Nursing Students
Nursing Students

Nurse Internship Program
Enhance your nursing education through the Sanford Student Nurse Internship Program.
You will experience the day-to-day life of an RN in a variety of roles and settings. This hands-on, 10-week, paid internship will expand your clinical skills and knowledge under the guidance of an experienced nurse preceptor.
If you've completed your third year of a baccalaureate-nursing program and have had a minimum of two semesters of clinical experience, this is a great opportunity to make a difference for those served in your care and to strengthen your clinical skill set. ADN students within 1-2 semesters of graduation may be considered for placement in our network Critical Access sites.
The application process starts every fall semester, typically between September and October.
About the Program
- To develop confidence and competence in senior level nursing students through hands on experience in a medical center and/or clinic.
- Gain experience and skill within actual patient care situations, clinical simulation and classroom sessions.
- Assist senior level nursing students in finding an area of nursing practice that best fits their career goals, talents, and interest thus promoting a smooth transition upon graduation into practice.
- Work in partnership with an RN preceptor serving as a personal clinical coach.
- Network with peers from other colleges and universities both regionally and nationally.
Orientation
A comprehensive hospital and nursing orientation is provided to acclimate you to Sanford Health prior to beginning the program.
Locations:
Sanford Health offers student nurse experiences throughout our footprint in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa:
- Bemidji and surrounding area
- Bismarck and surrounding area
- Fargo and surrounding area
- Sioux Falls and surrounding area
Many rural Sanford facilities also offer a Summer Nursing Intern experience. These locations offer experiences in Critical Access Hospital; Long Term Care; and Ambulatory settings. These opportunities will enable you to witness the Rural Nurse Generalist nursing role with its broad autonomy and responsibility, work with an interprofessional healthcare team, utilize your critical thinking skills, and have access to professional development and support networks that will help develop both your clinical and leadership skills.
Work/Class Schedule
Students are expected to:
- Participate in the entirety of the 10-week program, including required classroom sessions.
- Work full-time (36-40 hours), including nights, weekends, holidays and 8-, 10-, or 12-hour shifts for the program duration (following your designated preceptor's schedule).
- Additional opportunities for observation outside your assigned department may be provided.
Work Department
Sanford Health offers opportunities in several areas of care. Upon selection into the program, you will be notified of your work unit/department assignment. Consideration will be given to your desired work units.
Housing
If you should require assistance securing housing, please contact local colleges or universities, as they often rent space to students over the summer.
Additional Benefits
Program participation provides you:
- Sanford Health 401k retirement as a PRN employee
- Worker's compensation insurance coverage
- Sanford's libraries and training resources
- Sanford Perks (Discounted tickets to local merchants and activities in the various regions where Sanford Health is present)
- Applicants must complete an online application at https://sanfordcareers.com/
- Participants will have completed their third year of a baccalaureate nursing program and a minimum of two semesters of clinical experience prior to the internship experience
- ADN/ASN considered for rural Sanford Health Network locations
- Submission of an accumulative transcript including your most recently completed semester at time of application
- Proof of enrollment in a board of nursing approved internship class if accepting an offer in North Dakota or Minnesota
- Prior experience as a nursing assistant is not required.
What does Sanford Health have to offer student nurses interested in a summer internship?
Sanford Health offers student nurses a premier opportunity to make a difference for those we serve while being mentored by a RN in his/her specialty and earn a salary. As a nurse intern you have the opportunity to participate in a 10-week summer Student Nurse Internship Program that typically begins in late May/early June. This experience will help you develop competence with technical skills, build confidence in your ability to assume the role of RN upon graduation and participate as a member of the interprofessional team.
What patient care areas are available for interns?
