I had an amazing experience!! I learned so much about what it’s really like to be a nurse — and I learned that I really do want to be one!
What I wish was different
There was a long delay at the beginning of the experience in gaining computer access, which limited me a bit in the first few weeks.
Advice
Be ready to work and look for opportunities to observe/get involved in cool stuff! Also, make friends, and look into staying on the unit as a nursing assistant after the externship.
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Hospital Elder Life Program Intern
May - August 2019 • Hackensack, NJ
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
It's more important to listen and observe than anything else. Pick the brain of experienced people in the field, get to know them, and always leave a lasting impression.
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Medical Receptionist
September 2018 • Emerson, NJ
What I liked
Constant learning environment, good management and co-workers.
What I wish was different
Administrative support during transformative change
Advice
Accept constructive criticism and be a team player always.
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Shadowing
June - August 2019 • Hackensack, NJ
What I liked
I liked the patients as being in the ER meant age ranges from kids to the elderly. The ER was spontaneous and never slow, thus I was filled with determination to continue my studies to get to pursue a career in the medical field in the future.
What I wish was different
I wish I had more confidence in myself and that I had cared for my wellbeing as I tended to become burnt out and having depression and anxiety did not help.
Advice
That school year from Fall 2018 to Spring 2019, I had struggled heavily with my mental health and identity. As a result, I lost motivation to finish both semesters. Registering and dropping out halfway through, my 2019 Summer had changed my work ethic as I had the opportunity to shadow both residency students and doctors in the ER of HUMC. Working towards a career in the medical field was lost to me as I focused on the yearly salary that people in the field made, but I ended up realizing that yearly income is not a reason to enter a medical career. I love how social the job is when evaluating patients, and I find it fascinating how I have the opportunity to help others as much as those I shadowed if I continue with a strong work ethic and confidence in myself.
I've struggled a lot with being depressed, anxious, and hospitalized twice for two failed suicidal attempts within the past two years. My advice is if you are a premed student much like myself dont study and work for other's dreams. Study and work hard for yourself, and remind yourself on your phone to do a self care routine or mental health day every semester to keep yourself from burning out. You're not alone if you're struggling! You can do it!
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Nursing Assistant
July 2019 • Hackensack, NJ
What I liked
I really enjoy being able to help patients firsthand. It's definitely a good experience to have prior to graduating and entering the nursing world as well.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Healthcare explorer
June - August 2019 • Hackensack, NJ
What I liked
I was able to explore and work in a different department of the hospital each week. I spent time in the ER, human recourses, radiology, mother-baby and many more. I also was able to take weekly seminar classes to work on building my professional self
What I wish was different
I wish I could have started sooner!
Advice
It was extremely rewarding and something that really helped me understand the healthcare industry. If you are considering working in healthcare this internship is really helpful and insightful also you make alot of connections
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Student Nurse Extern
June - August 2019 • Hackensack, NJ
What I liked
How supportive the program is for student nurses. I learned so much about nursing and I gained so much more confidence about the knowledge I know. Includes so many beneficial classes and you can get placed on any floor in the hospital. I also met so many good people I worked with!
What I wish was different
Such a large corporation wish they were more understanding of getting the externs into the system and ready to work on the first day of work.
Advice
Ask questions and Get to know your fellow externs. Curiosity and building a network will get you very far in nursing.
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Research intern
July - August 2018 • Hackensack, NJ
What I liked
First research experience
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Always show initiative
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Nursing Assistant
August 2017 • Hackensack, NJ
What I liked
I like how this job directly relates to my major and gives me new learning experiences everyday. It ties into what I learn in class so I comprehend things much better and have a chance to practice some of the skills I learn.
What I wish was different
I wish the on-the-floor training had been more thorough and organized.
Advice
Overall it's a great experience because it's a bonus to start practicing some of your skills and see how things work in a hospital, especially if your major is nursing.
