3 answers
Sadie
Student
Kissimmee, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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What nursing internships or jobs can I get after my first semester in nursing?
What internships or jobs can I apply for after my first semester in nursing school to give me more experience? I was told by a friend I could become a patient care tech/intern for the summer but I wanted to explore all possibilities.
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3 answers
Kara Feeley
Registered Nurse
2
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Kara’s Answer
After your first semester of nursing school you're ready to work in a hospital and other facilities as a certified nursing assistant or CNA. A CNA works directly with patients doing things like assisting with ADLs or activities of daily living.
Like the name suggests, CNAs will be in a role to assist a Registered Nurse care for her patient assignment. Some facilities may allow the CNA to take vital signs and even make records in the patients chart.
Working as a CNA is a great way to become familiar with different environments that you might be working in when you graduate. It's also an opportunity to observe the role of the RN .
Like the name suggests, CNAs will be in a role to assist a Registered Nurse care for her patient assignment. Some facilities may allow the CNA to take vital signs and even make records in the patients chart.
Working as a CNA is a great way to become familiar with different environments that you might be working in when you graduate. It's also an opportunity to observe the role of the RN .
Gabriela Suquilanda Maza
Student
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Gabriela’s Answer
As a nursing student, there are a number of internships and job opportunities that you can pursue to gain experience in the field. Some options you might consider include:
- Patient care technician: As you mentioned, working as a patient care technician (also known as a nursing assistant or CNA) can be a great way to gain hands-on experience in a healthcare setting.
- Medical assistant: Medical assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings, performing tasks such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, and assisting with administrative tasks.
- Clinical research assistant: Clinical research assistants work on research studies and clinical trials, helping to collect and analyze data and working with patients.
- Health educator: Health educators work to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles, often working in schools, community centers, or other public health settings.
- Health policy intern: Health policy internships allow you to work with policymakers and advocacy organizations to help shape healthcare policy and reform.
- Volunteer opportunities: Volunteering at a hospital or other healthcare facility can be a great way to gain experience and make a difference in your community.
These are just a few examples of internships and job opportunities that may be available to you. You can also consider working with your school's career center or networking with professionals in the field to explore other options.
- Patient care technician: As you mentioned, working as a patient care technician (also known as a nursing assistant or CNA) can be a great way to gain hands-on experience in a healthcare setting.
- Medical assistant: Medical assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings, performing tasks such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, and assisting with administrative tasks.
- Clinical research assistant: Clinical research assistants work on research studies and clinical trials, helping to collect and analyze data and working with patients.
- Health educator: Health educators work to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles, often working in schools, community centers, or other public health settings.
- Health policy intern: Health policy internships allow you to work with policymakers and advocacy organizations to help shape healthcare policy and reform.
- Volunteer opportunities: Volunteering at a hospital or other healthcare facility can be a great way to gain experience and make a difference in your community.
These are just a few examples of internships and job opportunities that may be available to you. You can also consider working with your school's career center or networking with professionals in the field to explore other options.
Nailya Muganlinskaya, ACNP-BC, DNP, MPH
Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care
12
Answers
Reisterstown, Maryland
Updated
Nailya’s Answer
Sadie,
I agree with all previous answers. Every hospital has its own needs and vision for nursing students. Often it dwells down to each unit need. You may find helpful to reach out to your local hospitals, human resources (HR) ,or any other ways you can get-in-touch with the local hospitals. For example, use help of your clinical instructors, nursing program directors, etc. Some nursing schools have a list of "hospital needs" . Working before graduation will definitely help you to learn inpatient routines, meet people, understand what nurses do, etc.
I agree with all previous answers. Every hospital has its own needs and vision for nursing students. Often it dwells down to each unit need. You may find helpful to reach out to your local hospitals, human resources (HR) ,or any other ways you can get-in-touch with the local hospitals. For example, use help of your clinical instructors, nursing program directors, etc. Some nursing schools have a list of "hospital needs" . Working before graduation will definitely help you to learn inpatient routines, meet people, understand what nurses do, etc.