Student Nurse Externship vs. Student Nurse Residency?

[lonestar88]

Today I went to a discussion about the UMMC's summer externship program. Apparently it's a residency program? It just seems so amazing with what you do and that you will be exposed to. I didn't think about UMMC at all because of the drive it would be for me once I'm back at home during the summer... But it'll be 3 days a week so I figured that's okay to handle since gas is cheaper now and they pay $15 with 15% night differentials. I'm obviously not in it for only the money, the experience they seem to promise is breath taking.

You are also required to take various classes and keep journals on your experience. Is this the same for other externships also?

Anyway, does anyone have expereince with this program? Is this different from other externship programs? Before coming to this meeting I had my mind set on going to Washington Hospital Center for the location and other great things I've heard. I know I'm still going to apply to both but they kept stressing on how we won't be a student nurse, we'll be a student nurse resident and will get to do more than a student nurse (is that what you are when you apply to other externships?) and techs.

[cybclimb]

If you think you are staying for awhile why not sign for the clinical scholars? Commitment varies from 12 month to 18 months depending on amount of grant. Personally 18 months is not that long especially for a new grad as you're just getting your feet wet. There's so much to learn within a year, especially in critical care areas. And as per policy now, you could only operate/attend training for CRRT after a year of service. This is a very valuable skill to learn. I got out after >18 months (due to family situation) and was immediately hired by another teaching hospital here in PA. UMMC is the way to go. Pt acuity is really high, although my old unit there don't do trauma cases but here in PA I get multi-trauma, in addition to surgical cases. But I got a really good knowledge base in UMMC. Good luck on your decision

[Agrippa]

I did the SNR and am currently in the clin scholar program for my practicum. It has been fantastic thus far. I learned more during the SNR than I did all throughout nursing school. I don't know if that reflects well on the program or badly on my nursing school .

So yes, I like it. I will be working on the unit of my choice. 18 months is nothing - it will take me at least that much to feel totally competent in critical care anyway. If you're interested in trauma and critical care, theres no other place in the region where you will experience what you can at UMMS. Perhaps at Hopkins.