Extern Student Nurse

CommonSpirit Health•Lexington, KY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Humankindness Practiced Here! Now Accepting Applications for the Summer Nurse Extern Program at CHI Saint Joseph Health Are you a nursing student looking to gain additional hands-on experience before graduation? Our Summer 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: June Program Length: 8 weeks Hours: Full-time hours for the program duration (Typically 3 shifts a week based on department). Eligibility: Graduating between December 2026 and December 2027 from an accredited ADN or BSN Program. GPA: Must have at least a 3.0 Cummulative GPA Why Choose Our Nurse Extern Program? Work full-time during summer 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 8-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

Requirements

High School Diploma and/or GED
Current enrollment in an accredited nursing program and successful completion of the Nursing Fundamentals 101 Course
Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association
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
Graduating between December 2026 and December 2027 from an accredited ADN or BSN Program.
Must have at least a 3.0 Cummulative GPA

Responsibilities

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