A wide variety of patient care settings host summer nurse interns at Sanford Health Medical Centers (Bemidji, Bismarck, Fargo, Sioux Falls) and rural health hospitals. Placements include medical surgical and specialty departments along with rural health sites in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Every effort is made to place you in the clinical setting that aligns with your career goals, whenever possible. Nurse interns will be placed into specific patient care area(s) for the duration of the summer. The specific patient care area(s) will be determined at the time of a job offer. Internship locations may include:
- Acute care placements
- Sanford Bemidji Medical Center (Bemidji, MN)
- Sanford Medical Center Bismarck (Bismarck, ND)
- Sanford Medical Center Fargo/Broadway/South University (Fargo, ND)
- Sanford Health USD Medical Center (Sioux Falls, SD)
- Birth Place (ex. Antepartum, L&D, Postpartum)
- Central Resource Pool (Maternal Child, Med Surg, Critical Care)
- Critical Care
- Emergency Department
- Medical (ex. Cardiology, Pulmonary)
- Medical-Surgical (ex. Orthopedics, Neurology, Renal)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Oncology
- Pediatrics
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
- Psychiatric (Bismarck & Fargo only)
- Rehabilitation
- Surgical (ex. Post-op Inpatient)
- Surgical Services (Pre-op, Intra-op, Post-op)
- Rural location placement
- Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center (Aberdeen, SD)
- Sanford Canby Medical Center (Canby, Minnesota)
- Sanford Chamberlain Medical Center (Chamberlain, SD)
- CHI St. Alexius Health Dickenson Medical Center (Dickenson, ND)
- Sanford Hillsboro Medical Center (Hillsboro, ND)
- Sanford Jackson Medical Center (Jackson, MN)
- Sanford Luverne (Luverne, MN)
- Sanford Mayville Medical Center (Mayville, ND)
- Sanford Sheldon Medical Center (Sheldon, IA)
- Coteau Des Prairie Health Care System (Sisseton, SD)
- Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center (Thief River Falls, ND)
- Ortonville Area Health Services (Ortonville, MN)
- Sanford Vermillion Medical Center (Vermillion, SD)
- Sanford Webster Medical Center (Webster, SD)
- Sanford Wheaton Medical Center (Wheaton, ND)
- Winner Regional Healthcare Center (Winner, SD)
- Sanford Worthington Medical Center (Worthington, MN)
What does the work schedule look like for a summer nurse intern?
All dates are still tentative, but orientation/program start for all new nurse interns will likely be late May/early June, provided virtually and in-person at the LEAD Centers in each region (Bemidji, Bismarck, Fargo and Sioux Falls).
Following orientation, the summer internship is ten weeks in length continuing into early August. Student nurse interns are expected to complete fulltime hours each week; scheduled a minimum of 36 hours and limited to a maximum of 40 hours per week (1.0 FTE)for a summer total maximum of 400 hours.
The nurse interns’ work schedule will match that of their assigned mentor(s). The majority of nurse interns will work rotating 12-hour day/night shifts (7:00 AM-7:30 PM or 7:00 PM-7:30 AM) with weekend commitments. Some nurse interns may also be assigned to work straight night 12-hour shifts (7:00 PM-7:30 AM).
The work schedule details will be determined at the time of preceptor notification in late April/early May. Interns are expected to participate in the full ten-week program to include both didactic and clinical components. Enrollment in an independent study course is required in Minnesota and North Dakota locations. A professional development component is offered for South Dakota participants.
Please ensure you do not plan vacations or have other employment that may interfere with your internship schedule. Only pre-approved and minimal time off will be honored (for significant life events only).
What is available for nurse interns placed at a rural health experiences?
A rural health internship offer interns a well-rounded learning experience setting a strong foundation to begin your nursing career. This setting provides you opportunities to work in multiple departments and care for all age groups from birth to adults and elderly in most locations.
What is the dress code/uniform for the Sanford internship?
Student nurse Interns wear a white scrub top and navy blue scrub bottoms. You may wear a long sleeved top underneath in white. The nurse interns assigned to Peds/PICU may wear kid-friendly scrub tops with navy pants, those in surgery/OR and the Birth Place will wear hospital provided scrubs. You may choose to wait until you have your ID badge to purchase, as Sanford employees receive a discount at local uniform vendors.
Is housing provided for the program?
Housing is not provided for nurse interns. If you require assistance securing housing, please notify the program coordinator for resources.
What certification is required for BLS/CPR to participate in the program?
American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider is required. You must come with a current card through August each year. Red Cross or other providers are not accepted.
What is the hourly rate of pay/salary?
The rate of pay for the internship is reviewed annually and is shared when the position is offered.
Do opportunities exist to extend the internship beyond the 10-week summer experience?
Sanford Health offers an extended student nurse internship for eligible interns during the academic school year. A limited number of positions are available to interns that participated in the initial 10-week summer program. Not all interested interns are able to participate due to limited positions. The number of positions and program criteria is re-evaluated annually.

Objectives
- To develop confidence and competence in senior level nursing students through hands on experience in a medical center and/or clinic.
- Gain experience and skill within actual patient care situations, clinical simulation and classroom sessions.
- Assist senior level nursing students in finding an area of nursing practice that best fits their career goals, talents, and interest thus promoting a smooth transition upon graduation into practice.
