Unique job for new grad...

forthebirds · Oct 5, 2009

Hi All!
So I have been offered a position for when I graduate, after (hopefully) a critical care or emergency externship. I worked with a group of physicians and allied health professionals in Nicaragua for a year and a half, teaching and translating. We work in the hospital with the Nicaraguan docs. I am completing my 2nd degree BSN, and have been offered a 6 month, compensated professional internship. I would be doing nursing triage, and working in both outpatient and emergency, so it offers LOTS of assessment opportunity. I am bilingual, so communication is not an issue.
I want to go onto complete my MSN as an FNP, and was wondering:
Would schools or community health jobs value experience in rural nursing?
Is being abroad a disadvantage, or exemplary of philanthropic interest?
I would be fine doing compulsory med-surg, but rural nursing is why I chose nursing instead of med school. If this were you, would you do it?
I'm excited to hear your thoughts!
B

Wow, congratulations! It sounds like you have been offered a great opportunity. I believe most FNP programs are looking for candidates to have 1 to 2 years of experience (though not all require this) as Registered Nurse. Some schools have a minimum hour requirement for entry. If you are thinking of a particular program you may want to check out their website and look for the MSN admission criteria. As far as your opportunity, its seems like emergency medicine would give you a well rounded background. Good luck.

PurpleLVN · Oct 5, 2009

GO FOR IT:yeah:!!!!!!!! If I had the experience-1 1/2 years in Nicaragua with docs and nurses and being bilingual-you couldn't keep me away. That is my true dream in nursing-to help the less fortunate and know that I've made a difference! I'm sure these credentials will enhance your career opportunities! Good luck and God bless you!!

RN <>< · Oct 5, 2009

Congratulations!!!!

whiskeygirl, LPN · Oct 5, 2009

OMG!!

That sounds like such the wonderful experience. If you have nothing holding you back here (in the states), GO! It would be so valuable to your career. You will also have experiences that you could never have here.

6 months is such a short time to be away from home, it will go by before you know it but the knowledge will be there for forever.

You are so fortunate to have this opportunity. Best of luck to you!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 6, 2009

I would be fine doing compulsory med-surg, but rural nursing is why I chose nursing instead of med school. If this were you, would you do it?

If it were me...I'd go! Med-surg will always be there waiting for you, but opportunities like this are few and far between--take them if you can :)

katkonk, BSN, RN · Oct 6, 2009

Another thought...

I think you could check with one of your professors at the university you are attending and likely turn your Central America experience that you are going to embark on, into a course for credit as well. You will need to write a paper and likely do some research, but I feel fairly certain you can get a professor to enroll you in a special credit course. Then you would get the experience, as well as credit that will help you when you decide to further your academics in grad school. Good luck, and travel as much as you can, while you can. It will be an invaluable experience! Buena suerte and vaya con Dios.

monkeytoes31 · Oct 12, 2009

HI!!

I would like to ask you a couple of questions maybe u can email me? Im planning on moving there in about 1yr...

MedSurgeMess · Oct 12, 2009

that is so awesome! I'm so envious.....this is the kind of opportunity most of us dream of, even if we're not bilingual! Take this opportunity and run, not many get a chance like this.