Out-of-state internship

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 22, 2015

Is this an externship that is like a job for nursing students? (I've only heard of internships as being for new grad nurses on orientation- could be a regional thing). If so, it will allow you to make connections at the facility that could potentially lead to a nursing job. In the current job environment in many areas, it's who you know that helps you get your foot in the door. Externships allow you to experience the culture and expectations of a workplace while working with a licensed nurse but with a little more independence than you would have during clinicals.

What you should do is research possible externships and the requirements. In my facility, students must have completed their third semester of nursing classes. It would also be wise to find out what you are expected/allowed to do- some areas are more restrictive than others. Realize that these positions are probably going to be competitive, so you may want to start looking at your resume now and polishing it. One of the downsides of an externship out of state could be the fact that you will have no clinical exposure to the units offering internships- some units may prefer students that they've already been with and who have an established good reputation.

play_skool · Jan 22, 2015

Is this an externship that is like a job for nursing students? (I've only heard of internships as being for new grad nurses on orientation- could be a regional thing). If so, it will allow you to make connections at the facility that could potentially lead to a nursing job. In the current job environment in many areas, it's who you know that helps you get your foot in the door. Externships allow you to experience the culture and expectations of a workplace while working with a licensed nurse but with a little more independence than you would have during clinicals.
What you should do is research possible externships and the requirements. In my facility, students must have completed their third semester of nursing classes. It would also be wise to find out what you are expected/allowed to do- some areas are more restrictive than others. Realize that these positions are probably going to be competitive, so you may want to start looking at your resume now and polishing it. One of the downsides of an externship out of state could be the fact that you will have no clinical exposure to the units offering internships- some units may prefer students that they've already been with and who have an established good reputation.

Yes, the few I looked at were summer externships between 8 and 10 weeks in the summer. They were paid and some offered housing or housing allowance (partial). They did require that you either finished your first semester of nursing school or be in your last so you can transition into a job after graduation.