- Work in partnership with an RN preceptor serving as a personal clinical coach.
- Network with peers from other colleges and universities both regionally and nationally.

Details
Orientation
A comprehensive hospital and nursing orientation is provided to acclimate you to Sanford Health prior to beginning the program.
Locations:
Sanford Health offers student nurse experiences throughout our footprint in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa:
- Bemidji and surrounding area
- Bismarck and surrounding area
- Fargo and surrounding area
- Sioux Falls and surrounding area
Many rural Sanford facilities also offer a Summer Nursing Intern experience. These locations offer experiences in Critical Access Hospital; Long Term Care; and Ambulatory settings. These opportunities will enable you to witness the Rural Nurse Generalist nursing role with its broad autonomy and responsibility, work with an interprofessional healthcare team, utilize your critical thinking skills, and have access to professional development and support networks that will help develop both your clinical and leadership skills.
Work/Class Schedule
Students are expected to:
- Participate in the entirety of the 10-week program, including required classroom sessions.
- Work full-time (36-40 hours), including nights, weekends, holidays and 8-, 10-, or 12-hour shifts for the program duration (following your designated preceptor's schedule).
- Additional opportunities for observation outside your assigned department may be provided.
Work Department
Sanford Health offers opportunities in several areas of care. Upon selection into the program, you will be notified of your work unit/department assignment. Consideration will be given to your desired work units.
Housing
If you should require assistance securing housing, please contact local colleges or universities, as they often rent space to students over the summer.
Additional Benefits
Program participation provides you:
- Sanford Health 401k retirement as a PRN employee
- Worker's compensation insurance coverage
- Sanford's libraries and training resources
- Sanford Perks (Discounted tickets to local merchants and activities in the various regions where Sanford Health is present)

Requirements
- Applicants must complete an online application at https://sanfordcareers.com/
- Participants will have completed their third year of a baccalaureate nursing program and a minimum of two semesters of clinical experience prior to the internship experience
- ADN/ASN considered for rural Sanford Health Network locations
- Submission of an accumulative transcript including your most recently completed semester at time of application
- Proof of enrollment in a board of nursing approved internship class if accepting an offer in North Dakota or Minnesota
- Prior experience as a nursing assistant is not required.

FAQs
What does Sanford Health have to offer student nurses interested in a summer internship?
Sanford Health offers student nurses a premier opportunity to make a difference for those we serve while being mentored by a RN in his/her specialty and earn a salary. As a nurse intern you have the opportunity to participate in a 10-week summer Student Nurse Internship Program that typically begins in late May/early June. This experience will help you develop competence with technical skills, build confidence in your ability to assume the role of RN upon graduation and participate as a member of the interprofessional team.
What patient care areas are available for interns?
A wide variety of patient care settings host summer nurse interns at Sanford Health Medical Centers (Bemidji, Bismarck, Fargo, Sioux Falls) and rural health hospitals. Placements include medical surgical and specialty departments along with rural health sites in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Every effort is made to place you in the clinical setting that aligns with your career goals, whenever possible. Nurse interns will be placed into specific patient care area(s) for the duration of the summer. The specific patient care area(s) will be determined at the time of a job offer. Internship locations may include:
- Acute care placements
- Sanford Bemidji Medical Center (Bemidji, MN)
- Sanford Medical Center Bismarck (Bismarck, ND)
- Sanford Medical Center Fargo/Broadway/South University (Fargo, ND)
- Sanford Health USD Medical Center (Sioux Falls, SD)
- Birth Place (ex. Antepartum, L&D, Postpartum)
- Central Resource Pool (Maternal Child, Med Surg, Critical Care)
- Critical Care
- Emergency Department
- Medical (ex. Cardiology, Pulmonary)
- Medical-Surgical (ex. Orthopedics, Neurology, Renal)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Oncology
- Pediatrics
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
- Psychiatric (Bismarck & Fargo only)
- Rehabilitation
- Surgical (ex. Post-op Inpatient)
- Surgical Services (Pre-op, Intra-op, Post-op)
- Rural location placement
- Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center (Aberdeen, SD)
- Sanford Canby Medical Center (Canby, Minnesota)
- Sanford Chamberlain Medical Center (Chamberlain, SD)
- CHI St. Alexius Health Dickenson Medical Center (Dickenson, ND)
- Sanford Hillsboro Medical Center (Hillsboro, ND)
- Sanford Jackson Medical Center (Jackson, MN)
- Sanford Luverne (Luverne, MN)
- Sanford Mayville Medical Center (Mayville, ND)
- Sanford Sheldon Medical Center (Sheldon, IA)
- Coteau Des Prairie Health Care System (Sisseton, SD)
- Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center (Thief River Falls, ND)
- Ortonville Area Health Services (Ortonville, MN)
- Sanford Vermillion Medical Center (Vermillion, SD)
- Sanford Webster Medical Center (Webster, SD)
- Sanford Wheaton Medical Center (Wheaton, ND)
- Winner Regional Healthcare Center (Winner, SD)
- Sanford Worthington Medical Center (Worthington, MN)
What does the work schedule look like for a summer nurse intern?
