New RN/inexperienced nurse considering nurse externship

Nurses General Nursing

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  1. Do you think a nurse externship will help in regards to bridging to an RN position?

    • 4
      Yes
    • 5
      No
    • 5
      This is not the appropriate way to go about finding employment

14 members have participated

Hello everybody!

I am a new RN in a bridge program to become an ACNP. I am a part-time student, and seeking part-time employment as an RN in a hospital setting- preferably in critical or emergency care. As you already know, finding part time employment as a new RN in a hospital setting is very challenging!

I really want to get my foot in the door, but my applications are being immediately rejected by the recruitment teams due to the combination of being a new nurse + needing part time employment around my school schedule.

I am thinking my best shot is to become a nurse extern to get oriented, and get some support from the nurses on the unit for becoming a part-time RN.

Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance for anyone who takes the time to respond. You guys are the best.

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
In a way this is already being addressed with the DNP movement, although these programs also seem pretty "fluffy" as well.

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Unfortunately apparently much to my disappointment the DNP is not a clinical degree there are no additional clinical requirements above the masters and they actually count the capstone project thing as clinical hours. :(

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Not getting into the experience issue for being an NP but sometimes you have to work around what employers want or else risk wasting your tuition money when you cant get a job.

If it were me, and employers were looking for full time employees, I would take time off school and work full time then request leave to work pt and complete school. Schools will always be there to take your money.

The other consideration you should investigate is the employability of NP's who have graduated without RN experience. As you mentioned its a common education path in your area but personally I would want to know how the job market has been for them.

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

Well the fact you have felt to be defensive from skilled nursing responses, is what it isllll

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Specializes in IDD, and private duty.

I understand the OPs feelings concerning the responses given. Many of the responses did not address her questions, but rather were focused on the issue of a NP without RN experience (which she was not seeking advice about). I became an LPN after a non nursing BS. I have regretted not becoming a NP many times. With my BS,I don't qualify for any financial aid so this isn't an option at this point in my life. That said, I would have loved to have been able to go straight from HS and then RN straight to FNP. MDs enter college and go straight for their MD because they want to be providers. Why can an individual who wants to be a NP provider not just go straight for it? Regardless of your opinion on the matter, it isn't what she was asking.

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I understand the OPs feelings concerning the responses given. Many of the responses did not address her questions, but rather were focused on the issue of a NP without RN experience (which she was not seeking advice about). I became an LPN after a non nursing BS. I have regretted not becoming a NP many times. With my BS,I don't qualify for any financial aid so this isn't an option at this point in my life. That said, I would have loved to have been able to go straight from HS and then RN straight to FNP. MDs enter college and go straight for their MD because they want to be providers. Why can an individual who wants to be a NP provider not just go straight for it? Regardless of your opinion on the matter, it isn't what she was asking.

Because it takes a significant amount of knowledge and skills to be a competent provider. NP programs are no where near as rigorous as an MD program. They have relied on the fact that NPs had healthcare experience as RNs. I'm in an NP program and am pretty terrified of the amount of material we have to teach ourselves. I was not going to comment on this debate but you asked the question.

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Congratulations on your RN completion and recognizing you need RN experience to be the best NP you can be. Please refer to your state nursing board in regards to working as a "nurse extern", if it is a position for RN students who have not completed schooling and are not licensed. In Texas, for example, you are required to work at your highest licensure--an RN would work as an RN and not as a CNA or Med Tech, once you pass boards. Once you passed, you would be looking for a nurse residency program.

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Update: A couple months ago I got a part time RN position at a nursing facility, working with a combination of long-term care a rehab patients! I am really enjoying it. I have a supportive working environment, and feel it is an excellent learning and growth opportunity. After graduation in a few months I will go full time. There are a lot of exciting long-term goals in the works as well :) Thanks

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