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 receive a performance review at the completion of the ten-week program.
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 (tracheostomy care and suctioning), venipuncture, enteral tube placement and care, chest tube care, and post mortem care assistance. You will not administer medications at any time.
- Assist the RN in developing the Nursing Care Plan and gather patient data through direct observation, including vital signs, intake and output, and patient and family interactions. Document according to hospital and unit guidelines with RN co-signature and report findings to the RN. Participate in nurse-to-nurse report only in the presence of your supervising RN.
- Provide personal care for patients, including bathing, skin care, oral hygiene, toileting, bed making, feeding, transfers, range of motion, and other personal hygiene activities.
- Collect and label lab specimens and perform specific point-of-care testing (blood glucose testing, urine HCG, urine dipsticks, etc.) after completing competency testing.
- Assist the RN with patient admission, discharge teaching and paperwork, and transfers to other units.
- Participate in patient and family education and instruction under RN direction.
- Perform support service duties as assigned by the RN or Charge Nurse, including transporting patients, stocking unit supplies, passing water and snacks, trash removal, and answering unit phones.
- Participate in audits and performance improvement activities under the direction of the Nurse Manager or Charge Nurse.
- Maintain patient confidentiality according to HIPAA guidelines at all times.
- Enhance personal growth through participation in mandatory educational programs for externs, unit in-services, and current literature review. Participate in organizational competencies as appropriate.
- Follow all departmental policies and procedures, safety, environmental and infection control standards, and participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Nurse Manager, Assistant Nurse Manager, Charge Nurse, or Preceptor RN.
Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in good standing in an accredited school of nursing program leading to licensure as a Registered Nurse.
- Completed at least the first semester of your nursing program to be considered for a position in a general medical/surgical department. Completion of the second semester is required for consideration in all other adult nursing departments. Completion of OB/Peds rotation is required for eligibility in any Pediatric Department.
- Copy of unofficial transcript showing 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 and their families, physicians, visitors, Medical Center staff, and the general public.
Application Requirements
The following documents must be submitted to be considered for interviews:
- Resume
- Unofficial transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation from nursing school or clinical rotations
- Cover letter stating areas of interest and career goals, including your top two nursing departments of interest
Schedule
- Part-time position with varying schedule
- Applications accepted between September 21, 2026 and October 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM
- Union: None