All dates are still tentative, but orientation/program start for all new nurse interns will likely be late May/early June, provided virtually and in-person at the LEAD Centers in each region (Bemidji, Bismarck, Fargo and Sioux Falls).
Following orientation, the summer internship is ten weeks in length continuing into early August. Student nurse interns are expected to complete fulltime hours each week; scheduled a minimum of 36 hours and limited to a maximum of 40 hours per week (1.0 FTE)for a summer total maximum of 400 hours.
The nurse interns’ work schedule will match that of their assigned mentor(s). The majority of nurse interns will work rotating 12-hour day/night shifts (7:00 AM-7:30 PM or 7:00 PM-7:30 AM) with weekend commitments. Some nurse interns may also be assigned to work straight night 12-hour shifts (7:00 PM-7:30 AM).
The work schedule details will be determined at the time of preceptor notification in late April/early May. Interns are expected to participate in the full ten-week program to include both didactic and clinical components. Enrollment in an independent study course is required in Minnesota and North Dakota locations. A professional development component is offered for South Dakota participants.
Please ensure you do not plan vacations or have other employment that may interfere with your internship schedule. Only pre-approved and minimal time off will be honored (for significant life events only).
What is available for nurse interns placed at a rural health experiences?
A rural health internship offer interns a well-rounded learning experience setting a strong foundation to begin your nursing career. This setting provides you opportunities to work in multiple departments and care for all age groups from birth to adults and elderly in most locations.
What is the dress code/uniform for the Sanford internship?
Student nurse Interns wear a white scrub top and navy blue scrub bottoms. You may wear a long sleeved top underneath in white. The nurse interns assigned to Peds/PICU may wear kid-friendly scrub tops with navy pants, those in surgery/OR and the Birth Place will wear hospital provided scrubs. You may choose to wait until you have your ID badge to purchase, as Sanford employees receive a discount at local uniform vendors.
Is housing provided for the program?
Housing is not provided for nurse interns. If you require assistance securing housing, please notify the program coordinator for resources.
What certification is required for BLS/CPR to participate in the program?
American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider is required. You must come with a current card through August each year. Red Cross or other providers are not accepted.
What is the hourly rate of pay/salary?
The rate of pay for the internship is reviewed annually and is shared when the position is offered.
Do opportunities exist to extend the internship beyond the 10-week summer experience?
Sanford Health offers an extended student nurse internship for eligible interns during the academic school year. A limited number of positions are available to interns that participated in the initial 10-week summer program. Not all interested interns are able to participate due to limited positions. The number of positions and program criteria is re-evaluated annually.
Reasons to Participate

- Gain experience and skill within actual patient care situations within a large healthcare organization.
- Participate in professional development sessions.
- Work in partnership with an RN preceptor serving as a personal clinical coach.
- Apply didactic knowledge to clinical practice.
- Develop an increased level of competence and confidence.
- Mature interpersonal, clinical judgment, and technical nursing skills.
- Network with peers from other colleges and universities regionally and nationally.
- Apply to participate in the Extended Sanford Student Nurse Internship Program until graduation.
- Build a relationship with a future employer.
- Leverage knowledge and skills gained to transition quicker into independent practice.
Scholarships and Sponsorships

We are dedicated to supporting students pursuing careers in healthcare and have partnerships in place with many schools across the nation. If you're interested in getting your license or certification as a CNA, LPN, or RN, we have many scholarship and sponsorship opportunities in place to help breakdown financial barriers and enable you to reach your fullest potential through education.
Don't let the cost of school prevent you from pursuing your dream career. Click below to learn about and apply for one of our programs.
Nursing Student Resources
Finding your Path: What Type of Learner are you?
In order to have a successful college experience, you need to first think about what kind of learner you are. Everyone learns in different ways, and the type of learner you are should factor into your choice of college.
