UCLA Summer Nursing Externship

[leagras21]

Hello!

I just finished the UCLA Summer Nursing Externship during the 2017 summer. In light of the complete lack of information during my application experience when I was first applying for the position, I wanted to offer some information for those who may be applying in the future.

Application process:

When I was applying in 2016 for the 2017 summer, the application was due JANUARY 31, 2017. So, current juniors, you should be thinking about this NOW.

The application involves an online portion and a resume, two letters of recommendation, a cover letter, and transcripts. I sent my unofficial transcripts so I wouldn't have to pay extra for sending the official ones.* Sheri Monsein is the director of the program so she will be who will see your application and deciding if you get the position or not. If you have a student center on campus that helps with resumes or cover letters I strongly suggest you use them. UCLA Medical Center is a very prestigious hospital that demands a very high level of excellence from ALL their employees. If you're applying for this position, you need to consider yourself applying to be an employee. That being said, write a strong, specific cover letter stating why you want to work for UCLA. Do some research as to why they're such an accredited hospital and brand. Whether you're just emailing Sheri for a quick question or calling her to just ensure she got your documents; you should always be respectful and professional. Head your emails, include a subject and greeting and ALWAYS use spell check. Not to sound arrogant, but I'm an extremely strong writer so I felt confident in writing my cover letter myself. However, if you are a science-brained person who has trouble spelling, take this into account and work on it!

You earn more respect if you're aware of your weaknesses and work on them.

Externship:

The program itself is 6 weeks long. Three of the six weeks are at two different units. You are assigned to one unit and preceptor for three weeks as a "home base" meaning you will report to that unit for 2-3 days out of 7.

So, if you choose two units as your main unit, you'll be at one for three weeks and the next for the second three weeks of the program.

I chose the Cardiac ICU and the ER. My first three weeks I was at the ICU and it was definitely my favorite. Since I had some days free, I rotated through three other units during that week; two other ICUs and the ER at Ronald Reagan hospital. The second week I was based at the Santa Monica Hospital in the ER with rotating shifts at L&D and two other units.

Housing: housing was free for me because I go to school about two hours away (I won't be answering any personal questions to ensure my anonymity in this post so please don't PM/comment asking what school I attended) and the commute would have been way too far.

That said, if it is more convenient to have housing RIGHT by the hospital, then take it. It's a great opportunity to have the apartments in Westwood* and the area is very nice and safe.

They are usually furnished so don't expect to move your whole apartment in. 6 weeks will go by FAST so anticipate that.

Tips:

This is an UNPAID position so don't ask as it's both tacky (because it says so online) and ignorant of the opportunity at hand.

That being said, I don't recommend you working on your days off. You work an average of 4 days a week (FULL 12.5 hour shifts) so let yourself rest on the off days. I know finances are rough, but I highly recommend saving for those six weeks if that's the case for food, gas and outings as rent\utilities are completely covered for. I'm personally a student on scholarships and loans so I understand being strapped for cash but I definitely underestimated how exhausting it would be. Don't take any online classes unless you're sure you'll have no interests outside of the hospital and those classes.

Definitely get to know your preceptors, always come with questions about the position, the unit, or medical questions. They will respond to you, so if you show you are a hard worker and critical thinker, they're going to trust you with more than just cleaning a bed. They didn't read your applications or resume so you have to show them who you are.

Sheri is an amazing coordinator and if you want an extra day at a unit or different preceptor, ASK!! You will never be in a position where your greatest responsibility is learning instead of caring for patients so take full advantage of this opportunity.

Lastly, treat this like a job interview. The entire six weeks is a trial run if you were to work at UCLA. Be polite, follow protocols, and always put safety first. NEVER be afraid to ask questions and NEVER feel pressured to do something you don't feel that is in your capacity. Integrity and honesty are highest qualifications a future nurse can exhibit.

Good luck and if I didn't cover something specific, please ask!!

However, I will not be answering personal questions such as what my resume looks like, what I said in my cover letter or anything that may resemble a HIPPA violation.

*this indicates that a detail in my description may have changed since I was in the program and you must double check your information. If you have any additional questions about my program experience, tips, or general questions, feel free to comment with them as many people may have that same question.

Even if you don't think you'll get it, APPLY!

This is a great opportunity and you should give it your best shot.

All the best!

[csucinursing20]

Hi there! Thank you so much for your post. It really shed some light to the ambiguous info I've seen from other forums. I have several questions:

1) I understand that the externship itself is unpaid, but it sounds like they cover some expenses. If I'm out of state, will they cover for my 6 week stay?

2) I attend a local university as well and they have required summer classes that begin in July (once a week classes). In the event that I do get into the UCLA program, will I have the opportunity to choose which days so that I can attend the last couple of weeks of the program w/o missing the first week of my class?

Thank you so much for you input! I really appreciate it.

[zoyaSN]

Hey, thanks for posting this! I really appreciate it. I just applied for Summer 2018. What do you think got you into the program? What are you doing now?

[lmosman]

Hello thank you for your post. I applied for this externship as well, how long did it take you to hear back from them?

[pbpatrick]

Did they drug test you before hiring you for the position? or did you have to take one before your start date at all?

[djd241]

Hi! For those of you who did the nursing externship, I was just wondering what the housing situation is like? Is there a kitchen and is it dorm style or apartment style? Thanks!