After assisting a newborn delivery while working in an emergency department, Ashley Skorna became interested in learning more about nursing, particularly in the labor and delivery unit.
“When I found out that McLaren had a nurse internship program where I could gain hands-on experience during my schooling in the labor and delivery unit, I was very interested and applied,” said Skorna.
Skorna is now a registered nurse, having graduated in January 2024, and works as a full-time nurse for McLaren Greater Lansing. She said that the nurse internship program allowed her to meet her future colleagues and gain insightful experience that made an impact on her career.
“Because I did the internship, I was already very familiar and comfortable with the unit, so I felt able to jump right in,” said Skorna.
Internships allow nursing students to complement their school-based theory learning by developing the necessary clinical experience and skills under the supervision of nursing professionals. This opportunity also enables future nurses to network with potential leaders and colleagues and secure their first nursing position during training.
“Our future nurses gain useful bedside experience outside of the classroom, as well as clinical time,” said Jodi Stein, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at McLaren Greater Lansing. “We recognize the importance of partnering with our local colleges and universities to work creatively together to better prepare our nursing students, and increase the pipeline of future nurses to support our community needs.”
Nurse interns work alongside registered nurses performing their daily patient care responsibilities. They get direct exposure to different nursing units and shifts, and interact with providers, peers, and patients to better understand the rigors involved in the registered nursing role.
Grace Richardson, another nurse intern at McLaren Greater Lansing, works in the emergency department and will be graduating in April 2024.
“During my internship, I was able to shadow several nurses and picked up additional skill sets that have helped build my knowledge base and understanding of the needs of my patients, while also increasing my confidence,” said Richardson.
Richardson enjoys working in the emergency department and plans to continue her career there at McLaren.
“The nursing internship program not only prepares students with the day-to-day aspects in a clinical setting, but also allows them an opportunity in seeking different experiences in nursing units that pique their clinical interest,” said Stein.
To qualify for the nursing internship program, students must actively be enrolled in a nursing program and have completed their second semester of nursing clinicals. Those who qualify can apply online. Nurse interns can choose from six-, eight-, or 12-hour shifts, including both day and night shifts.
The internship program is open for applications. Those interested can apply here.
To learn more about McLaren Greater Lansing, click here.
For all open positions currently available at McLaren, click here.