Extern Student Nurse - Med Surg

Humankindness Practiced Here!

Now Accepting Applications for the Winter Nurse Extern Program at CHI Saint Joseph Health

Are you a nursing student looking to gain additional hands-on experience before graduation? Our Winter Nurse Extern Program offers a unique opportunity to explore clinical practice, strengthen your skills, and prepare for your transition into professional nursing—all while embodying the core values of compassion, collaboration, and humankindness.

Program Start Date: December 15, 2025
Program Length: 4 weeks

Hours: Full-time hours for the program duration (Typically 3 shifts a week based on department).

Eligibility: Graduating in 2026 from an accredited ADN or BSN Program

Why Choose Our Nurse Extern Program?

• Work full-time during winter break in a supported, immersive clinical environment

• Collaborate closely with experienced nurses and dedicated preceptors

• Explore different specialties and care settings to find your passion

• Build professional confidence and critical nursing skills

• Continue with us PRN after the program ends until you graduate

• Strengthen your resume and make valuable connections ahead of graduation

• Get a first look at future RN opportunities, including our New Graduate Nurse Residency Program

What to Expect:

During the 4-week program, Nurse Externs will:

• Be paired with RN preceptors for one-on-one guidance

• Participate in patient care activities under supervision

• Rotate through different units or remain in one area of focus, based on availability and interest

• Receive feedback and mentorship from nursing leaders and educators

• Gain insight into our values-driven approach to care

Skills and procedures

• Performs clinical procedures in a competent manner, following appropriate policies and procedures, under the direction of a Registered Nurse.
• Obtains vital signs, intake and output, accuchecks and documents per unit protocol.
• Obtains blood and blood products from the blood bank. May assist in identifying blood before administration.
• Assists with trach care, suctioning, G-tube and feeding tube insertions and maintenance, and simple/complex dressing changes.
• Assists physician before, during, and after procedures within facility and unit guidelines.
• Demonstrates knowledge related to age appropriate behavior of children, adolescents, adults, and seniors to assess the growth and development of the patient.
• Provides routine and procedural hygiene needs.
• Assists in meeting patient's activity needs.
• Obtains specimens as directed.
• Assists/Performs post-mortem care. Provides emotional support patients and assists with monitoring recovery from any procedures.

Communication

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

Quality and Safety

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

Professional Development

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

The job summary and responsibilities listed above are designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed within this job. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all job responsibilities required of employees assigned to this job. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience 

• High School Diploma and/or GED
• Current enrollment in an accredited nursing program and successful completion of the Nursing Fundamentals 101 Course

Required Licensure and Certifications

• Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association

Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Training

• Completed Skills Competency Assessment 
• Demonstrated career path which demonstrates progressive leadership responsibilities and project management.  
• Able to work collaboratively to achieve desired department, facility and regional results.
• Skilled and articulate in both verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrated abilities in clinical reasoning and problem solving
• Proficient in Microsoft office and Outlook