Being able to experience the average day of a Registered Nurse (RN) was so helpful to see. This experience allowed me to work 1 on 1 with a nurse and she was able to share so much valuable information I hadn't learned in school.
What I wish was different
Nothing.
Advice
Apply to the Student Nurse Internship at UPMC between your junior and senior year. So much valuable experience and a way to make great connections!
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Student Nurse Intern
May - August 2020 • Pittsburgh, PA
What I liked
Getting to be in the hospital and follow a nurse through what a full shift entails really helped me understand what will be expected of me when I enter the workforce. I learned vital information that I would not have learned through classes or clinical experiences. Learning how different nurses handle their patient assignments helps you to develop your own routine for caring for patients. You get to figure out what works for you and what techniques you will want to utilize when you become a nurse in a year or so.
What I wish was different
Advice
Ask all of the questions that you have, the nurses at Childrens' are always so happy to help you learn. Put yourself out there, and learn as much as you can. The summer flies by!
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Clinical Research Intern
June - July 2018 • Pittsburgh, PA
What I liked
I got to work in the Endocrinology Department with the Diabetes Team. As my research was clinical and largely computer-based, the doctor I worked with made sure that I got time shadowing on the hospital floor and in the clinic. I really enjoyed being able to put faces to the research I was doing and see the love and respect the patients and doctors had for one another. It also gave me a better idea of the different roles of healthcare professionals.
Also, the doctor that supervised me was absolutely incredible.
What I wish was different
I wish the program had been longer. Eight weeks wasn't quite long enough to complete the projects we were working on. Also, I enjoyed the experience and would have enjoyed being there longer.
Advice
Apply! And go in with a project in mind. Contact the doctor you want to work with and they can advocate for you getting the position.
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Research Intern
June - July 2019 • Pittsburgh, PA
What I liked
I liked the ability to work with accomplished mentors and other students. The facilities and equipment were top notch and the program itself allowed us to rotate in the ER, Operating Room and NICU. Everyone was very friendly and encouraged questions.
What I wish was different
Personally I was put on a new project that I was only given two months to do. It probably would've made more sense to incorporate me into an ongoing project but I did like what I was able to work on.
Advice
Be ready to work and adapt everyday. Somedays will be monotonous and quiet and others will be over eight hours on your feet. Be prepared for anything.
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Student Nurse Intern
May - July 2019 • Pittsburgh, PA
What I liked
The hands on experience, knowledge and confidence gained as what it is like to be a nurse, before actually becoming a nurse. Received placements on my top choice locations within the hospital after a multiround round interview process. Your two experiences, one in an acute care setting and one in a critical care setting, helps you gain well rounded experience of different nursing types.
What I wish was different
I wish the experience had been longer! However, the experience fits within a 10 week period that allows for vacation and time off during the summer as well.
Advice
Soak it all in, ask questions, jump in any way you can, offer help to all nurses, what you put in is what you get out.
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Research Assistant
June - August 2019 • Pittsburgh, PA
What I liked
I loved working with the children and creating my own research project from the data that I collected during my time in the Radiology department. I had the opportunity to shadow different researchers and Doctors which led me to learning a diverse group of skills for data collection, research, and healthcare that I'll be able to utilize in my future career.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have had more interaction and time with the patients. However, due to HIPPA and the rules of the hospital as well as our law, legally my interaction was limited.
Advice
Never be afraid to ask questions. Employers appreciate that you ask questions if you are unsure about something or confused. This not only helps you perform more efficiently, but it makes you look like you actually care about the job you are being asked to do.
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Student Research
June - July 2018 • Pittsburgh, PA
What I liked
I loved being exposed to the research setting full time and being surrounded by professionals who had such great stories to learn from.
