If you’re a fan of the popular medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” you’re probably here for the high-octane ER action and complicated love triangles. Maybe it even inspired you to enroll in medicine or nursing school.
Hate to break it to you, but “Grey’s” and many other TV series do not accurately portray what happens inside a hospital or an emergency room.
For a close-to-reality check, TV Insider suggests “Scrubs.” Yes, but it’s a comedy, we hear you say. According to the publication, the quirky series is the closest you’re going to get to a kinda true depiction of the residency training process.
Either that or experience the real thing. Depending on where you are in your studies, a medical internship is an excellent way of introducing you to a career in the medical field.
Some schools and colleges offer internship programs best suited for your chosen study path. The choices are exhaustive, from joining a youth program or hospital foundation to volunteering at your local health clinic.
No two days are alike and if you thrive on the unexpected, a healthcare career could be just what the doctor ordered (pun intended). Let’s dive into a typical day for hospital workers.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses (RNs) are the beating heart of every hospital and the largest healthcare profession in the U.S.
Because RNs are always in demand, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says employment is expected to grow 6% by 2033.
A day in the life as a nurse requires a level head and nerves of steel. While working in a hospital does have its fair share of theatrics, RNs have a structured routine.
Their shift begins with a patient handover from the nurse they are relieving. They then assess their patients’ conditions, administer medication, and monitor vital signs.
The most important part of their job – besides assisting patients – is coordinating with doctors and healthcare teams on patient treatment plans. RNs do all this while offering emotional support to critically ill patients and sharing patient education.
Holy Family University says pursuing a nursing education and nursing degree is filled with patient and family interactions that can make a meaningful difference. Besides clinical skills, the nursing profession is filled with caring, empathetic individuals.
Primary Care Physician (PCP)
Unlike nurses, primary care physicians have no set shifts. Their role encompasses many duties, from checking paperwork, seeing patients, and managing prescriptions.
PCPs aren’t only doctors in a hospital setting. Nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are qualified to fulfill the function.
Many PCPs work up to 10 hours nonstop, providing care for sick patients and practicing preventative medicine. Their busy schedules are often interrupted by calls from other physicians discussing a patient’s ongoing care.
When Harvard Medicine asked its alumni what the best part of being a PCP was, some were forthcoming. They said it’s about saving lives, inventing a lifesaving drug, and being 100% passionate about medicine.
Patient Care Technician (PCT)
A hospital technician, or patient care technician (PCT), checks vitals, assists with daily care, monitors patient needs, and helps with movement.
They work closely with nurses to ensure comfort and safety while following strict hygiene protocols and care plans. Their fast-paced day involves frequent patient interactions and essential support under nurse supervision.
Morning rounds typically include reviewing patient charts, taking vital signs, and noting any changes in a patient’s condition. PCTs are also in charge of basic patient care like bathing, dressing, and helping to eat.
They can administer basic medications while under the guidance of a nurse and change wound dressings.
There are specialized roles within the field. Many qualify as ICU technicians, operating room technicians, or cardiac technicians. However, the skills needed remain the same. Hospital technicians must be strong communicators, compassionate, and have basic medical knowledge.
Pursuing Your Internship
Now that you’ve decided to take the next step, you can design your internship to fit your study life.
Intern wages vary by industry, student major, skills, and experience. Pay ranges from minimum wage to $22+ per hour for technical roles but cannot be below minimum wage.
An internship should be flexible. Most organizations offer part-time positions, typically 10–20 hours per week with a 20-hour limit during the academic year.
Summer or non-enrollment semester internships can be up to 40 hours per week. Hospitals are encouraged to pay an hourly rate or stipend if you’re doing a full-time summer internship.
Doing a hospital internship comes with its ups and downs. You work continuously and may have to do tasks outside your comfort zone. But think about the reward afterward. Nothing compares to hands-on experience.
When you earn your degree, you’ll know exactly what it’s like in the thick of things.