As a nursing student, it can be difficult to find the hands-on experience you need to succeed in your future career. One option that many nursing students consider are nurse extern jobs. In this article, we’ll explore what a nurse externship is, what to expect as a nurse extern, and the benefits and challenges of this type of nursing job.
Read Our Story: The Cleveland Clinic In Abu Dhabi Launches International Internship For Nursing Students
What Is A Nurse Externship?
A nurse externship is a paid job for nursing students who have completed a certain level of education and training. Nurse externs work in a hospital or other healthcare facility and are responsible for tasks such as taking vital signs, assisting with patient care, and monitoring medical equipment.
While nurse externs work under the supervision of registered nurses and other healthcare professionals, they have more responsibility and independence than nursing assistants or other entry-level positions.
To become a nurse extern, you typically need to have completed at least one year of nursing education, including coursework and clinical rotations. Some nurse extern positions may also require additional certifications or training, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Benefits Of Nurse Extern Jobs
There are many benefits to working as a nurse extern. One of the most significant benefits is the hands-on experience that you’ll gain in a real-world healthcare setting.
Nurse externs work closely with patients and other healthcare professionals, which gives them the opportunity to develop their clinical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the nursing profession.
In addition, nurse externships provide valuable networking opportunities, which can be helpful for finding future job opportunities.
Another benefit of a nurse externship is that it can help you stand out to future employers. Having a nurse externship on your resume can demonstrate your commitment to the nursing profession and show that you have the practical skills and experience necessary to succeed in a nursing career.
Read our story on schools providing free tuition to the nursing program.
What To Expect As A Nurse Extern
As a nurse extern, your daily responsibilities will vary depending on the healthcare facility where you work. In general, you can expect to take vital signs, assist with basic patient care, and monitor medical equipment.
You may also have the opportunity to observe and assist with more complex medical procedures under the guidance of a registered nurse.
One of the most important things to keep in mind as a nurse extern is that you are there to learn. While you will have a certain level of responsibility and independence, you should always be willing to ask questions and seek guidance from more experienced healthcare professionals. Good communication skills and a willingness to learn are essential to succeeding as a nurse extern.
Challenges Of Being A Nurse Extern
While working as a nurse extern can be a rewarding and valuable experience, it is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the physical demands of the job. Nurse externs are on their feet for much of their shift and may need to assist with patients who have mobility issues or require help with basic activities of daily living. Therefore, a solid pair of nursing shoes is necessary for the job.
Another challenge of being a nurse extern is the long hours. Many nurse extern jobs require working weekends and holidays, which can be difficult for some students to manage along with their academic responsibilities. It’s important to be prepared for the demands of the job and to have strategies in place for managing stress and maintaining a work-life balance.
Nurse Extern Salary
While the exact salary for nurse externs may vary depending on the location, type of facility, and other factors, they typically earn a stipend or hourly wage that is lower than the salary of a licensed registered nurse (RN). According to Glassdoor, the average hourly pay for a nurse extern in the United States is $14 per hour as of February 2023. However, it is important to note that nurse externship programs offer valuable opportunities to gain practical experience, network with healthcare professionals, and develop skills that will be useful in future nursing careers.
Final Thoughts
A nurse externship can be an excellent opportunity for nursing students to gain valuable experience in a real-world healthcare setting. While the job can be demanding, the benefits of a nurse externship – including hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and career advantages – are well worth it. If you are a nursing student looking for a way to gain practical experience and advance your nursing career, a nurse externship may be the perfect choice for you.