What is the difference b/t Nurse Intern vs Nurse Extern?

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 10, 2009

In most cases ...

A nurse intern is a new graduate in a special oriention for new grads as an RN.

Most people use the term "extern" for jobs for student nurses before they graduate.

A few place use other terms or use the terms differently. So, there is no guarantee that a particular hospital will use the terms in that way. In particular, a few hospitals use the term "intern" for student nurse jobs.

You'll just have to read the job descriptions and the job requirements -- or ask someone at that hospital (such as the recruiter) to verify what the terms mean for that particular hospital.

snk2001 · Jan 10, 2009

Thanks so much! I graduate next month and I just wanted to make sure I'm on track! I think it's close enough to apply for the Nurse Intern, right?

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 10, 2009

Definitely close enough. You are looking for a job as new graduate staff nurse. Some places will call such people "interns" -- but other places will simply call the "staff nurse" positions or "RN" positions. Not every place uses the term "intern." Some places with orientation programs that are great for new grads don't use that term. They hire new grads as RN's and give them them the great orientation.

What I'm trying to say is: Don't limit your search to only those places that use the term "intern." A "staff nurse" job or "RN" job in a place that offers a good orientation for new grads is just as good. It's just a matter of which terminology they use to name the job.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

ask hr ... every state and facility is different. my state bon requires those who either have not completed nursing school or who have completed nursing school but have not passed the nclex to assume the title nurse extern if working because nurse externs in my state have a scope of practice. i was able to apply for rn staff positions before i graduate because my hospital hires new grads (nurse externs) and gives us time to pass the nclex and obtain our license. however, despite having a scope of practice some facilities choose not to hire those without licenses. thus, as a student in 4th semester you should contact every facility of interest and ask them what positions are opened to you when you graduate. :typing

turnerika · Feb 8, 2009

Pretty much the same...