Article

Begin With the End in Mind: Professional Student Nurse Extern Program Makes a Difference
Talulah Ruger, RN, MSN, AOCN^®
Senior Instructor and Coordinator of Student Programs
Nursing Professional Development and Education
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX

The nursing profession is faced with a nursing shortage, and we are continually challenged to develop strategies to attract bright young minds into the field of nursing, and to oncology nursing as a specialty. The Professional Student Nurse Extern (PSNE) program, coordinated through Nursing Professional Development and Education in the Division of Nursing at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, has this goal in mind.

Ruger (far right) presents a certificate of completion of Summer Program to Elizabeth Chege (second left), Professional Student Nurse Extern(PSNE). Also pictured (left to right) is Robin Toms, RN, PhD, Director Nursing Professional Development and Education, and Lisa Comer, RN , preceptor.

The purpose of this program is to interest and challenge professional nursing students and provided them with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of care for patients with cancer. Students obtain the knowledge and skill to practice basic oncology nursing while earning a salary. They work under the supervision of an RN preceptor in one of the many clinical inpatient and ambulatory specialty areas. In addition to clinical experience, summer PSNEs attend weekly seminars taught by nursing experts.

Our goal is to have an impact on the students’ beginning exposure to oncology nursing in such a way that they will want to continue employment as oncology nurses. We hired eight of the 12 PSNEs we employed who graduated in May 2004. Of the four we did not hire, two desired to begin their nursing career in another field and two moved to another area. One of the overwhelming responses from students concerning their choice to continue work at M.D. Anderson after graduation was the work environment and the nurturing that they received as students.

After a 24-year nursing career at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, I often find myself reflecting on how my beginning as an oncology nurse has impacted my career path. A native of Georgia, I was employed by M.D. Anderson in 1980 as what I call a “baby LVN [licensed vocational nurse].” Oncology was totally new to me; however, the nurturing that I received from management and the nursing staff really set the pace for me. From the very beginning, I was encouraged to grow by attaining new knowledge and skills. I felt as though I was a vital part of the nursing team. This type of encouragement, in conjunction with my drive to achieve excellence in nursing, fueled my desire to continue my education to become an RN.

Twenty-four years later, I have held positions as staff nurse, charge nurse, assistant nurse manager, nurse manager, clinical nurse specialist, and, now, senior nursing instructor. A major factor in my success was that my employer began with my end in mind. I was not just viewed where I was at the beginning an LVN but was supported with a vision of what I could become in the future.

As coordinator of student programs, I have the opportunity to assist in creating a positive beginning for these students and witness their transition from student to nurse. Many enter the program inexperienced and lacking self-confidence. They are encouraged and guided by nurse preceptors, unit-based instructors, nurse managers, and staff. At the end of the program, a metamorphosis has occurred. This is the beginning of the end that we have in mind.

Summer PSNEs with RN preceptors.