Nurse Extern

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Hi everyone!

I was recently hired as a nurse extern in the CCU and I start in about two weeks. I will also be entering my last semester of an ASN program at that time and I am worried about time management. Luckily, I will only be required to work two shifts a month to keep this externship but the unknown scares me. Can anyone give me some helpful tips about extern positions and things I need to be working on? Especially for a CCU environment. I am so intimidated but very excited! Any information would be appreciated. Thanks everyone.

Megan

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

There is no standard job description so we don't know what your new job will entail. You need to have this discussion with your new supervisor.

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I was just hoping for a heads up from anyone that has held an extern job. Thanks anyways.

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Twice a month doesn't sound so bad. Especially compared to my 16hrs biweekly requirement. The best person to talk to would really be your manager.

Wishing you the best!

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I don't have a manager or supervisor as of yet. My orientation isn't until next week. Just trying to ease my jitters. Thank you

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Specializes in Hospice.
I don't have a manager or supervisor as of yet. My orientation isn't until next week. Just trying to ease my jitters. Thank you

Maybe post in Nursing Students?

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I was an extern last summer. My commitment was full time for the summer and I followed one preceptor the whole time. Basically the job description I had was mostly like a PCA (I took the clients assigned to my preceptor) but I also passed meds, did IVs, and did assessments. I got to follow patients wherever they went in the hospital if they were getting an interesting procedure (this was on a surgical floor). My preceptor was fabulous and she took time to explain things to me and to go over the science of stuff, which was awesome. Overall it was stressful, because it was my first job in the hospital but I learned so much.

I spent a semester precepted in the SICU during school and I had only 1-2 patients because SICU nurses at that hospital had a max of 2 patients. I'm guessing the CCU is similar.

I hope this helped and I hope you have a great experience as an extern. I sure did!

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That helps a lot! Thank you very much. :)

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