Please Describe the Extern Program

The Externship is a full-time, ten-week summer program that facilitates the learning process through hands-on experience, and instills confidence in the student nurse who participates. In addition to working in the capacity of a Patient Care Assistant and Patient Sitter, a Nurse Extern relies on his/her preceptor for inclusion in the daily educational activities of the nursing unit. In addition the Department of Nursing Education plays a vital role in the Extern experience.

There are two levels in the Externship:

• Extern I - a student who has passed at least one clinical semester and is going into either the sophomore or junior year of nursing school after the Externship concludes.
• Extern II - a student who has passed several clinical semesters, and is going into the final year of nursing school after the Externship concludes. For those enrolled in 2-year nursing programs, a determination will be made by Nursing Education as to which level is appropriate, based on the amount of clinical experience the school provides.

Must I first participate as an Extern I to be considered for Extern II?

No. You may apply as an Extern II without a previous Extern experience.

Is this a paid Externship?

Yes. An Extern I is paid $12/hour; an Extern II earns $13/hour.

How do I apply?

Between September 1 and November 1, 2012 the jobs NEI-13 and NEII-13 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.

I was an Extern last year. Do I need to reapply?

Yes, you will need to go through the entire application process, and put forth your best effort to secure an opportunity to interview. If you are still employed with us as an LPN, Patient Sitter, CNA, Extern, or otherwise, please apply online using the “internal” application. If you are still on payroll at PSHMC, you will not need to be drug screened or fingerprinted again. Also, you will be exempt from much of the new hire paperwork.

Besides completing the online application, what else will I need to do?

Once your application is submitted, you will receive an electronic Questionnaire. This is an important document and should be completed thoughtfully and thoroughly. After completing the Questionnaire, you will receive a pop-up message inviting you to submit your Professional Portfolio, which will include:

• Resume – include all education and experience, including dates
• Cover letter – 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, Intermediate Care, Oncology, Mother-Child, Emergency, or the Peri-operative Course. The rationale for keeping it general is that you may need to consider more than one area in order to be chosen. At the time you are phone screened, we will discuss where you want to interview.
• Unofficial transcript – can be found on your school’s website.
• Child Abuse Clearance – this must be through the Department of Public Welfare. If you are selected as an Extern and do not have this document, we will assist you in obtaining it.
• Fingerprint Clearance - we will lead you through the process and pay for these two clearances if you do not already have them.

What is the difference between Unofficial and Official transcripts?

1. Unofficial transcripts can be viewed by you and printed from your school’s website at will.
2. Official transcripts are mailed from your Bursar’s Office, with your school’s official seal (not needed)..

Which transcripts do I need to submit for the Externship?

Please email a copy of your most recent unofficial transcript (showing your name) as part of the application portfolio.

May I send all my information by US Postal Service?

Please do not. We prefer to receive everything electronically. It is recommended that you email your entire Professional Portfolio simultaneously via email attachments. This ensures the efficient receipt and storage of all documents. Please covert each document to PDF format and name it appropriately by your last name, first name – document. Example: McCleary, Lynn – Resume. The email address is lmccleary1@hmc.psu.edu

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 November 1, 2012. 

Do I need written references from my professors?

No. Once you complete the Questionnaire, you will receive an email requesting seven email addresses of people who are familiar with your quality of work. Therefore, you will want to use professors, instructors, supervisors, past employers, coaches, and at most, one peer. The reference check will then be conducted electronically. 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.

Am I guaranteed an interview if I apply?

Only about 50% of those who apply will be granted a face-to-face interview. Managers will decide who to interview based on the Professional Portfolio, which you will submit electronically after we receive your Questionnaire.

Will I interview wherever I want to work?

If you have a burning desire to work in a particular area we will attempt to schedule interviews with one of your two top choices. Keep in mind, though, that some specialties are more popular than others, and being granted an interview in those areas may be more challenging. It is best to keep your options open, and remember that this is a 10-week program that will be beneficial regardless of where you work.

When will interviews be conducted?

We have set aside two days for interviews over the Winter break.

How many positions are available?

We are currently projected to hire approximately 25 Extern I’s and 45 Extern II’s for summer 2013. We will likely receive 250 applications, so the program is quite competitive.

As an Extern II 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.

On what criteria is the hiring decision made?

Different managers will place varying degrees of emphasis on hiring criteria, but in general they look at GPA, past experience, references, and interview score. They are seeking applicants who will bring a positive influence to their team.

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 three 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 Penn State Hershey.

Will there be time available for vacations?

This is a 10-week program, and externs are expected to be available during the entire program. Because the program runs from May - July 2013, there should be time in August for vacations.

Is on-campus housing available?

Housing is available on campus for a fee. For details, visit our housing website: http://www.pennstatehershey.org/web/housing/home. Students are fully responsible for the coordination of housing accommodations.

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 pants, and polo shirts: light blue for Extern I and jade for Extern II. The shirts may be bought elsewhere, or through a company vender. More info to follow …

What can I do to prepare for the interview?

• Plan Ahead. Research Penn State Hershey and the nursing unit. Review your work experiences, and be ready to support past career and school accomplishments with specific information targeted toward the needs of PSHMC.
• Dress appropriately. This is a competitive job interview, dress professionally, preferably in a suit.
• Be on time. It is best to arrive at the interview area 5 minutes before the scheduled interview time. If you find that you are too early, you may visit our Starbuck’s coffee shop or gift shop in the east wing lobby.

Do you have any advice for the interview?

• Awareness. - An interview is a two-way exchange of information. In addition to researching PSHMC, demonstrate your interest by formulating questions in advance to ask the interviewer.
• Eye Contact - Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Demonstrate that you want the job with your interest in the position, and in that particular nursing unit.
• Positive Attitude - In particular, avoid negative comments about past employers or professors.
• Active Listening and Adaptation - Be sensitive to the style of the interviewer. Pay attention to details, as they may offer helpful clues to assist you in tailoring your presentation.
• Ability to Relate - Try to relate your answers to the interviewer and to PSHMC. Focus mostly on achievements that would be relevant to the position. Provide answers that are specific to the questions.

When will selections be made?

Selections will be made by mid-February, 2013.

What happens after the Externship ends?

You may elect to terminate, or if you have proven yourself to be a model employee, you may remain on staff as a PRN Extern (in the float pool) at the same rate of pay. You submit your available hours to the Central Staffing Office and are then scheduled to work as needed. You must work at least 3 shifts per three-month period to remain PRN. This arrangement is especially helpful to our staff over weekends and holidays, and can continue until you graduate.