Top 6 Pre-Nursing Internships to Jumpstart Your Nursing Career

Are you thinking about pursuing a pre-nursing internship to gain hands-on experience and boost your career prospects? If so, you're in the right place! A pre-nursing internship is an invaluable way to gain clinical exposure, learn from experienced professionals, and solidify your decision to become a nurse. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right program. To help you out, here are six excellent pre-nursing internships, including opportunities provided by Go Elective, which are designed to help you grow both personally and professionally.

AACN Government Affairs and Policy Internship

For those interested in the intersection of nursing and public health policy, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) offers a Government Affairs and Policy Internship. This non-clinical internship allows students to gain insight into how healthcare policies are shaped and how they impact nursing education at the federal level.

Interns participate in legislative hearings, policy briefings, and conferences, making this an ideal internship for students interested in public health nursing or healthcare administration.

Program Length: 6 weeks
Location: Washington, D.C.
Why It's Great: Learn about the policymaking process and gain experience that can help you pursue a career in public health.

ASN/BSN Excel Nursing Internship Program

The Excel Nursing Internship Program offered by Rochester Regional Health in New York is a paid internship that places students in local hospitals and healthcare centers. This program allows pre-nursing students to work directly with licensed nurses and gain hands-on experience as patient care technicians.

In addition to clinical experience, interns can attend weekly educational sessions, helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world nursing practice.

Program Length: 10 weeks
Location: Rochester, New York
Why It's Great: Paid internship with practical skills development and educational opportunities.

Go Elective Pre-Nursing Internships Abroad

For students looking to gain clinical experience while traveling and immersing themselves in a new culture, Go Elective’s Pre-Nursing Internships Abroad are the perfect fit. Offering placements in East Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania, Go Elective provides pre-nursing students with a unique opportunity to shadow healthcare professionals in resource-limited settings.

Interns will have the chance to rotate through different hospital departments, such as pediatrics, emergency care, surgery, and maternal health, gaining invaluable experience in diverse medical conditions like malaria and tuberculosis—diseases rarely encountered in wealthier nations. You'll also get to explore the local culture and environment through curated excursions like safaris and visits to local communities.

These internships are typically volunteer-based, but Go Elective aims to make them accessible and affordable, offering flexible payment plans, group discounts, and opportunities to secure your internship even at the last minute.

Program Length: 1-6 weeks
Location: Kenya, Tanzania
Cost: $2,000 - $3,100 (depending on the length)
Why It's Great: Gain experience in a global health setting while traveling and immersing yourself in a new culture.

Student Nurse Internship Program (SNIP) – Sentara Healthcare

Sentara Healthcare offers the Student Nurse Internship Program (SNIP) for students entering their final two semesters of nursing school. Located at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Virginia, this paid internship provides hands-on experience under the supervision of professional nurses.

Interns assist with patient care, support admissions and discharge processes, and rotate through various hospital departments to get a broad overview of nursing roles.

Program Length: 8 weeks
Location: Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina
Why It's Great: Hands-on training in a hospital setting with pay and potential career opportunities at Sentara.

Northwest Medical Center’s Student Nurse Internship – Tucson, Arizona

The Northwest Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona offers a summer nursing internship that provides full-time, 36-hour per week placements. Interns work under the guidance of a professional nurse in departments like the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit.

In addition to gaining valuable nursing skills, interns are eligible for scholarships or stipends and can take advantage of staff benefits like medical insurance.

Program Length: 8 weeks (June-July)
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Why It's Great: Full-time, hands-on experience in critical care settings with additional financial perks.

Check Out Your University’s Resources for Pre-Nursing Internships

Don’t forget to explore what your university’s career or nursing department has to offer! Many universities have partnerships with local hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations to provide students with pre-nursing internship opportunities. These can be a great way to gain experience without the need for extensive travel or additional expenses.

University websites can also be an excellent resource for finding out about scholarships, grants, and additional programs that can help you finance your internship, making it a valuable part of your journey toward a nursing career.

Why It's Great: University resources can help you find local internships, financial aid, and networking opportunities that align with your academic goals.

Why Pre-Nursing Internships Matter

Pre-nursing internships are critical for aspiring nurses. They provide hands-on clinical exposure, mentorship from healthcare professionals, and an opportunity to build your skills before officially entering the nursing workforce. By participating in one of these programs, you'll not only gain invaluable experience but also strengthen your nursing school applications and set yourself up for success in your nursing career.

At Go Elective, we understand the challenges students face when planning for an internship abroad. That's why we offer flexible, affordable, and meaningful experiences that will help you achieve your goals.

Ready to start your pre-nursing journey? Explore Go Elective’s pre-nursing internships and secure your spot today!

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Go Elective offers immersive opportunities for medical students, pre-med undergraduates, residents, nursing practitioners, and PAs to gain guided invaluable experience in busy hospitals abroad. Discover the power of study, travel, and impact.