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

Application

Applicants should be prepared to upload a PDF or PNG copy of the following items:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Letters can be generally addressed "To Whom it May Concern,"
• Two Letters of Reference
• Letters must be dated within 1 year.
• Applicant will be responsible for uploading the letters.
• Proof of health insurance
• PNG or JPG file type will work.

For further details, dates, and deadlines, please visit our Explore Program website.

• Applicants will need to create an account to access open applications.
• For any questions, please reach out to rnexterns@health.ucsd.edu