What are nursing students called before they become interns? At Inova Hospital, they are called externs, and students come from all over the country to participate in a program designed to give them clinical experience before they graduate.
The program also introduces them to the Inova system. At the end of the most recent session, Inova threw a beach bash on the grounds of Inova Mount Vernon Hospital to celebrate.
Judging by how much they enjoyed the special party the hospital gave them last week, many of them will be back as interns next year — and as nurses.
There was food and music under the pavilion. Outside, tables were set up with numerous games. One group was playing hangman on an easel; others tried their luck at the spin wheel or guessing game. Volleyball was available, and a raffle yielded prizes for the lucky winners.
Pat Lane, director of Inova Clinical Development and Research, said that there were 172 students in the program from 48 schools. The program, which runs during the summer, allows nursing students to participate in 63 departments throughout the Inova system. Terri Marr attends the University of Wisconsin and said she found out about the program on the Internet. She will graduate next year and may consider moving here to work for Inova.
A group of students was there from George Mason University (GMU). One of those students, Ama Amaniampong, said, "I have a wonderful perception of the program. It has been very helpful. The nurses work as a team."
Another GMU student, Kelley Wilkinson, said that it was an invaluable experience. "You don't get enough hospital experience in school. This is very helpful," she said.