– By Allison Buchanan, Senior –
Allison’s externship is at Houston Methodist where she is putting in long hour days while having a blast.
Are you considering a summer externship? Let me help you make up your mind.
I’m currently at Houston Methodist for their summer MAPP program (Methodist Advancement into Professional Practice program). It’s a competitive, nine-week externship at one of the nation’s best hospitals. I’m paired one-on-one with a preceptor in the cardiovascular ICU (CVICU). I’m working three twelve-hour shifts a week (just like a real nurse!) and learning more than I ever thought possible. In a nutshell, it’s one-third summer sleep-away camp, one-third intense clinical experience, and one-third segue into the next chapter of my adult life.
Let’s walk through the process of applying for the MAPP program. First off, grades are definitely important, though they are not the end-all-be-all of this (or any) externship. Another critical component includes your clinical performance, as evidenced by letters of recommendation from your professors. Arguably the most important facet of setting yourself above the crowd is your interviews. The directors will be looking for bright, charismatic, passionate (and most importantly – CARING) individuals whom they feel will add value to the hospital, and to the field of nursing as a whole.
What can you expect when you get to Houston? First off: an instant group of new friends. These are individuals who, despite different backgrounds and upbringings, are here with a similar drive and passion as yourself. They understand what nursing school entails; they GET it. Also, expect a crash course on the hospital itself. Methodist is a leader in the field of health care – and it shows. Expect to be thoroughly drinking the Methodist Kool-Aid and living the Methodist experience by week one.
While I’m only in my third week of actually working, I can already say that my confidence, autonomy and clinical competence are skyrocketing. I’m getting to practice hands-on skills every day, and I’m learning how to organize, plan, communicate and think like a nurse. The value of this cannot be overstated!!!
In short: this is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you decide to pursue it, you won’t be sorry. It will be the best summer of your life! You’ll learn, grow, network, and get a taste of just how great nursing can really be.