LAUNCH Nurse Trainee Program

Children's National Hospital

10d • $18 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

The LAUNCH Nurse Trainee Program is a paid, 12- to 14-week summer internship for nursing students midway through an accredited nursing program who have completed a medical, surgical, and/or pediatric clinical rotation. The program includes a four-day orientation, additional clinical orientation to an assigned unit, and the opportunity to work closely with a nurse manager, preceptor, and supervisor. Trainees experience pediatric nursing and may perform tasks that a certified nursing assistant may perform. The 2027 program has start dates of May 10 and May 24, and students from all accredited nursing schools are welcome to apply.

In collaboration with the multidisciplinary health care delivery team, and under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse, the trainee performs basic nursing care activities for a defined group of patients. Duties include direct patient care, helping maintain patient flow and a safe, orderly unit, communicating with patients and families, following hospital policies, and participating in education and a capstone project.

Applicants must submit a completed application, cover letter, resume outlining clinical experience, official or unofficial transcript, and two letters of reference, including one from clinical faculty. Documents must be attached to the official application; emailed documents are not accepted. Selected candidates will be invited to a recorded virtual interview with Nurse Recruitment in January 2027. Final decisions and unit placements are expected by February 2027.

Requirements

• Be midway through an accredited nursing program and have completed a medical, surgical, and/or pediatric clinical rotation.
• Maintain good academic standing in an accredited nursing program and make progress toward graduation.
• Hold Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Collect data and accurately document information on appropriate forms and flow sheets.
• Perform activities assigned by the Registered Nurse and report recognized changes in vital signs, color, breathing, behavior, consciousness, or neurovascular status of limbs.
• Provide basic nursing care, which may include IV maintenance and termination, basic wound care, simple burn care, chest physical therapy, and catheter care.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living or total-care needs, including bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, and feeding.
• Assist with patient transport and transfers as directed.
• Maintain a neat and orderly environment and help provide a safe environment for patients.
• Assemble equipment and supplies for examinations or procedures as directed, and assist team members with examinations or procedures.
• Prioritize tasks and special requests; complete assigned patient-care tasks promptly with minimal assistance and report any inability to complete a task to the Registered Nurse.
• Communicate tactfully with patients, families, visitors, care team members, and hospital personnel, using basic verbal and non-verbal communication skills appropriate to differing education levels and cultures.
• Orient patients, families, and visitors to unit and hospital policies and procedures as needed; answer questions about unit routines and refer other inquiries to appropriate personnel.
• Seek help from care team members when faced with unfamiliar situations or problems.
• Follow hospital and departmental policies and procedures; accept direction from the Registered Nurse and charge nurse, and seek confirmation before making decisions in unfamiliar situations.
• Identify and report safety hazards to the charge nurse, and remain on the unit during assigned duty except for patient-care errands or assigned breaks, notifying appropriate team members when leaving.
• Use downtime productively and attend all scheduled education sessions.
• Collaborate with the assigned team on assignments and a capstone project; consult nurse educators or scientists to apply evidence-based practice, and prepare and present the project as directed.
• Seek learning opportunities on and off the unit, such as shadowing, nursing or hospital grand rounds, and meetings.
• Maintain a weekly self-reflection journal.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, prescription, infertility, and transgender health services.
• Paid time off, including vacation accrual from day one, sick leave, holidays, and a personal day.
• 401(k) plan and healthcare and dependent care spending accounts.
• Employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and long-term disability coverage, with optional supplemental plans.
• Tuition assistance, fitness resources, employee assistance, commuter benefits, and other perks.

What This Job Offers

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