WV Nurse Externships?

[MachewRN]

I am a nursing student in the Charleston area considering applying for some local externships. Can anyone provide me with some input on programs in the area? I am particularly wondering if there are opportunities at CAMC Teays Valley, because I live close to it. Are these positions paid, and if so how much? Any other info would be helpful too.

Thanks

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

Hello

CAMC has nurse extern jobs, so does Thomas to some extent, don't know about Teays. Let me warn you, these jobs are glorified CNA positions, sure they pay a few cents more, you do get into the routine of the unit, see things, learn which docs are good and which ones are nuts. But, unless things have changed a whole lot, they use the students like CNA's most of the time. Nothing wrong with talking to them, even working for them, but do not expect to be given some sort of educational program than amounts to more than hit or miss most times.

That is just my opinion, but maybe someone else here knows more than I do.

[blueheaven]

Hello

CAMC has nurse extern jobs, so does Thomas to some extent, don't know about Teays. Let me warn you, these jobs are glorified CNA positions, sure they pay a few cents more, you do get into the routine of the unit, see things, learn which docs are good and which ones are nuts. But, unless things have changed a whole lot, they use the students like CNA's most of the time. Nothing wrong with talking to them, even working for them, but do not expect to be given some sort of educational program than amounts to more than hit or miss most times.

That is just my opinion, but maybe someone else here knows more than I do.

Well, I got used like a cross between a CNA and a LPN. It is useful to get a REAL FEEL or what goes on on the unit as you have said. Some of the RN's helped me learn various procedures etc. (to their credit) and some weren't so helplful and used me as slave labor. It certainly was a learning experience in more ways than one.

[Noryn]

I had a friend do a nurse extern deal at CAMC. He really liked it, you are an aide for the most part but learning the basics really really helps in nursing school. After his summer externship he came back and was probably the most solid person we had in clinicals. You will pick up a lot of good experience.

[MachewRN]

Thanks for the info. Do you know anything about the pay? I don't really care to do it if I'm gettin paid like an aid does, but f it is $10 or more I would be more interested. I also wonder if prospective employers look more highly on those who have worked in one of these positions.

[Noryn]

I am pretty sure it is close to if not what an aide makes. But again the experience is great to get. I lived too far away or I would have done this. I think the VA paid really well for their externs way back then.

[MamaC12]

Last I heard, externs are paid $12 per hour. That's about $2 more per hour than CNAs.

[surgtech2rn]

I currently extern at CAMC General Division. I make 10.06/hour, 1.25 more for nights and weekends. You can apply starting in February. Interviews are in April & you usually start orientation in May which is about 2 weeks long. Good luck!