Luckily, colleges offer multiple different options that cater to your lifestyle. Continue reading to discover which class style fits around your life, and will put you on the path to your dream career!
On-site
On-site classes give you the traditional brick-and-mortar college experience. If you’re the type who thrives off social interaction and collaborative learning, a brick-and-mortar college experience may be a good fit for you.
Students have pre-determined, structured class schedules. Classes may overlap or conflict with your work and/or personal life, so you must plan accordingly.
On-site classes provide opportunity for face-to-face interaction. You also get the opportunity to receive hands-on learning and training.
Hybrid
Hybrid courses offer the efficiency and flexibility of online schedules along with the opportunity to sit down and talk to instructors and classmates when needed. It allows you to learn at your own pace.
Working on group projects online can be difficult if you never meet any of your classmates in person. With hybrid courses, you get the opportunity to sit down with your classmates and collaborate in person.
Hybrid classes provide you with both on-site and online experiences. If you are someone who likes face-to-face interaction but also likes the flexibility of online courses, going the hybrid route might be for you.
Online
Digital material is usually used for most courses. Fees for online textbooks and other resources are generally cheaper compared to standard textbook fees you would pay for on-site courses.
Online classes can be very flexible. Instructors post videos, presentations, and other content online so you may learn at your own convenience. This allows your class schedule to work around your home and work schedule.
Online courses help teach you self-motivation and self-discipline. You are able to choose the number of credits, or semesters, that work best for your academic ability and amount of study time.
Public Colleges/Universities
- In-state student pays lower tuition
- Cost: $$ (review college’s net cost calculator)
- Full-time, part-time students
- Community, Technical, Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Onsite courses with online programs offered
- Faculty have required advanced degrees
- Accredited degrees and programs
Questions & Considerations:
- Funding: scholarships, grants, & student debt
- Student acceptance rates into program
- Student to instructor ratios
- Board exam pass rates
Private Colleges
- Independent school with focus: e.g. religion, military
- State residency is not a factor
- Cost $$$ (review college’s net cost calculator)
- Focus on undergraduate
- Faculty focus on teaching
- Courses offered on-site; some online or hybrid
- Faculty have required advanced degrees
- Accredited degree and programs
Question & Considerations:
- Funding: scholarships, grants, & student debt
- Program reputation
- Board exam pass rates
For-Profit Private
- Run by publicly traded corporations, profit oriented
- State residency is not a factor
- Cost: $$$$$ (review college’s net cost calculator)
- Usually quarter-length courses
- Less selective student admission
- Non-traditional college atmosphere
- Instructors focus on predetermined curriculum
- May have non-accredited degree
Question & Considerations:
- Placement rates of students post-graduation
- Student support and access to instructors
- Faculty’s credential, experience & education
- Instructor’s assistance in securing clinical placement
- Accreditation status of school and program
- Board exam pass rates
- Student debt
Have You Evaluated the Quality and Reputation of the Institution You Want to Attend?
Unfortunately, there are schools that are not in good standing and have a history of defrauding students. Prior to attending any college or university, check the school's accreditation, which is an indication that the school has met standards of quality. If a school does meet standards of quality, it is troubling for future students.
Regional accreditation
Choose a college or university that has achieved regional accreditation. Regional accreditation is important so you may be able to:
- Receive federal financial aid, e.g. Pell grants or loans
- Transfer credits to other schools or advance your degree
- Access jobs
- Take licensing exams
Accreditation may be confusing since there are both national and regional accrediting agencies, and not all are equally reliable. The difference between regional and national accreditation, is that regional accreditation is older, more prestigious, rigorous, and standardized than national accreditation.
- For-profit institutions or schools that award certificates and degrees, may have national accreditation status, yet are not regionally accredited.
Always look for a statement that the school has regional accreditation prior to enrolling in a school.
Nursing Program Accreditation
Quality nursing programs voluntarily pursue program-level accreditation from a specialized agency for an additional layer of review that demonstrates high quality and standards for nursing education.
Accredited nursing programs:
- provide quality education following established standards for education and training
- are preferred by employers
- ensures students are eligible for financial aid
- ensures students opportunity to take licensing exam- NCLEX or certification exams
- transfers credits to other schools or to advance your degree
The U.S. Department of Education has determined three accrediting agencies for nursing programs:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- National League for Nursing (NLN) Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA)
Regardless if the program is online or classroom based, always verify that the program you select has nursing accreditation. Look for a statement or advertisement of the nursing program's accreditation, or one of the following symbols displayed prior to enrolling in a nursing program. Note, being a member of NLN is not the same as accreditation by NLN CNEA.
