Will an internship be helpful?

[BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN]

I'm getting ready to start my final year in an ASN program. I am currently unemployed (due to a layoff outside of my control) and am looking for something part-time in the healthcare industry. I have been applying for patient care tech positions but haven't had a bite yet. I was thinking about trying to get an internship at the local hospital (even though my program doesn't require it) for the experience. Do you think it's worth it? I was looking for some type of experience to put on my resume when I start looking for a job next year. Any advice is appreciated. :)

[TUhopeful]

In my BSN program, intern/externships are CRUCIAL. They set you apart from all the other applicants for jobs. Employers want to know you are a good worker and have some kindof experience outside of clinicals. I know all the people who got hired out of nursing school had atleast 1 internship. Idk if it is the same for ASN programs but I would definitely do it!!!

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

My advice would be to keep in mind that there are other places be sided the hospital for a nurse to work.

Why on earth do 90% of nursing students want to work in their local hospitals? Look around the posts on this site and you'll see that your

chances of getting into a hospital as a new grad are slim. There are other places to work. Like LTC or dialysis or corrections or subacute. All these places are hiring far more new grads than the ICU or L and D floors all you guys "just have to" work in.

I'm not saying don't work toward your dream job. I'm just saying don't be one of those new grads who wastes months and months waiting for a hospital job they are just not going to get. By all means, keep applying at the hospital. But swallow your pride and take a job

at the nursing home or the dialysis center in the meantime to make some money and build some experience.

Ok, lecture over.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Any experience you can get in a hospital will be to your advantage. In some cases, it is the determining factor as to whether or not that hospital offers you a job as an RN or not. Investigate the job prospects for new ASN grads for your community and seek experience at a place where you have a decent chance of getting a job after graduation. That's the best you can do.

[BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN]

Why on earth do 90% of nursing students want to work in their local hospitals? Look around the posts on this site and you'll see that your chances of getting into a hospital as a new grad are slim. There are other places to work. Like LTC or dialysis or corrections or subacute. All these places are hiring far more new grads than the ICU or L and D floors all you guys "just have to" work in. I'm not saying don't work toward your dream job. I'm just saying don't be one of those new grads who wastes months and months waiting for a hospital job they are just not going to get.

I completely understand what you're saying and trust me when I say I do NOT have my heart set on the local hospital. What I care about is more clinical hands on time with patients. I have talked to people at LTC centers and other areas but my hours during school are extremely limiting. The LTC facilities don't want to hire PRN and most of my available time when classes start again will be in the evening and on weekends. I have no problem working then, just can't seem to find facilities that are looking for help at that time. At least hospitals have weekend and evening times, that's why I have focused part of my time looking there. Also, I definitely will not be waiting on a job when I graduate. I will be glad to have a job, even if I have to drive an hour away or work the night shifts or whatever the case may be.

[RB2000]

anything that can set you apart from the rest of the pack is good! Also, any additional experience that you can gain is beneficial! Go for it! Good Luck! : )