Benefits of Getting a Nursing Internship While in Nursing School

Benefits of Getting a Nursing Internship While in Nursing School

Dec 24, 2014 | 12:00 pm

Going to nursing school will help you cover all types of nursing, but it will only teach you the basics. If you want to learn more skills and find out what specialization suits you best, you need to follow one of the numerous nursing internships offered by nursing schools or by the hospitals. Usually, such an internship is hosted by a hospital to help you work hand in hand with the registered nurse. During these internships, you will learn about conflict resolution and time management, besides many other nursing tips and tricks. They normally take place during summer vacation between the 1st and the 2nd year of the nursing program. The only disadvantage with these internships is that there are limited spaces. If you are accepted into one of these programs, don’t hesitate to pursue the internship.

Working with Experienced Nurses

According to NursingExaminer.com, one of the main advantages of getting one of the various nursing internships is that you will have by your side an experienced preceptor. You will be mentored by a professional Registered Nurse who will teach you the secrets of the trade. Thanks to their care, empathy, support and expert clinical knowledge, you will be able to learn what being a nurse means.

Discover Your Specialization

Another benefit that comes with a nursing internship is that you will have the possibility to explore a certain specialty and figure out if it works for you. You will practice in a specific unit and see what it means to be a nurse in departments like mental health, critical care, emergency, operating room, oncology, medical-surgical units, pediatrics and obstetrics. Moreover, if you do your job well, you might even be given a job in the future in the same department you have pursued during your internship.

You Will Earn Experience

You cannot learn everything in school. In fact, there are numerous things you will only learn on the field, by practicing the theory. Throughout your nursing internship, you are going to be in contact with mental health problems, medications and disorders that you may not have heard of until now. You will learn how to deal with them and your knowledge and skills are going to grow. Nursing internships are a great way of making the transition from a nursing program to real and professional nursing. Thanks to these internships, you will know exactly what to expect from your job and career.

You Will Have a Powerful Resume

When it comes to hiring a nurse, the employers are more prone to go for the individuals who have some hands-on experience. Thus, if your resume includes a nursing internship, you will definitely trump over the other candidates and you may get the job you have always dreamed about. Keep in mind that the spots for new graduates are quite difficult to find. As a result, an internship will make you stand out of the crowd, especially if it’s in your particular area of specialization.