State Board of Nursing Approval for Nursing Program
Each State Board of Nursing sets standards and approves nursing schools in their state that can educate and prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Are you are attending an out-of-state nursing program? The State Board of Nursing in the state you plan to participate in clinical experience, may require your school to complete specific requirements and possibly pay a fee, prior to any student clinical learning. This requirement is mandatory, e.g. in North Dakota for students attending out-of-state pre-licensure nursing programs (practical nursing, RN, nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, and clinical nurse specialist).
Prior to enrolling in a nursing program, verify approval by the State Board of Nursing or distance nursing education recognition, which will allow you to participate in clinical experiences in the state you reside.
Once you’ve attained your High School Diploma or GED, you can pursue:
- Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) or Nurse Assistant (NA): several weeks
- Licensed Practical Nurse: 12-24 months
- Registered Nurse: Associate Degree: 2 years
- Registered Nurse: Accelerated Program: 12-18 months
- Registered Nurse: Baccalaureate Degree: 4 years
Once you’ve attained your LPN, you can pursue:
- Registered Nurse: Associate Degree: 2 years
- Transition Program to Baccalaureate Degree (BSN or BAN): 1-2 years
Once you’ve attained your RN Associate Degree, you can pursue:
- Transition Program to Baccalaureate Degree (BSN or BAN): 1-2 years
Once you’ve attained your RN Accelerated Degree or RN Baccalaureate Degree, you can pursue:
- Master of Science in Nursing (Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, Other): 2 years
- Doctorate of Nursing Practice DNP: 2-3 years
Once you’ve attained your Master of Science in Nursing, you can pursue:
- Doctorate of Philosophy PhD: 3+ years
Aim to Create Something that:
- Readers will notice and remember
- Stands out from other essays
- Showcases that you are interesting, capable, positive
- Highlights you as the student scholarship recipient
Step 1: Review Requirements
- Review: scholarship requirements, criteria, and minimum qualifications
- Read instructions on formatting, length, deadline, and questions to address
- Know who will read the essay
- Research the specific scholarship and organization
- Do not use the same essay for every application
Step 2: Draft an Outline
- Introduction
- Catch the reader’s attention and spark their interest. Introduce main points and yourself, e.g. your nursing career or work
- Body
- Provide details of main points and write to convince the reader why you should be chosen for scholarship
- Provide examples of character, personal strengths, inspirations, interest in nursing, previous work, leadership, volunteer experience, and membership of organizations
- Identify educational and nursing career goals, what you will do with this degree, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals
- Conclusion
- Summarize the points made within the essay and connect the story
- Provide a confident and interesting conclusion to leave a lasting impression
Step 3: Unique Information
- Include challenges in life, e.g. opportunities to stand out from others
- Personal nursing experiences or nursing stories e.g. start with “I….”
- Provide how you would utilize the scholarship e.g. start your nursing career or advance your nursing career
Step 4: Proofread
- Check content, grammar, spelling, punctuation
- Check writing: is it clear and to the point (no repeating thoughts, ideas)
- Check: is it a logical progression of ideas
- IMPORTANT: have 3-4 other people read the essay & provide feedback
The below tips are suggestions and are not a guarantee to passing the exam.
