Objectives:
The MCI internship program is designed with the following objectives:
• To supplement the student's theoretical knowledge with a practical work experience.
• To integrate the theory from the academic courses determined by the student and faculty with the practice during the internship.
• To provide opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem solving skills by being engaged in real life work situation.
• To develop skills and an understanding of the work place to assist in the transition from the academia to the medical institutions after graduation.
• To broaden the student's experience by exposure to an internship experience in another culture.
Prerequisites:
Junior or senior student in good academic standing in a partner university in home country. Faculty sponsor and director approval is required. Successful completion of specific clinical courses may be prerequisites for certain internship
Responsibilities:
The parties involved in the internship program will include the sponsoring organization-- Minority Care International (MCI), the student, the faculty supervisor and the director of the department, the supervisor and preceptor, and the student advisor on the MCI Advisory Board.
Minority Care International as the sponsoring organization will provide the liaison among the internship members: the intern, the partner university director, the host university. MCI will also secure housing and transportation for the intern and provide and student advisor to maximize the student's learning experience in the U.S. A letter of agreement will be sent by MCI to any participating universities along with any site-specific requirements/forms.
Intern or student
• Students will be responsible for meeting any site-specific criteria (i.e. inoculations, signed confidentiality statements, etc.) prior to the start of the internship.
• The student will (1) list goals and objectives for her/his internship, (2) write a paper summarizing the work experiences, and (3) give a presentation to her/his class upon return to the sending country.
• Upon arrival, the intern will meet with faculty advisor to discuss courses in the area of interest. The student will also meet with the supervisor to discuss requirements and responsibilities and attend any necessary clinical orientation.
• The intern will confer with the hospital preceptor periodically to discuss her/his experiences and performance.
• The intern will confer with the faculty advisor to discuss her/his performance.
• The intern will practice under the preceptor's supervision and will seek help in unfamiliar situations.
• The intern will behave in a professional manner and follow standards of practice as outlined in the hospital handbook.
• The student will complete clinical and course assignments following the course guidelines and schedule.
• The student will adhere to the clinical schedule established with the preceptor and contact the preceptor if illness or an emergency prevents work.
Good Practice Behavior for Student Interns
Attitude and Skills
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development through formal and informal experiences.
• Wear appropriate attire, according to office or hospital guidelines
• Show accountability by being on time and committed to the practice
• Be flexible in accepting assignments
• Show interest and openness to learning
• Share information to help the preceptor understand your strengths, needs and goals
• Listen; communicate with preceptor, peers, and other health care team members or co-workers
• Continue to ask questions until achieve full comprehension
• Show evidence-based practice for diverse populations
Barriers to Optimum Outcomes:
♣ Lack of self-confidence or presence of undue anxiety, insecurity, or fear
♣ Poor study skills, learning difficulties, or lack of discipline
♣ Poor motivation
♣ Inadequate knowledge
♣ Worries about home, finances, or health
Faculty supervisor meets with the intern as needed and assigns the grade for the internship. The basis for formulating the grade will be the student's performance
in the classes based on the criteria and outcomes outlined on the course syllabus.
Nursing Chair ensures that student meets the academic requirements for taking classes in the nursing program.
Hospital/Office supervisor is responsible for directly or indirectly supervising internship activities and evaluating the student's performance. The supervisor will ensure
that qualifications and assignments meet the Texas Board of Nursing requirements.
Preceptor is responsible for directly or indirectly supervising internship activities and evaluating the student's performance.
The hospital or company will provide a stipend for the travel expenses of the intern and assistance with the living expenses.
Academic Credits: Number of academic credits to be earned_____________________
Number of internship hours to be worked ________________________
General description of the work schedule _________________________
