How to get a PCT or student nurse extern

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Hello! I just finished level 3 as a nursing student. I've been applying to MANY (emphasis on many), unit tech, nurse extern and student-patient care tech jobs for the summer but have not been successful so far... Does anyone have any advice on what I should do? On my resume it shows I've had a good amount of experience in the clinical setting. I am CPR/AED certified and have familiarity in One Chart and EPIC patient charting software. Is there something specific I don't have that they're looking for?

Any help is very much appreciated,

Thanks!

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hi ckordzi!

It might be really difficult to find a position now because a lot of students have applied much earlier, so it might technically be late :/. But the smartest thing you could possibly do is check career sites EVERY DAY for positions during the school year as a per diem tech or something like that. Searching for positions for nursing students is the best during the middle of summer (in my opinion) because a lot of other students might not be looking at that time.

Having a part time job at my dream hospital during my senior year was the best thing I did for myself (even though it was hard when I had exams coming up) because I still have a few months until graduation but was already offered a full-time RN position for September!

Another piece of advice is to broaden your search even if you only want to be in a hospital! Don't just look at hospitals because at the end of the day, any experience is better than no experience. Look to be a home health aide, nursing home assistant, or even a tutor! Beef up that resume with any sort of outside experience

Keep searching for positions!!! You can do it!

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I assumed it was really late now :( I did apply to some positions earlier in the year but things got side lined when finals started. I will for sure consider applying now for the upcoming semester! Do you think my bad luck has more so to do with the timing then?

Thanks so much :)

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Yeah definitely DO NOT be discouraged because timing has probably got a lot to do with it. Just keep trying, and make good relationships with your clinical sites AND clinical instructors. Keep tryin!!! good luck :)

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Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.

Sometimes, because these positions are very coveted, a connection is necessary to secure one.

In addition to looking outside of acute care facilities, consider other positions within the hospital. I've known someone to start in transport and eventually end up a nurse at that particular healthcare system because there are internal postings and it is often much simpler for everyone to do an internal transfer.

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Hello!

I was a student nurse extern at a big hospital in northern CA. I think it may depend on what each particular hospital needs. In my case, I saw the need for Spanish speaking nurses in CA, and so I have been taking Spanish classes alongside my nursing courses. I also volunteer at a free clinic and as a mentor for nursing students. I personally think that clinical experience does not matter much because all the nursing students in your area will have similar experience. If I were you I would try volunteering. You could also become a personal care assistant. I worked as one before nursing school and got great experience working with a client that had a PEG tube and colostomy. It will also look great on your resume when you look for your first job :)

Externships are great, but if you cannot find one there are other options to gain experience and strengthen your resume.

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