Summer Nursing Internship Program
About our program and hospitals
The Fairview Summer Nursing Internship Program is an educational opportunity for baccalaureate nursing students at the end of their junior year. Each student is paired with preceptors for delivery of nursing care on a patient care unit. The program provides opportunities to enhance your technical, critical thinking and interpersonal skills in an acute care environment.About the hospitals
Fairview Southdale Hospital and Fairview Ridges Hospital are two of seven Fairview hospitals providing exceptional care to the Minnesota communities we serve.
Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minn. is a nationally-certified Stroke Center, a recipient of the Commission on Cancer’s Outstanding Achievement Award and the Twin Cities' first Level III Trauma Center. We have been recognized by several third-party organizations for our commitment to patient care and clinical quality.
Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, Minn. is a 150-bed, Level III Trauma Care facility, offering the most advanced emergency, surgery, orthopedic and children's care available in the Twin Cities south of the Minnesota River. Providing the highest quality patient care is our top priority. Learn more about the great care offered here.
Orientation and education
The orientation and educational programs are mandatory parts of your experience. These programs require attendance and participation for the entire schedule, except for emergencies and illness. Any exceptions or special circumstances must be discussed in the interview process.
Program dates for 2013 are June 3 - Aug. 9
Students participate in designated seminars examining various clinical practices and professional nursing issues. It is the participant’s responsibility to notify the appropriate people of any address or telephone changes during the terms of the program.
Simulation with the mannequin (Fairview Southdale Hospital)
Fairview invests in staff education to improve the safety, reliability and quality of care for our patients. Fairview Southdale Hospital's Simulation Lab is fully equipped with a mannequin and viewing area. Staff complete simulation training to prepare for patient-care events. Simulation is an effective measure of team-based strategy that can aid nursing staff and health care teams in becoming a critical thinking team in a variety of patient care situations. Simulation prepares the health care team in effective communication techniques, team function, interpersonal development and policy compliance. As a Fairview Southdale Hospital intern, you will have an opportunity to experience the simulation lab first-hand.
Employee benefits
As a temporary employee of Fairview, students work 24-32 hours per week. A total of 240 to 320 hours must be reached by the end of the program. Hours are scheduled as dictated by your preceptor’s schedule. Some units have eight-hour shifts; others have 12-hour shifts or combinations. Weekends are scheduled as every other or every third, based on your preceptor’s schedule. Overtime during the internship is not allowed.
There are opportunities in many areas including:
- Medical/Surgical
- Ortho/Neuro
- Heart Center
- Oncology
- ICU
- Float Pool
- Emergency Department
- Birthplace (Postpartum/Labor and Delivery)
- Operating Room
What past interns say
“Very good program. The classes kept all of the interns connected and my experiences were amazing.”
“The mentors were very helpful and the program is organized. They are respectful of intern concerns and it was a great place to have the experience.”
“It was great to see what it’s like in the real world and work with extremely helpful nursing staff.”
“Staff helped in building my confidence and wanted me to succeed.”
"I had an amazing internship experience, and I am so grateful for the time I got to spend at Fairview."
