.

Sounds like a great opportunity! Go for it!

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Specializes in Float Pool, ICU/CCU, Med/Surg, Onc, Tele.

I think as long as you are sincere and friendly yet firm with your desire to experience different areas, they will understand and there won't be hard feelings. I also think it's good that they are wanting you to stay - that means you're doing a good job! Make sure you thank them for the offer but reiterate that you're still exploring your options. If you mean it, say that you may come back to the floor you're currently on when you graduate. If you can't honestly say that (if you hate it there), just leave that part off.

As long as you give proper notice and are sincere, they can't hold it against you and I really don't think they want to - they just think you do good work and like your personality, so they hate to lose you. Plus, you're already oriented to their area. Be appropriately flattered, but don't let them pressure you into missing out on ortho if that's what you want to do (maybe). You'll never know if you don't try. Good luck to you!

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Hi Kim,

I agree with the other posters. Definately go for the Ortho Unit for the summer to get some different experiences under your belt. Your reasons are valid and I think if you just reiterate them to your Nurse Manager should she question you about it again you will be allright.

Its sounds like you are doing a great job on the Surg. Floor and your Manager is probably just dissappointed in loosing such a great employee for the summer. That and she may be affraid that Ortho will like you so much that they may want to keep you on for the Fall semester too!

Good Luck and don't stress!

Col

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Ditto to NurseWeasel, I see it as a compliment that you've done well on your unit and she'd like to keep you around ;) It's good to have that there when you come back in the fall!

Good Luck :D

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I agree with the others. You must have impressed the staff with the quality of your work, and take that as a compliment. It is important that you try other areas of care before you decide on a final place of imployment. Be polite, but firm in addressing this issue. Best wishes and good luck. CHICK

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I too agree with the others. Get some different experience, but definitely let her know you want to return there and enjoy working there. Good luck! :D

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I suspect you ANM wants you to come to her unit as a new grad and is afraid she'll lose you to Ortho. Stick to your plan. Not only will you be a better nurse for the extra experience you get, you'll be practicing standing up for what you want and know is best for you.

Congradualtions for being selected for the internship.

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