3 Things to Expect During a Nursing Internship

  • Category: Careers
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  • Written By: Baton Rouge General
3 Things to Expect During a Nursing Internship

A nursing internship is an exciting step in the journey to becoming a registered nurse. It bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience. Here are three things you can expect during a nursing internship:

Shadowing Registered Nurses

During an internship, you will work closely with experienced nurses who act as mentors. You’ll be able to observe how they perform assessments, make critical decisions, administer medications and collaborate with other healthcare team members. They will guide you through complex procedures, answer your questions and provide feedback to improve your skills. Through the nurse internship program at Baton Rouge General, interns are partnered with a personal preceptor – together they function as a team in the delivery of quality patient care.

Clinical Setting Exposure

Pre-nursing internships include a rotation through different units within a hospital. Common areas include the ER, intensive care unit, obstetrics and gynecology and medical-surgical units. This rotation helps you identify areas of interest and gain a broader understanding of the nursing field and see how nursing care priorities differ based on the type and understanding of patients. At BRG intern positions are available within acute patient care areas for those seeking a challenging and rewarding hospital career.

Hands-On Experience

Lastly, one of the most significant benefits of a nursing internship is the hands-on experience it provides. Specific tasks may include:

  • Taking Vital Signs: Learning to measure and interpret temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure accurately.
  • Administering Medications: Understanding dosages, routes of administration and patient monitoring, all under close supervision.
  • Assisting with Procedures: Participating in wound care, catheter insertions or preparing patients for diagnostic tests.
  • Daily Patient Support: Helping patients with things like mobility and personal hygiene.

The experience gained during a nurse internship builds hands-on skills, provides a realistic view of the profession and helps nursing students connect with other healthcare workers. To learn more about the nurse intern program at BRG and how to apply click here.