Well, I applied to a major hospital in the northwest, as they say for students to apply 6-8 weeks prior to graduation. The CCU nursing internship position requirements are:
NEW GRADS. New Grads with minimum 130 hours clinically precepted in a critical care unit. In lieu of 130 hours, new grad candidates may be considered with one or more of the preferred qualifications; experience as a CNA, Unit Clerk, student technician, or extern in a hospital setting.
I was told I would not be considered because I don't have 130 hours of CCU clinicals. I guess this would apply to any graduates of programs similar to EC.
Apparently 18 years as a paramedic doesn't compare to 3 weeks as a student in a CCU or even experience as a unit clerk. This could be a rude wake-up call for me. It's staggering to think that I may need to mention that 20 years ago I was a CNA for a year?
Oh well, there are many other departments and I'm waiting to hear back about whether they'll consider a new-grad without clinicals. Everything else specifies 1-3 years experience "as an RN". It's too bad, because they have many positions open.
Maybe check with the same, or other local hospitals and see if they offer an internship program that will give you the clinical skills you need to pursue your career.
I think there are, and there may very well be other ways in the door to this hospital as well (regular floor nurse, etc). They're huge. I'm still waiting for feedback from the various department heads. The recruiter for the hospital did tell me to continue to apply to other departments.
I've just added my CNA and ward clerk experience from 20 years ago to my CV. Maybe that will help.
To answer your first question that you edited out, the hospital says for new grads to apply 6-8 weeks before graduation. I don't think this is a new concept.
Now would you care to explain to the audience just why you're attacking me? :argue:
Did I say that? :anbd:Please don't presume to put words in my mouth. My post is very specific as to what the problem is. No clinicals means no consideration for this position. You should neither dismiss it (because it is fact) nor imply that I blame everything on EC. Perhaps you should investigate why you made such a defensive statement in my thread?
To answer your first question that you edited out, the hospital says for new grads to apply 6-8 weeks before graduation. I don't think this is a new concept.
Now would you care to explain to the audience just why you're attacking me? :argue:
Yes, it's my thread, or if you prefer, my topic. I started it.
I don't "blame" EC for anything. I am a perfectly content EC student. I posted a fact about what happened to me today for informational purposes and get feedback about how often this happens to others.
Nowhere in my thread to I blame Excelsior for "all my problems" or even for this problem.
This could be a rude wake-up call for me. It's staggering to think that I may need to mention that 20 years ago I was a CNA for a year? 
EquuszARNP
132 Posts
I think there are, and there may very well be other ways in the door to this hospital as well (regular floor nurse, etc). They're huge. I'm still waiting for feedback from the various department heads. The recruiter for the hospital did tell me to continue to apply to other departments.
I've just added my CNA and ward clerk experience from 20 years ago to my CV. Maybe that will help.