What exactly are "fellow" programs?

[justme1972]

I have noticed that several hospitals have these. I have read articles from time to time that so and so was a "fellow" for a particular program of study.

I'm not sure of what these are.

Is this a fancy term for an externship?

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

is this a fancy term for an externship?

no.

fellowships are most often a year of intense training and practice in area of specialization post completion of advanced medical + nursing education.

medicine:

medical school graduate > intern (1yr) > resident (3-5 years) > fellowship (1-2 yrs)

nursing:

nursing school graduate > bsn > masters &/ or doctorate > fellowship

fellowship can also be bestowed to a healthcare professional for advanced studeis and contribution to their specific field:

american academy of nursing

fellows are selected for their "extraordinary commitment and contributions to nursing that far exceed the responsibilities of their employment and the potential for sustained contributions to the profession in the future"

pilon named american academy of nursing fellow

[color=#990000]collins named academy of nursing fellow

medicine:

american academy of pediarics

american college of surgeons

some large healthcare systems are devising different fellowship program:

a fellowship is a program for the experienced registered nurse who desires to enter a specialty field in which he/she has no current experience.

example: innova http://www.inova.org/inovapublic.srt/careers/fellowships/fellowships.htm

nursing fellowship opportunities at providence