Summer 2026 Nurse Externship

The nurse externship is designed for students in their final year of an accredited RN program. We are currently accepting applications for our Summer 2026 programs at our Yale, South, Vinita, and Laureate campuses. The summer program will run June 1st through August 1st, which includes a mandatory orientation June 1st - 5th.​

Application window is February 15th - March 15th. Please submit an application during this window if you would like to be considered. Information regarding the interview process will be communicated within 1 week of your application submission (location, scheduling, and unit preferences will be discussed during the interview). 

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be enrolled in the final year of an accredited RN program with a graduation date between August 2026 and May 2027.

• Must be available to work a full-time schedule (three 12-hour shifts/week) during the 9 weeks of the program.

• Must be flexible with shift availability- externs are assigned the same schedule as their nurse preceptor.

• Must be flexible with unit placement- externs are placed in almost all areas within the hospital (preferences for the Yale, South, Vinita or Laureate campuses will be discussed during the interview process).

• Only one Saint Francis externship allowed per individual.

Job Summary: Assists in planning nursing care for an assigned group of patients and gives direct patient care based on registered nurse's assessment of patient needs and plan of care. Designed for students in their senior year of (or the summer before) a state approved Registered Nurse Program. The Nurse Extern will shadow a registered nurse for a set period of time, per program guidelines.

Minimum Education: Enrolled in a state approved Registered Nurse program and in the final year of (or the summer before).

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification: None.

Work Experience: 0 - 6 months related experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Effective interpersonal, written and oral communication skills. Ability to organize and prioritize work in an effective and efficient manner. Ability to be detail oriented in the examination of clinical and numerical data.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 1. Assists in planning nursing care for an assigned group of patients. 2. Gives direct patient care to patient/patients based on registered nurse's assessment of patient needs and plan of care. 3. Performs technical treatments and procedures identified in nurse extern skills check list. 4. Assists the licensed nurse in recording pertinent patient data on patient's medical records for benefit of the other health team members and for legal documentation. (Progress Notes must be co-signed by the licensed nurse.) 5. Participates in health team conferences to discuss patient needs and outcomes. 6. Participates in educational opportunities to increase knowledge base referring to a specific patient population

Decision Making: Independent judgment in making minor decisions where alternatives are limited and standard policies/protocols have been established.

Working Relationships: Works directly with patients and/or customers. Works with internal customers via telephone or face to face interaction. Works with other healthcare professionals and staff.

Special Job Dimensions: None.

Supplemental Information: This document generally describes the essential functions of the job and the physical demands required to perform the job.  This compilation of essential functions and physical demands is not all inclusive nor does it prohibit the assignment of additional duties.

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