Nursing Externship.

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Hello,

I don't know exactly if I am posting in the right area (perhaps, this should be in the students section but still couldn't find an exact location to put it). Posting it here though, because I am assuming that many of you are already nurses and might be helpful to me.

I'm onto my 3rd semester of my BSN nursing program....and desperately looking for a externship, except those things are SO hard to get. I am extremely disappointed (at myself and the situation) because I've had 2 externship interviews and have gotten no call backs (I know I didn't get the position). I am feeling awfully discouraged at this point.

I know that even if I don't get an externship, I will be a nurse no matter what...but just the thought that I was so close to getting one and the fact that I could get a job so much easier if I did get one.

Has anyone been in my shoes or similar situations? How hard was it to get an externship (if you ever had one) and what did you do if you had interviews but didn't get the position for the externship?

Please help me out, would greatly appreciate it!!! Thank YOU!

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Go see a career counselor at the college, have them review your resume (which is prob good since you have gotten interviews) then practice interview questions and do some mock interviews. It sounds to me like you probably are just nervous at the interviewsOR you may just be getting beat out by internal candidates which you cannot control. You can imprive interviewing skills with practice. Cast a wide net, apply to externships at EVERY hospital within driving distance, call them and ask if they offer them even if they are not advertised. It would be worth a long commute to have it on your resume.

If you dont get one, apply for jobs as a Student Nurse or Student Nurse Tech, these references will also look great on a resume, and they could lead to an Externship. I had to take a job in transport which lead to a job as an aide which lead to a student nurse position which landed me an externship. Take whatever foot in the door you can get at the hospital you want to work at and work hard, show up on time, and introduce yourself to everyone. They usually hire someone from within if they can.

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If you dont get one, apply for jobs as a Student Nurse or Student Nurse Tech, these references will also look great on a resume, and they could lead to an Externship. I had to take a job in transport which lead to a job as an aide which lead to a student nurse position which landed me an externship. They usually hire someone from within if they can.

This was my path too. Get into the hospital in another job as listed above, they do hire from within.

Keep applying for the Externship as well. Keep your spirits up and keep going....

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress..

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Specializes in ICU.

Don't let it get you down. Definitely follow the advice about going to career services and making a resume and practicing interviews. I have worked as a tech at a hospital since before I was in the nursing program. I applied for their extern and didn't get it. I felt awful- a lot of people in my class didn't get in but I was the ONLY one who already worked there and didn't get it. I went to career services and they helped me a lot. I still don't know if it was my interview or whatever else, but I applied for their intern this semester as well as an intern position at a competing hospital and ended up getting both. Don't give up.

If you are having a lot of trouble, a nursing home or rehab facility might be a place to start. Even if you don't want to work there after graduation at least you'll have experience. It would be even better to apply for one that is connected to a hospital you're interested in working in.

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Hello. I agree with the writers who suggest a meeting with any career services at your school or applying to work as a student nurse(nursing assistant level) in a hospital or nursing home. When I was in college, I worked at a local hospital every weekend as a "nurse assistant" for income and for the great clinical experience---after graduation, I was able to obtain my first professional job at that same hospital because I had my "foot in door". Best wishes!

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Specializes in NICU,Mother-Baby,L&D.

Yea I agree you should try to get a nurse tech position. I am an ER nurse tech and I have a better chance of getting hired as a nurse when I complete my RN program because I already work at the hospital.

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Thank you all so much for your advice and support!!! I feel better already, truly! I will take all your advice and put it into use. I currently work in a group home for developmentally delayed children (I pass meds, trach care, gtube care/feedings) and it's been so far, a wonderful experience.

Thanks again!

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