- Review the test outline
Check out the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website to review the NCLEX-RN test plan. The plan provides a summary of the content that may be assessed during the exam. It serves as a guide for the test candidate. Review the test plan to know what to expect, such as the formatting of the test, the types of questions and the percentage of questions in each category. - Take practice exams
Utilizing practice exams is a great way to prepare – but answering the questions is only the first part of the process. After taking the exam, be sure to review the questions you answered incorrectly. Read the rationale given for the correct answer. Take notes of those concepts that you need or want to revisit so you can modify your study plan for those areas that you found difficult. - Create a study plan
There are many options available to prepare for the NCLEX exam. There are various review courses and practice exams offered by many companies. Take time to review the options and choose one that fits your study style the best. When creating your study plan, be sure to include the days of the week you will study, the days that you will take off and the days that you will take practice exams. Make a goal for each study day, such as, “I will study this specific content topic” or “I will take X amount of practice exam questions.” Be intentional about setting your goals and writing out your study plan to avoid wasting your time. When studying for the exam, take note of the time of day you are able to focus best and modify your study plan so you are retaining as much as possible during each study session. - Carefully choose your exam time
When scheduling your exam, consider your best time of day. Be sure to schedule the exam when you will be the most alert or able to focus. If you are a morning person, schedule a morning test. If you more active in the afternoon, then schedule the exam for after lunch. Be sure to read all the documents you receive from the Board of Nursing about taking your exam and the NCLEX Candidate Rules available on the following website: ncsbn.org/1268.htm. - Plan ahead
Put gas in your car the day or night before. Try to sleep well the week before the exam. On the day of the exam, be sure to set a reliable alarm (alarms if you hit snooze) and get to bed on time that night. Plan to arrive early to the testing center. If you have not been to the testing center before, consider driving there a few days ahead of time so you know where you need to go. - Be prepared
Be sure to read the NCLEX candidate rules regarding personal belongings, breaks, test administration and confidentiality before the day of the exam. Take the morning of the exam to calm your mind. Focus on something that helps you stay relaxed – cook a nice breakfast, listen to music, go on a run; whatever works for you. Dress comfortably for the exam. Dress in layers in case you tend to get cold. Don’t wear jingly jewelry, as it can be distracting. Make sure you have eaten and bring some snacks and a water bottle for on the way. Expect to leave your bag and electronics in your car. Bring an acceptable form of ID, such as a driver’s license, as well as any necessary documents for testing. - Don’t add context to the questions
If you have previous experiences in health care, do not assume that the experiences apply to the NCLEX. It is important to answer NCLEX questions as the reference books would indicate. Do not add to the question by pulling in experiences from past work or clinical scenarios. - Keep calm
Test anxiety is a real thing. Find a way to remind yourself to stay calm and practice these techniques, even during your study time. Remember to breathe and remain calm in between and during questions. - Pace yourself
Consider pacing yourself when answering questions. You will have six hours total for the exam, including an exam tutorial, two pre-programmed breaks and any unscheduled breaks you may take. If you do not know a question, make your best guess and move on. Do not dwell on questions that you are not able to answer. By dwelling on those questions, you can create more anxiety for yourself going forward. - Believe in yourself
An important key to success is to believe in yourself. Tell yourself you will pass. You deserve to pass. You have already proven your potential by graduating nursing school. Create self-affirmation notes and post them in places you will see the morning of the exam (i.e. bathroom mirror, car, etc.). Remind yourself you can do this. This is the final step on your journey to being a registered nurse. Congratulations!
Reference: National Council of State Boards of Nursing at www.ncsbn.org/index.htm.
Looking for your first nursing job can be both exciting and stressful. Below are a few tips to help make the search easier.
- Think about where you want to be.
Do you want to be in a large metropolitan city or a smaller, rural town? Do you want to be near or far from home? Responses to these questions will help narrow your search. Different places will provide you with different opportunities. It’s also important to think about whether or not a community supports your interests outside of work. Taking care of yourself is crucial to maintaining a healthy life balance. Liking where you live will support your career success. - Think about which health care setting you like best.
Would you be happiest working in an acute care hospital, clinic or long-term care facility? You will likely have an idea of what you prefer from nursing school and clinical experiences. A rural health care site can give you the opportunity to practice a wider range of skills, while a hospital can help you specialize and care for complex patient populations. - Look for growth opportunities.
Health care organizations can offer a variety of professional opportunities for nurses, so it’s smart to do some research before you apply. You can check whether organizations have achieved Magnet® recognition as part of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program. These organizations are known for investing in certification support, offering scheduling options, providing research opportunities, promoting self-care practices and giving nurses opportunities to drive change. During an interview, ask about initial training and ongoing nursing support. See if there are opportunities for new graduates to be hired into specialty areas like neonatal intensive care or the emergency department. Ask if there will be resources available to support your professional goals, such as loan forgiveness, mentoring, tuition support, educational leave (for degrees or specialty certifications), involvement in national nursing organizations and advancement opportunities. - Benefits
Benefits are often the deciding factor when you’re choosing a job. Your hourly pay is only the beginning of how your employer can support you, so benefits are a crucial factor. Because of the nature of your work scheduling, you’ll want to know about shift, weekend and holiday pay incentives. Other valuable benefits can include uniform stipends, special event discounts or perk programs with merchants. If you’re interested, you can ask about reward and recognition programs that recognize employees on a regular basis. If you’re a veteran, special programs may be available to offer you additional perks or support. Insurance is another part of your benefits package. Coverage will include basic health care, but it could also extend to dental, vision, long and short-term disability and more. You will also be enrolled in a retirement plan that you’ll want to be informed about, especially in regards to any matching contributions from your employer. Take advantage of these benefits right away so you can set yourself up early for success in retirement.
