Humankindness is Practiced Here!

It’s finally here!  CHI Saint Joseph Health is now accepting applications for our Summer Extern Program!  

CHI Saint Joseph Health is now accepting applications for our Summer Extern Program.  Apply today, our extern positions have been filling very quickly!   Application deadline is May 18th.  Start to build your confidence, skills and experience as a future nurse with the support from our leaders and your peers.   

8-Week Program Dates:  June 9th to August 9th 2025. 

Required Hours Per Week:  36-40 (Depending on department)

Post Program:  Externs may have the option to remain PRN after the Summer Program

Why Choose Us?

• Flexible scheduling
• $20 per hour pay rate
• Warm supportive learning environment
• Free Parking
• Continuous Support by assigned preceptors throughout the program
• Ongoing program celebrations and networking events
• Post program pinning ceremony for all that successfully complete the Extern program
• Extern of the Year award
• Up to $25,000 sign-on bonus when you graduate and take a full-time RN position
• $24,000 student loan payback available when you graduate and take a full-time RN position 
• Earn additional pay in our Professional Deevelopment Program

  Requirements for application to the program:

• Must be actively enrolled in an ADN, BSN, or LPN program with a minimum GPA of 3.0, have completed at least one year in an accredited School of Nursing, and have finished at least one medical-surgical clinical rotation.
• Current BLS certification
• Pre-hire skills assessment completed by your school
• Skilled and articulate in both verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrated abilities in clinical reasoning and problem solving

Job Summary / Purpose

The nurse extern will gain experience in a realistic professional nursing work environment by assisting in the delivery of both direct and indirect nursing care under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse within the scope of practice of unlicensed, assistive personnel.

Essential Key Job Responsibilities

Skills and procedures 

1. Performs clinical procedures in a competent manner, following appropriate policies and procedures, under the direction of a Registered Nurse.
2. May perform nursing tasks that have been taught in the nurse extern's nursing education program after skills validation at the facility and under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse.
3. Obtains blood and blood products from the blood bank. May assist in identifying blood before administration.  
4. Assists with trach care, suctioning, G-tube and feeding tube insertions and maintenance, and simple/complex dressing changes.
5. Assists physician before, during, and after procedures within facility and unit guidelines.
6. Demonstrates knowledge related to age appropriate behavior of children, adolescents, adults, and seniors to assess the growth and development of the patient.
7. Provides routine and procedural hygiene needs.
8. Assists in meeting patient's activity needs.
9. Obtains specimens as directed.
10. Assists/Performs post-mortem care. Provides emotional support patients and assists with monitoring recovery from any procedures.

Communication

1. Communicates effectively with all members of the health care team.
2. Maintains complete patient confidentiality.
3. Reports changes in patient's condition or other pertinent data to RN immediately.
4. Assists with patient and family education, as appropriate.

Quality and Safety

1. Attends shift huddles and in-services, as appropriate.
2. Demonstrates safe and proper use of equipment.
3. Uses  personal  protective  equipment  and  complies  with  all  universal  precautions  and blood-borne pathogens regulations.
4. Cleans and checks for malfunctioning of stretchers, wheelchairs, bedside commodes, and I.V. poles according to unit protocol.
5. Identifies and immediately reports any actual or potential hazard observed in the hospital environment.
6. Demonstrates knowledge of all safety and emergency codes

Professional Development

1. Dresses professionally and wears name badge at all times.
2. Performs AIDET before any patient and family interactions.
3. Actively participates in all Nurse Extern activities

• Must be actively enrolled in an ADN, BSN, or LPN program with a minimum GPA of 3.0, have completed at least one year in an accredited School of Nursing, and have finished at least one medical-surgical clinical rotation.
• Current BLS certification
• Pre-hire skills assessment completed by your school
• Skilled and articulate in both verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrated abilities in clinical reasoning and problem solving