Nurse Externs

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I'm almost ready (Dec 9) to apply for a nursing externship. Any advice about how to get the process started or the best way to pursue an area I'd be interested in working in? Websites, Career Fairs, Job Placement agencies...? I'd like to get the best out of this experience that I possibly can so any advice would be appreciated!:icon_roll

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Specializes in ICCU - cardiac.

Call HR at the hospitals you are interested and ask for the nursing recruiter; that person can give you the info re: the next time frame for interviews. There is a time lapse between your interview and when you begin to work r/t the amt of applicants. At my interview, 5 nurses asked me questions about myself, skills and opinions. It was very laid back. I was offered the job 3 weeks later and started about another 3 weeks after that, when I finished the preliminary testing.

Good Luck to You! I think having an externship builds your skills and confidence and prepares you for when you graduate. It really gets you into that mindframe.

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Do you usually do this after your first year of school?

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Specializes in ICU.

Hi there guys, sorry I can't answer your question candygyrl but amybeth is a fountain of knowledge...lucky for us all. Im starting the program in January at HFCC:)

So my question to either of you is, when are you eligible to work in the hospital? I was hoping to get hired sooner than a year after starting?????

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

Hope some of you apply for SICU internships at HFH. It's a wonderful learning experience and plus you are considered for hire into SICU after you graduate over new grads who didn't do an ICU externship.

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Specializes in CICU.
Hope some of you apply for SICU internships at HFH. It's a wonderful learning experience and plus you are considered for hire into SICU after you graduate over new grads who didn't do an ICU externship.

Do you know where to find more info on this? I took a peek at the HFH website but didn't see anything specific. Thanks!

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Specializes in ICCU - cardiac.

Thanks RN2B73!:heartbeat Yes, you can start an externship after 2 clinical rotations with one being Med/Surg, which is accomplished in the first year. You also have to have a 3.0 GPA. I heard about the externship right here on allnurses! The best way is to talk to the nurse recruiter and they can give you the dates; they only hold interviews at certain times - like April-June and October where I work. I know Oakwood, St. John's, Botsford and HF all hire externs. And the pay rocks almost as much as the experience! And the positions fill fast so be on the ball!

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Specializes in L&D, Family Practice, HHA, IM.

Being a NE is one of the best ways to prepare for nursing, IMO, without actually being an RN. It will give you insights into nursing that textbooks, clinicals, and labs just can't give you.

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You're eligible to work as an extern after you successfully complete Med Surg I. Some students already have landed extern equivalent jobs due to prior work experience. I am in like my 3rd week so I'm trying to line myself up before all the good ones are taken.

I'd love to do an intern in SICU where do I sign up! :redbeathe Do they hire externs? Any suggestions on ideal units to try and aim for as an extern?:idea:

I really need that experience under my belt I feel like I'm only touching the surface from where I stand and I want IN just a little deeper. OK... back to my patho paper... NOW! :typing

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Specializes in ICU.

but can you get a job doing anything in the hospital prior to that?????

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

You could always work as a CNA. It's good experience also. I learned a lot of working with nurses before I went to nursing school.

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