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I am also a nurse extern at our local hospital. I've worked in the ER and am now on the med/surg floor. I loved working in the ER but now I understand why seasoned nurses are saying to work on med/surg after graduation. There is everything under the sun going on there. It is a great learning experience and I can always find something new to ask a question about!!!
Originally posted by nurs2bWhat all do you get to do in your job???
I'm sure it varies a lot from place to place. I basically get to do what the MAs do, with a few things added. I can do assessments and chart (an RN has to sign also). I can insert foleys and NG tubes and change non-sterile dressings.
No passing meds, no messing with IVs--at all.
It's more of a learning experience than anything else. I am not counted in staffing. I am assigned to a nurse. Yesterday I did a lot of following her around and asking questions.
I'm finding it really good working as an Agency Health Care Assistant while studying. I get to choose when I work and most times there is a shift available for me.
What I appreciate most is that I'm seeing different areas and getting a feel for where I might like to work when I qualify.
Most of the nurses are great and put up with the rookie asking a ton of questions.
memphispanda, RN
810 Posts
We're supposed to be on spring break, but because of tight money and all, I decided I needed to extern. I had orientation (to the system) earlier in the week, but this was my first day on the floor.
I'm working on a med/surg unit that does teams. It got a little slow up there today, so I suspect tomorrow will be wild! Anyway, about 15 minutes after I got there a patient on a different team passed, but she was DNR so I didn't get to see a full code in action--I really am wanting that experience. Then after a ton of the every day dull assessment/bathing/feeding I got to witness a grand mal seizure.
I am hoping that this experience will help me be more comfortable with the day to day things a nurse does.