DREAM Student Nurse Externship Program

Overview 

The DREAM Externship aims to enhance community representation and establish supportive avenues for ADN nurses to gain valuable experiences at a Magnet-accredited organization. The DREAM Program was established by a team of RN’s at UCSDH that graduated from ADN programs to create a guided pathway for future ADN students.

Since 2021, the DREAM program is tailored to assist ADN students in transitioning into professional clinical nurse roles and preparing them for new graduate RN positions. Participants benefit from a comprehensive curriculum including didactic sessions, skill-building classes, and career development seminars.

Program Highlights

  • Two semester-length externships (August - May)
  • 120 hours of Clinical / Quality time per semester:
    • 96 externship hours per semester at UCSD Health
    • 24 classroom hours per semester at UCSD Health
  • 1:1 RN Preceptor Pairing
  • 1:1 Mentor Pairing

Student Benefits

  • Welcome Kickoff Event 
  • Professional Nursing Portfolio 
  • DREAM Uniform Scrubs
  • Free Parking
  • Access to Explore Program Events
  • Awarded Certificate of Completion at Annual May Celebration Event.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Enrollment in a nursing program that has an active clinical affiliation at UCSDH through the Allied Health Professions Education Committee (AHPEC-N).
  • Enrollment in an externship course through their school’s nursing program.
  • Students are eligible to participate during their final academic year. (In most cases, the application deadline will be before your final two semesters.)
  • Provide evidence of valid health insurance and professional liability insurance, Complio Immunization and Background Compliance Report and other required documentation.

DREAM Extern Qualifications: 

  • Be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or legal permanent resident 
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
    • Demonstrated on transcript
  • Must be co-enrolled in BSN bridge program 
    • Demonstrated with acceptance letter 
  • Ability to attend required UCSDH didactic classes 

Additionally, DREAM Externs must at least meet two of the following criteria:

  • Underrepresented minority pursuing nursing school
  • 1st generation college student / graduate 
  • Demonstrated financial need 

Application

Please submit updated versions of the following items:

  • Resume/CV
  • Cover Letter
  • Two Letters of Reference (dated within 1 year)
  • Unofficial school transcripts 
  • BSN Acceptance Letter
  • Completed Essay Questions (provided only during application period)
  • Proof of Health Insurance

The DREAM Student Nurse Externship Program application opens every February.  

For precise application dates and deadlines, please visit our application website.

Begin your application today! Applicants will need to create an account to get started. Link for application website: 

Explore Career Path Application Website

For any questions, please reach out to explorecareerpaths@health.ucsd.edu