A new opportunity

The University has a program for nursing students. It's an intern position that allows you additional clinical and professional experience as you work with a preceptor. They hire them in most of the units at the hospital. I applied early this summer and didn't hear anything for almost 2 months. I met with a clinical staff educator who basically screened me and got a feel for where my interests are. They didn't have many openings at the time and she told me she'd forward my information on to a few departments. I only heard back from the NICU. I interviewed with them last week. I didn't expect to get it, but appreciated the experience to interview with two nurse managers and three RNs - it gave me an idea of how to prepare for future interviews when I'm done with school.

Yesterday my phone rang and I recognized the prefix on my cell phone. I could not believe it! I was expecting a polite rejection letter sometime this week (I've interviewed at the U before and not been hired). I answered and it was the nurse manager calling to offer me the position.

I am thrilled for the opportunity. It's a little intimidating, but they start NSI's with the babies who are just working on feeding and growing and work you up to the more critical patients over time. Once I graduate, I need to work at the U for two years. If I like the NICU (and that's the hope for the department) then I am hired on there full-time. If I decide I don't like the NICU, I will just need to pick another unit to work at.

It will be busy this semester but I only need to work 12 hours a week. The money is *okay* but I am most excited about the opportunity to apply the skills I'm learning in school. I attend orientation in about 2 1/2 weeks and then I'll start working in the unit.

Oh, and in case you're not keeping track like I am, school starts TOMORROW.