Nurse Externship Program

What is a nurse extern program?

Usually, a nurse extern program is one that a hospital offers to student nurses who have completed their fundamental nursing courses and at least one clinical rotation. Most programs enable students to gain more experience at the bedside in order to feel more comfortable with patient care and procedures. Students accepted into extern programs often begin with a 2-6 week classroom training, followed by 6 weeks to several months of work experience shadowing a nurse. Students work full-time and are paid hourly..

What are the qualifications for most programs?

Most programs prefer students with a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA in nursing courses. Most programs require completion of the fundamentals of nursing course (NURS 304) and at least one clinical rotation.

How do I apply or find hospitals?

Most hospitals in the area have intern/extern positions available for qualifying nursing students. These positions are usually listed on websites under nurse recruitment or career section for open positions. Most hospitals will want at least two evaluations/references, a resume and current college transcripts. It is best to begin the externship search early in the spring semester in order to have ample time to prepare for the process of securing that summer externship.

Why do an externship?

Most programs will increase clinical knowledge and enable students to use and apply clinical skills learned in their nursing programs. Students will be more prepared for the senior practicum and have more experience upon graduation.