Should I work in the summmer to build up my resume?

[mariarose]

I'm currently a junior (3rd yr out of 4) full-time nursing student going for BSN.

I'm contemplating for next summer, if I should be in an nursing externship/intership for PCA or CNA position (just for the summer). The purpose is to build my resume and having something to write about when I apply for jobs after graduation. I heard that hospitals are now requiring more potential applicants to have some background/experience in a healthcare field. I hear it helps you find which specialty you want to go in.

Does anyone think that having a summer externship/intership is important to find a nursing job in a hospital?

This might sound early to be asking but If I was going to do it, the application process takes time.

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

It's good that you're thinking ahead. It is a good idea to get a PCA or CNA position at a facility if that's the facility you want to work at. When you graduate, that experience will not count as nursing experience.

Are there any student nurse externships available? Those positions allow you to have a wider scope of practice and would benefit you greatly in the future.

[mariarose]

It's good that you're thinking ahead. It is a good idea to get a PCA or CNA position at a facility if that's the facility you want to work at. When you graduate, that experience will not count as nursing experience.

Are there any student nurse externships available? Those positions allow you to have a wider scope of practice and would benefit you greatly in the future.

I'm not sure what you mean by saying it will not count as a "nursing experience." I want to work in the hospital in specific departments such as ICU or ER.

It seems that the externships, I've been seeing online are saying it's either CNA or PCA type of work.

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

I'm not sure what you mean by saying it will not count as a "nursing experience." I want to work in the hospital in specific departments such as ICU or ER.

It seems that the externships, I've been seeing online are saying it's either CNA or PCA type of work.

Nursing experience, as in, when you graduate, your starting off without any experience of working as a nurse. Sorry, I don't know a better way to explain it. I'm struggling with words, so maybe someone else can explain better. But CNA/PCA experience is not considered to be nursing experience.

It is a good way to get your foot in the door and essentially "market" yourself on the unit you work at.

[Tumbler]

Absolutely do an externship. The experience can get you interviews in many hospitals. If you want a specialty, try for an externship in that area. Where I'm working now, you don,t get into the ER or the ICU unless you did an externship or a lengthy preceptorship in that specialty (and the employer still prefers grads from one nearby university).

[hally33]

I say go for it! I am in an ABSN program on the final stretch and all I want to do is graduate and get a job! I have heard that some student from previous classes have graduated and got jobs without working as a CNA, butttt getting your foot in the door and meeting new people and networking is the best way to get a job after school. And even if you dont connect with anyone, you still can put this experience on your resume which (in my opinion) will help when it comes time to start applying for big nursing jobs. Good luck!