Be concise and organized
Be sure to make education, graduation date, and contact information simple to find and easy to view. Strive to keep your resume short and concise. Instead of deleting important information, craft it into bullet points or shortened summarized phrases. This will give you talking points and an opportunity to explain further in the interview.
Past experience matters
This may be your first registered nurse position, but don’t leave out previous experience altogether. Avoid filling your resume with lines of only clinical rotation experience. Previous experience, volunteer time, and campus involvement may not be direct health care experience but it is still very important. These experiences can display customer service, work ethic, responsibility and trust, which are all highly desired traits in a registered nurse.
Tailor to fit the company
Take a few extra minutes to tailor each application you submit. Tailor your cover letter and resume to include relatable information. First: get creative and incorporate company-specific information into your resume and cover letter. Next: review the job specifics with your materials, making sure you haven’t left any of your qualifications out that can relate to the position.
Do’s
- Be concise, organized and professional
- Have information that is easy to find and in short phrases
- Include professional contact information
- Include education, previous employment, volunteer work, community involvement, certifications, and licensure information
- Tailor resume to fit the company and use key words from the job description
- Include qualifications that may be important to the job
- Use professional fonts, e.g. Arial size 12
- Standardize format and font size for cover letter and resume
- Proof read before submitting for spelling and grammatical errors
- Send resume in PDF form
Don'ts
- Include clinical rotation experience from school
- Overuse capital letters
- Include reference names and contact information
Choose Your Reference
Ask a direct supervisor, professional mentor, a recent employer, or an academic instructor who can provide relevant information regarding the current stage of your career or education.
Find someone who:
- Will help others get to know you
- Can attest to your abilities, qualifications, work experience, job qualifications, and skills
- Is one of your first academic degree connections
- Speaks highly of you and your character
Be Respectful and Professional
Ways to frame your request include, "Do you think you know my work well enough to provide me with a reference?" or "Do you feel comfortable giving me a reference?” These suggestions provide those whom you ask an option to say yes or no.
Give plenty of notice for completion of the reference.
Know your references’ position titles and contact information, and ask how they like to be contacted.
Create a Reference List
Print the list to bring with you to interviews and to send to employers who specifically request references with your initial job application materials.
Employers most often expect a list of three references, so have at least three or four contacts ready to provide. The extra one is handy just in case the prospective employer is unable to reach the original names provided.
Proofread and Double Check:
- Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are correct
- Contact information is up to date
Prepare yourself
View the company website and familiarize yourself with their mission, values and initiatives. Review the position posting and prepare questions you want to ask during the interview. You’re not expected to know it all, but taking the time to learn a little bit about the company and having questions to ask shows you’re interested in the company and eager to learn more!
Bring an open mind
You may know exactly what specialty area you’re interested in, but come with an open mind to learn more. Applying to multiple units gives you potential for a variety of interviews and offers. Learning more about each department and the specific skills they require will help you make a well-educated decision on where you want to be within the hospital.
Situational question readiness
“Describe a time when you made an error and what you did to overcome it.” These types of situational questions can catch even the most experienced interviewee off guard. You can prepare for these types of questions with the STAR model. The star acronym stands for situation, task, action, and result which are the steps you should take when answering a behavioral based interview question.
There have been a number of changes and adjustments made over the years in terminology and procedures in nursing education. Some adjustments are scheduled to take effect in upcoming years. Below are some of the significant changes to be aware of.
Education Level Changes
- The AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) and NCSBC (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) recommend obtaining a DNP or PhD by 2015 to become an APRN.
- Likewise, all APRN programs are advised to move from a master's degree to a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree by 2015. However, it is not currently scheduled to be required by a certain year since the demand for APRNs has not decreased.
- The AANA (American Association of Nurse Anesthetists) in 2025 will require a DNP or PhD to become a CRNA.
- The NACNS (National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists) in 2030 will require a DNP or PhD to become a CNS.
- Nurses already in the above positions (with only a MSN or certificate) will not required to increase their education level, but will be grandfathered in.
- The IOM made the following recommendations in 2010:
- Increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80 percent by 2020.
- Double the number of nurses with a doctorate by 2020.
Terminology Changes
- ND (Doctor of Nursing) and (DrNP) are being transitioned out of use and exchanged for the current term DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice).
- The terms DNSc, DNS, or DSN (Doctor of Nursing Science) are being replaced by the term PhD.