The Nurse Extern Program is an educational support system designed for nursing students to gain clinical experience under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. As a Nurse Extern, you will work part-time on a varying schedule, progressing through competency testing and regular performance evaluation. This is an educational externship and does not require commitment for employment following program completion. You will complete a ten-week program with a performance review at completion.
Responsibilities
- Assist with and perform basic patient care activities under RN direction, including physical assessment, pain assessment, urinary catheterizations and foley care, dressing changes, wound and decubitus care, designated respiratory care (trach care and suctioning), venipuncture, enteral tube placement and care, chest tube care, and post mortem care assistance
- Assist the RN in developing the Nursing Care Plan and gather patient data through direct observation, including vital signs, intake and output, and family interactions
- Document according to hospital and unit-specific guidelines with RN co-signature and report findings to the RN
- Participate in nurse-to-nurse report only in the presence of the supervising RN
- Provide personal care for patients including bathing, skin care, oral hygiene, toileting, bed making, feeding, transfers, and range of motion exercises
- Collect and label lab specimens and perform point of care testing (blood glucose testing, urine HCG, urine dipsticks) after completing competency testing
- Assist the RN with patient admission, discharge teaching, paperwork, and transfers to other units
- Participate in patient and family education and instruction under RN direction
- Perform support service duties as assigned, including transporting patients, stocking supplies, passing water and snacks, trash removal, and answering unit phones
- Participate in audits and performance improvement activities
- Maintain patient confidentiality per HIPAA guidelines
- Participate in mandatory educational programs, unit in-services, and current literature review
- Follow all departmental policies, procedures, safety, environmental, and infection control standards
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Nurse Manager, Assistant Nurse Manager, Charge Nurse, or Preceptor RN
Important Restrictions
- The Nurse Extern is not to administer medications at any time or circumstance.
Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in good standing in an accredited school of nursing program leading to licensure as a Registered Nurse
- Completed first semester of nursing program to be considered for a position in a general medical/surgical department
- Completed second semester of nursing program to be considered for a position in all other adult nursing departments
- Completed OB/Peds rotation to be eligible for any Pediatric Department
- Copy of unofficial transcript of current enrollment
- Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form
- Ability to perform the physical requirements of the job
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, physicians, visitors, Medical Center staff, and the general public
Required Documentation
- Resume
- Unofficial transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation from nursing school or clinical rotations
- Cover letter stating areas of interest and career goals, including top two nursing departments of interest
Schedule
- Part-time position with varying schedule
Application Timeline
- Applications accepted between September 21, 2026 and October 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Employment Status
