Nursing Extern - Summer 2027

The University of Kansas Health System•Kansas City, KS

About The Position

The Nursing Extern role is part of an 8–10 week paid summer Nurse Extern Program that provides student nurses with real-world clinical experience and opportunities to develop critical thinking skills under the direct supervision and guidance of a registered professional nurse serving as their preceptor. The extern functions as an extension of the care team, completing tasks delegated by the RN in a caring, culturally sensitive manner and providing excellent customer service. The role requires competence in critical thinking, interpersonal relationships, and technical skills related to delegated tasks. The program takes place from May 24 through July 30. Under RN preceptor supervision, the extern may also participate in medication administration, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, patient assessment, and documentation. Duties and skills may vary by unit or department, and other duties may be assigned as required.

Requirements

High school graduate.
Currently enrolled in an accredited school of nursing to obtain an Associate degree or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Completed a basic nursing skills class or lab, with documentation of knowledge or competence in required basic skills.
Basic Life Support Heartsaver (BLS HS) (Non-Clinical) certification from the American Heart Association, including completion of a hands-on component.

Responsibilities

Provide basic nursing skills, including taking vital signs and pulse oximetry, performing fingerstick blood glucose checks, assisting with activities of daily living, and recording intake and output.
Collect urine, phlebotomy, stool, and sputum specimens; apply or remove compression hose and sequential compression devices; and empty drains, urinary catheters, nasogastric tubes, and ostomies.
Perform additional skills as needed to meet unit requirements.
Document tasks, intake and output, and meal consumption in O2.
Maintain a neat, clean, and clutter-free patient room and work environment.
Maintain a safe patient environment, including appropriate fall-prevention measures, hourly rounds, and promptly answering call lights in person for patients on the unit.
Follow hand hygiene, standard precautions, isolation precautions, and infection-prevention principles.
Provide care to patients in restraints, including range-of-motion activities and fluids or toileting; reorient confused patients; and reinforce patient safety precautions.
Promptly notify the RN of changes in vital signs, mental status, or condition; skin breakdown or redness; patient reports of pain; and other patient needs, concerns, or issues.
Complete other duties as assigned.
Perform medication administration, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, participate in patient assessment, and document under the supervision of a Registered Nurse Preceptor.
Meet the professional, clinical, and/or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.