Nurse Extern (Summer 2027)

University of Virginia • Charlottesville, VA

2d

About The Position

The UVA Health Summer 2027 Nurse Extern Program is an immersive, hands-on learning opportunity for nursing students to build confidence, strengthen clinical judgment, and gain professional nursing experience before graduation. Externs are paired with an experienced nurse preceptor and follow that nurse’s schedule for the duration of the program. Over eight to 13 weeks, they participate in patient care activities within the approved extern scope and learn how nurses assess patients, organize and prioritize care, communicate across disciplines, and respond to patient and family needs. This is an active clinical learning experience, not an observational assignment. Externs are not permitted to administer medications.

The program offers placements in participating inpatient, ambulatory, and specialty care environments. Externs generally work 36 to 40 hours per week and take part in weekly educational and professional development programming supported by Nurse Professional Development Specialists. Depending on the placement, schedules may include 12-hour day or night shifts, rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays; ambulatory assignments may follow weekday daytime schedules. Two anticipated start dates are May 24, 2027, and June 7, 2027. Participants must be prepared to complete at least eight weeks.

The program is intended for BSN or ADN students in the final year of schooling who have completed the required Medical/Surgical Clinical Experience and Didactic coursework. BSN students must have completed their third year; ASN students must have completed their first year. Current Basic Life Support certification is required. Candidates from throughout the United States are encouraged to apply, but relocation and housing assistance are not provided; participants are responsible for arranging and funding their own housing and relocation. The role pays a fixed rate of $18.00 per hour.

UVA Health describes the program as a way to connect classroom learning with clinical practice through individualized preceptor guidance, structured educational sessions, and exposure to varied nursing environments. Participants can build professional relationships with nurses, clinical leaders, and hiring managers and may establish a potential pathway to future employment with UVA Health. Nurse Externs may also pursue Patient Care Technician opportunities after the summer program.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled as a BSN or ADN/ASN student in the final year of schooling; BSN students must have completed their third year, and ASN students their first year.
• Successfully completed the required Medical/Surgical Clinical Experience and Didactic coursework.
• Current Basic Life Support certification.
• Prepared to complete at least eight weeks of the program.
• No prior experience required.
• Must follow the schedule of the assigned preceptor; schedules may include day or night shifts, rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays depending on placement.
• Medication administration is not permitted for Nurse Externs.

Responsibilities

• Participate in patient assessment activities under the direction and supervision of the preceptor.
• Develop skills in clinical documentation, patient communication, and care-team collaboration.
• Assist with approved patient care activities within the extern scope while learning professional nursing workflows and standards.
• Communicate with patients, families, nurses, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
• Learn how nurses prioritize responsibilities, coordinate care, and apply the nursing process throughout a shift.
• Participate in weekly educational and professional development programming supported by Nurse Professional Development Specialists.
• Explore nursing practice in participating inpatient, ambulatory, or specialty care environments.
• Follow the assigned preceptor’s schedule throughout the program.

Benefits

• Hands-on clinical experience before graduation.
• Individualized coaching and a sustained professional relationship with an experienced nurse preceptor.
• Weekly structured educational and professional development sessions.
• Exposure to inpatient, ambulatory, and specialty nursing environments.
• Opportunities to build relationships with UVA Health nurses, clinical leaders, and hiring managers.
• Potential pathway to future employment with UVA Health.
• Potential to pursue Patient Care Technician opportunities after the summer program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed