Nurse Extern Program
The Student Nurse Externship is a full-time, eight-week summer program that facilitates the learning process through hands-on experience, and instills confidence in the student nurse who participates. A Nurse Extern relies on his/her preceptor for inclusion in the daily educational activities of the nursing unit. The Department of Nursing Education plays a vital role in the Extern experience.
Nurse Externship Frequently Asked Questions
Must I be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s Degree program in Nursing?
Yes, this is a requirement. This program is designed for the summer between your Junior and senior year.
How many positions are available?
We are currently projected to hire approximately 12-18 Externs for the 2017 Summer Externship. We will likely receive 250 applications, so the program is quite competitive.
Application Questions
How do I apply?
January 9th through February 10th the jobs will be posted on the website. Please read all the guidelines and then apply online
Is there a minimum GPA for acceptance?
Preference is given to a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Besides completing the online application, what else will I need to do?
Once your application is submitted, you may submit your Professional Portfolio, which will include:
- Resume – include all education and experience, including dates.
- Cover letter – unless you have a burning desire for a specific specialty, it will be to your advantage NOT to specify in the cover letter the precise units where you want to work, but rather indicate the broader specialties, i.e. Acute Care (medical-surgical), Intensive/Critical Care, Progressive Care, NICU, OR, Mother-Baby, or Emergency. The rationale for keeping it general is that you may need to consider more than one area in order to be chosen.
If I submit my portfolio immediately, do I have a better chance of being hired?
It is helpful to us and therefore advantageous to you if your Portfolio is submitted early. However, all the submitted portfolios will then be reviewed with equal discernment, regardless of the date they were received, provided they make the deadline of February 19th.
Do I need written references from my professors?
No. At some point in the process, you will receive an email from Skill Survey, our online Pre-Hire 360® reference checking tool. You’ll want to use professors, instructors, supervisors, past employers, coaches, and at most, one peer. Please let your references know ahead of time that they will receive a survey that is quick, easy, accurate, anonymous, but time sensitive and must be completed promptly.
Interview Questions
Am I guaranteed an interview if I apply?
Only about 50% of those who apply will be granted an interview. The Clinical Education team will decide who to interview based on the Professional Portfolio, which you will submit electronically after you submit your application.
When will interviews be conducted?
Once you have submitted your portfolio (due by February 19th), you will receive a link to complete a video interview. You must complete the video interview by March 1st..
What can I do to prepare for the interview?
- Plan Ahead. Research Adventist HealthCare. Review your work experiences, and be ready to support past career and school accomplishments with specific information targeted toward the needs of Adventist HealthCare.
When will selections be made?
Selections will be made by March 15th.
During the Externship Questions
What shift will I be working?
As a Nurse Extern, your offer letter will indicate a varied shift, and you must be willing and able to rotate to all shifts. Your full-time status must be maintained for the entire length of the Externship. Early termination from the program may negatively affect your future employment at Adventist HealthCare.
Will there be time available for vacations?
This is an 8-week program, and externs are expected to be available during the entire program. Because the program runs from June – July 2016, there should be time in August for vacations.
What uniforms will I need?
While a few units provide scrubs, for most areas you will be responsible for the purchase and care of white scrub tops, and khaki scrub pants.
After the Interview Questions
As an Extern will I have a better chance at securing a Graduate Nurse Residency when I graduate?
While each applicant is evaluated individually, having previously participated in an externship can tip the scales between two otherwise equally qualified Graduate Nurse Resident candidates.