Student nurses have a wealth of classroom education, but the wait to get hands-on experience can sometimes feel endless. That’s why UPMC is proud to offer a 10-week Student Nurse Internship (SNI) program that provides soon-to-be graduate nurses with firsthand experience in a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. Each of our SNIs has a preceptor to empower them through their first ventures in patient care and guide their continued education. Don’t just take our word for it, hear from some of our interns about their experience…
Madison was surrounded by a supportive team.
"Over the 10 weeks of my internship, I had the opportunity to work with so many amazing nurses that helped me grow and feel more comfortable entering the nursing field in a year. Learning how to better manage my time, care for multiple patients and see what it is like to work a 12-hour shift were a few of the things I was able to experience. The best advice I could offer to future student nurse interns would be to embrace every learning opportunity and ask lots of questions. Every day you will see and do so many amazing things."
Madison S., UPMC Lititz, Med/Surg
Yeside learned from wise nursing leaders.
“I had a wonderful preceptor who taught and showed me how to become a compassionate nurse. We started the day by discussing the patients and how best to serve them for optimal results. We engaged in critical thinking, and we were not afraid to contact all stakeholders when in doubt. Nurses are heroes and I am proud to be in this profession.”
Yeside S., UPMC Western Maryland, PCU
Chung developed meaningful relationships with patients.
“This summer I learned that it can be hard to find time as nurses, but the little moments we share with our patients can mean the world to them and can impact us tremendously. As a trained public health professional, I've learned to look beyond a patient's health conditions, and I am hoping that we all can take a few minutes to look ‘beyond’ what is there because there is always more to a story than we can see from looking at charts.”
Chung L., UPMC Altoona, Oncology
Nicole was equipped for her next steps as a nurse.
"It’s so hard to believe 10 weeks as a UPMC SNI have come and gone! I have had hands-on experiences with patient care, observed a few situations that I will never forget, and gained confidence in my skills during my time at the UPMC Somerset ED. Now I have countless resources to fall back on when it comes to interview tips, resume building, and guidance on the next steps (to name just a few). I am confident in my future as a nurse because of the SNI program."
Nicole O., UPMC Somerset, Emergency Department
Lacey gained experience she had missed during the pandemic.
As someone who began nursing school at the beginning rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, I feel that my class, as well as others, lost out on a lot of clinical experience. This was one of the main reasons that I wanted to apply to be an SNI at UPMC — and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I left this internship with much more experience with hands-on patient care. This opportunity not only gave me real life, incomparable experience, but it also opened so many doors for me as an upcoming Graduate Nurse.
Lacey B., UPMC Western Maryland, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Shristi observed excellence and teamwork.
“All the nurses on the floor came to the rescue, gave several ideas, and worked as a team. I was so overwhelmed by the way nurses worked, being able to intervene in the correct way, and knowing what to do next. Also, I learned that there’s no such thing as working chronologically with a specific plan or pattern in a hospital. You never know what’s going to happen next and to which patient, but you still try your best to keep up and keep good track of all the patients you are responsible for. I hope to become that kind of person and develop my nursing gut for a better patient outcome in days to come.”
Shristi B., UPMC Western Maryland, HLC
Alyssa learned a new way to provide quality care.
“One of my most memorable experiences occurred at 3 AM during bloodwork. My preceptor and I were taking care of a patient who had already mentioned earlier that shift that she was terrified of needles and was not looking forward to having her blood drawn. Not only was she scared of bloodwork, but in her words, she was 'a hard stick'. My preceptor, myself, and a PCT went into her room and as soon as we woke her up, we could tell how nervous she was. While my preceptor and the PCT started getting ready to draw the bloodwork I held her hand and talked to her trying to keep her calm. The next thing she knew her bloodwork was over with! She thanked us all multiple times for being so calm and I left that room feeling happy that I made just a little bit of a difference in someone’s stay.”
Alyssa L., UPMC East, 6E Rehab
Shaelyn overcame fears and anxiety.
"I remember receiving my offer to be an SNI in the Intensive Care Unit at UPMC East and being so nervous. The ICU seemed so scary, but I accepted because I thought I would learn so much from being there, and I was exactly right! I’ve been able to help take care of patients on ventilators, patients with arterial lines and Swan catheters, and learned how to maintain very critical and life-saving IV drips. The things I’ve learned from being here are priceless and I wouldn’t trade my experiences here for anything."
Shaelyn S., UPMC East, Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Lexie made lifelong memories and experiences.
"I just finished my 10-week Student Nurse Internship in the Med Surg Unit at UPMC Chautauqua and had an amazing experience. I met so many wonderful nurses, patients, and families that will forever be in my heart. I learned so much and am grateful to have had this experience, and I feel well prepared for my last two semesters of nursing school."
Lexie P., UPMC Hamot, Trauma Neuro Intensive Care Unit (TNICU)
More quotes from our Student Nurse Interns
All junior-level or equivalent nursing students are invited to apply to this 10-week, paid program. You’ll have an opportunity to work up to 40 hours each week on a unit in a variety of clinical settings. Our trained preceptors will provide one-on-one guidance, and the program includes shadow opportunities so you can explore your specialties of interest. Build your confidence as a nurse – apply to the SNI program today!
