The program, overseen by college faculty and the hospital's clinical nurse specialists, enhances the externs' opportunities for employment. Six to seven new graduates enroll in the program each semester. Each graduate must have an interim permit, CPR certification, personal liability insurance, and a letter of recommendation from the college faculty. Externs receive a monthly stipend from our hospital to offset their expenses, but they aren't considered hospital employees and aren't required to work at our facility after their externship. Once paired with mentors, the externs enhance their communication skills, clinical expertise, and critical thinking skills.
Externs rotate shifts to experience the diversity of clinical situations.
Externs can expand their clinical skills by attending monthly discussions on patient-care issues with the hospital and college faculty liaison. Staff nurse mentors. Each extern works regularly scheduled shifts with her staff nurse mentor, who provides expert knowledge and experience, enhancing the extern's decision-making abilities. The staff nurses participate in a workshop that prepares them to mentor. They also complete a self-study module on precepting.