Internship FAQ's

Q:  What is the difference between shadowing and an internship?

A:  Shadowing is a strictly “observation only” experience that lasts for a period of five (5) days or less.  An internship is the experience given to an individual seeking to complete educational program requirements who desires a “limited hands-on” or “project related” experience in one or more departments for a period of more than five (5) days.  **Only students who are fulfilling educational program requirements will be considered for internships. 

Q:  What departments can I choose from to complete my internship?

A:  Many different areas of the hospital are available to students completing internships.  For a specific list of areas, please refer to the List of Specialty Areas.

Q:  When should I apply for my internship?

A:  Generally, the best time to apply for your educational program internship is the semester prior to the requirement.  For example, if you need to complete the internship in the Fall, it is best to apply during the preceding summer.  Don’t wait until the last minute!

Q:  How long does it take to process my internship application?

A:  The length of time may vary for processing depending on the number of applications pending and department activity.  We will try to accommodate as many requests as possible while maintaining patient care as our number one priority and providing quality experiences for students.

Q:  After I am accepted, why do I have to read through the Internship Mandatory Information?

A:  The mandatory section of this website contains information that has medico, legal, and workplace health and safety implications for anyone working in a Bloomington Hospital facility.  The website was created to educate student health professionals about policies, procedures, and workplace expectations that will influence the way a student will conduct themselves while at Bloomington Hospital.  It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to know about and understand the content of the website. 

By signing the Student Agreement/Acknowledgement form, you are indicating that the content of this website is both read and understood.  While much of the information may be considered “common sense”, a lot of it is specific to BH and will be new to anyone who has not worked within this hospital.

Finally, if you have not completed the checklist prior to beginning your placement, you may find that your access to BH is delayed. 

Q:  This is my second placement at Bloomington Hospital, do I have to read it all again?

A:  All interns are required to submit the initial paperwork.  If there is a lapse in time of more than one month between internships, you will need to resubmit a whole new set of paperwork.  If your internship placement moves to another department within the hospital without a lapse, you will not need to fill out new paperwork. 

Q:  What is Tuberculosis and the two-step TST?

A:  TB, or tuberculosis, is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.  The bacteria can attack any part of your body, but they usually attack the lungs.  TB is spread through the air from one person to another.

The two-step Tuberculosis Skin Test (TST) is an antigen used to aid in the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection.  A healthcare worker can give you the TST (formerly PPD Series).  The healthcare worker will inject a small amount of testing fluid (called tuberculin) just under the skin on the lower part of your arm.    You may have a small bump where the tuberculin was injected.  After 2 or 3 days, the healthcare worker will measure this bump and tell you if your reaction to the test is positive or negative.  A positive reaction usually means that you have a latent TB infection not TB disease.  If you have a positive reaction to the skin test, your doctor or nurse may do other tests (Example: a chest x-ray) to see if you have TB disease.  Because the TB bacteria may be found somewhere besides your lungs, your doctor or nurse may check your blood or urine, or do other tests.  If you have TB disease, you will need to take medicine to cure the disease.

BH’s Employee Health Services department requires a two-step series (the process mentioned above must be completed twice).  TSTs are provided free-of-charge for all approved interns by Employee Health Services.  Please see the Tuberculosis Skin Test Information Sheet.

Q:  When can I get the TST?

A:  After you have been notified from Student Placement Services that you have been accepted for your internship, you are required to turn in the Intern Packet.  You will then need to come to the Student Placement Services office to pick up your “Mandatory Checklist.”  You will take this checklist to BH’s Employee Health Services.  Bloomington Hospital’s Employee Health Services offers walk-in hours, so you do not need to make an appointment.  You may visit them on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday between 8:00a – 9:00a or from 1:00p – 1:30p.  It will only take a moment of your time.  Employee Health Services is located in the red brick Medical Arts Building at 619 West First Street (next door to HR/Student Placement Services).

Q:  What if I have already had a TST within the past twelve months?

A:  Documentation of the TST must be provided, and this will be counted as the first step.  Then the student will have to have one more test (placement and reading) by BH’s Employee Health Services (free).

Q:  Where do I find the information for the Health Screening form?

A:  Many of the questions relate to your childhood vaccinations.  Most of these must be kept up-to-date in order to be accepted into a college or university.  A copy of these records must be provided to complete this page.  You may obtain these records from your family physician or the college or university health center. 

Q:  What is a MMR?

A:  MMR is the combined vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella and is usually a childhood vaccination.  It is known as the safest way to protect children and adults against these diseases.

Q:  What is Rubella IgG?

A:  Rubella – commonly known as German measles or 3-day measles – is an infection that primarily affects the skin and lymph nodes.  It is caused by the rubella virus (not the same virus that causes measles), which is usually transmitted by secretions from the nose or throat.

Q:  What does this positive Varicella IgG mean?

A:  If a person is unsure if they had Chickenpox disease, a blood test may be drawn to determine if the person has antibodies in their system.  In this situation, a positive Varicella IgG means the individual is not susceptible to Chickenpox (Varicella) disease because they have previously had Chickenpox disease.

Q:  What does this mean – Varicella waiver if not immune or VARIVAX recipient?

A:  If someone has not had Chickenpox, they may get the vaccine (VARIVAX) to help prevent infection when a person does come into contact with a case of active chickenpox.  Individuals who are not immune or are VARIVAX recipients are required to read and sign a statement (waiver) that they will immediately report any exposure at or outside of the hospital to Employee Health Services.

Q:  What is Hepatitis B Disease?

A:  It is caused by the hepatitis B virus that attacks the liver.  The virus is transmitted through blood and infected bodily fluids.  This can occur through direct blood-to-blood contact, unprotected sex, use of unsterile needles, and from an infected woman to her newborn during the delivery process.

Q:  Which boxes do I check under the Hepatitis B waiver?

A:  Bloomington Hospital will not provide the Hepatitis B Vaccine.  It is important for students to understand we recommend the Hepatitis B vaccine for students in patient-care environments.  Therefore, if a student has not completed the Hepatitis B vaccination series (3 doses over 6 month period) and does not wish to go to their physician or university health center to obtain the vaccination series, they should check the first box “Student/Instructor at risk for occupational exposure.”

If a student has already had the vaccination, they should check the second section, “I decline the Hepatitis B Vaccine because:” and circle the option for “I have previously completed the Hepatitis B Vaccine series.”  Please note, if you check this section, you are required to provide BH with the medical vaccination record when you turn in the “Intern Packet.”

Q:  Where do I turn in the completed Intern Packet when I am finished?

A:  You will need to make an appointment to come to the Student Placement Services Office.  Contact information is here.