UCSD Nurse Intern/Extern cover letter Help

Published

Specializes in Case Management.

Hello All -

I'm an ABSN student currently in the 4th semester (of 6) preparing to apply for a nursing student EXTERNSHIP for Summer semester. I will also be competing for competitive placement for INTERNSHIP/PRECEPTORSHIP in the Fall semester over which I have little control from what I am told...

My school has made it crystal clear that Critical Care placements are elusive, few and far between, rare, "highly unlikely" etc... However, the ONLY location we are eligible to apply for this summer ( UCSD , yay) does in fact offer ICU, ED, PCU placements. So, I plan to apply ANYWAY and hope for the best! My interest is in that specific order... but I am a little lost on what to write on a cover sheet and how to make myself stand out! I have a standard cover letter, stating my interest in their facility, and that I hope to put my education into real world practice, etc... but it just seems kinda boring and basic. Has anyone out there completed a UCSD externship, and if so what do you think made your application successful??

I do already have BLS, ACLS, and Mental Health First Aid certifications. I also have previous work experience as an Inpatient Case Manager, so I am well versed in providing patient education, discharge planning, etc. I'm not sure these skills are super transferable to ICU or ED so I'm a little stumped on how to sell myself properly to secure what I am confident is a VERY competitive unit placement.

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFO --- Since the summer externships are both NOT REQUIRED & would also cost $1,200 in extra tuition ...if I do not get the placement I am seeking I do not plan on completing the externship at all. I know that might sound bad, but I am being picky since I am pretty broke and the time commitment would also be considerable (120 hrs in 10 weeks). A MedSurg internship/preceptorship is basically guaranteed for my final semester, so I don't want to pay extra tuition for more of the same if that makes any sense.

Thanks in advance for any and all input. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello!

I am in your same position, just a few years later ? I was bummed to see that no one had replied back to you or has since created any more posts about UCSD’s externship program. Did you end up getting in, if you don’t mind me asking? Any tips for an applicant? 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion