Nurse Extern II: Ortho Spine Joint Surgical

Join St. Luke's Medical Center as a Nurse Extern II on our post-surgical Orthopaedic, Spine, Joint, and ENT units (11S & 11T). This role is designed for Fall 2026 nursing graduates to jumpstart their career while still in school. You will work under the direct observation and mentorship of experienced RN preceptors who provide strong support, learning opportunities, and professional development. Many Nurse Extern II positions transition seamlessly into Registered Nurse roles on these highly sought-after units.

Clinical Setting

You will care for post-operative orthopaedic patients on specialized surgical units, gaining exposure to a wide variety of orthopaedic surgical experiences and developing your clinical skill set in a supportive learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Complete activities of daily living, vital sign monitoring, and blood glucose monitoring under RN observation
• Collaborate with the Registered Nurse to establish individualized plans of care based on patient health status, education and developmental needs, and patient/family preferences
• Evaluate patient responses to interventions and communicate observations and patient needs to the Registered Nurse
• Develop delegation skills appropriate to Health Unit Coordinators, Nursing Assistants, and other technical roles on the unit
• Administer medications as delegated by the Registered Nurse, with clinical judgment and skill proficiency evaluated prior to administration
• Manage an increased patient load while applying time management principles
• Collect and synthesize relevant patient data to accurately identify patient status and needs
• Participate in emergency situations under appropriate RN supervision when you have demonstrated the necessary knowledge and skills
• Perform patient positioning and transporting duties, including lifting and pushing/pulling using proper technique
• Provide age-appropriate care demonstrating knowledge of growth and development across the lifespan and the ability to assess and interpret patient data relative to age-specific requirements

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited or approved nursing program with anticipated graduation in December 2026
• Successful completion of a Medical Surgical Course that includes pharmacological concepts
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to adapt to interruptions and changing priorities and workload

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, and reach above shoulders during work shifts
• Lift up to 50 pounds from floor to waist
• Lift up to 20 pounds over the head
• Carry up to 40 pounds a reasonable distance
• Push/pull with 30 pounds of force
• Perform sliding transfers of 150 pounds with a second person present
• Use foot pedals on carts or machines
• Functional vision and hearing
• Exposure to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiation hazards as well as blood and body fluids on a continuous basis; protective clothing required as necessary
• Operate all equipment necessary to perform the job

Schedule

• One 8-hour shift per week on days required

Note: Spots are limited. Apply now.