PENN STATE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
PENN STATE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
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Education
 
 
Nurse Externship Program - Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum GPA for acceptance?
No, however preference is given to GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Do I need official transcripts?
No. Send the most recent copy. An online version is okay as long as it identifies you.

Is this a paid externship?
The pay for this valuable educational experience is $12.00 per hour for Extern I and $13.00 per hour for Extern II.

What uniforms will I need?
Uniforms at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center serve as a means of identification. Externs wear white pants and polo shirts, with polo shirt colors differentiating Extern I (light blue) and Extern II (teal). Shirts are available either at the Medical Center’s bookstore or at a local retailer. The purchase and care of uniforms are your responsibility.

What shift will I be working?
Externs must be willing and able to work all shifts. Schedules will be available at the start of the program.

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 programs start May 26, 2009, there should be time in August for vacations.

Is housing available?
You are responsible for housing during the program. There are apartments in the Hershey area that accept short-term leases. Housing is available on campus for a fee. For details, visit our Housing website.

I was an Extern last year. Do I need to reapply?
Yes. Applications, resumes and transcripts are still required. We will notify you upon receipt of your application to discuss your preferred assignments.

When will interviews be conducted?
Interviews will be scheduled for December 2008 and/or early January 2009.

What can I do to prepare for the interview?
  • Plan Ahead. Research our company and the position if possible. Review your work experiences, and be ready to support past career and school accomplishments with specific information targeted towards our needs.
  • Dress appropriately. This is a competitive job interview, dress professionally.
  • 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 main lobby.
Do you have any advice for the interview?
  • Awareness. An interview is a two-way exchange of information. In addition to researching our company, demonstrate your interest by formulating questions in advance to ask the interviewer.
  • Eye Contact. Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Show you want the job with your interest.
  • Positive Attitude. In particular, avoid negative comments about past employers or professors.
  • Listen and adapt. 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.
  • Relate. Try to relate your answers to the interviewer and our company. Focus mostly on achievements that would be relevant to the position. Provide answers to that are specific to the questions.
When will selections be made?
Selections will be made by the end of February 2009.

How many positions are available?
We typically accept approximately 40 Extern II's and 15 Extern I's.  A small number of candidates will be accepted as alternates.