Winter Nurse Extern Program 2026 - Surgery & Rehab Hospital

Winter Nurse Extern Program

At least 72 hours of paid clinical experiences during winter break

1:1 experienced RN preceptor

Varied shifts based on preceptor

Open to senior nursing students who graduate Spring/Summer 2026 (must have completed medical surgical clinical rotation in an accredited nursing program)

Limited opportunities available in:

• Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit
• Surgical Rotation (Pre-Op, PACU, and Post Surgical)

General Summary

Provides direct care to patients by performing a variety of duties, including assisting with data collection, provision of care, completion of selected therapeutic interventions, and documentation of care provided for a specified group of patients.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides information needed by the registered nurse to coordinate the care and discharge planning for the patient and family.
• Provides general nursing care and personal care assistance to patients, including bathing, dressing, eating, changing bed linens and bed pans and positioning.
• Assists in the preparation and transportation of patients for tests, procedures, etc.
• Monitors patient condition levels; reports changes to the appropriate individuals.
• Obtains and documents patient vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, weight, respiration, pulse, pain, and department-specific requirements.
• Performs selected procedures per Nurse Extern checklist.
• Sets up and removes equipment and supplies; ensures equipment is functioning properly and stored appropriately.
• Performs EKGs and Point-of-Care testing which may include blood glucose, hemoccult and specific gravity testing.
• Runs special errands as required. Responds to light calls.
• Ensures patient rooms, nursing areas, supply carts, etc. are stocked with appropriate items at required levels.
• Maintains par levels of supplies and equipment on assigned unit(s). Notifies supervisor when reorder points are reached.

Common Expectations:

• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of the assigned patient population. Assesses and interprets patient age specific data and provides appropriate, age specific treatment. Provides direct patient care to assigned patient age group(s).
• Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Participates in educational programs and inservice meetings.
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or GED Currently enrolled in an approved Nursing program with completion of two clinical semesters. Required and
• High School Diploma or GED Enrollment in an accredited BSN program Preferred

Licenses:

• Basic Life Support Upon Hire Required

Courses and Training:

• Completion of at least one medical-surgical clinical rotation Upon Hire Required
• Must be passing in an accredited program prior to Summer Externship Program Upon Hire Required

About Us

WellSpan Health's vision is to reimagine healthcare through the delivery of comprehensive, equitable health and wellness solutions throughout our continuum of care. As an integrated delivery system focused on leading in value-based care, we encompass more than 2,300 employed providers, 250 locations, nine award-winning hospitals, home care and a behavioral health organization serving central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. Our high-performing Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is the region's largest and one of the best in the nation. With a team 23,000 strong, WellSpan experts provide a range of services, from wellness and employer services solutions to advanced care for complex medical and behavioral conditions. Our clinically integrated network of 3,000 aligned physicians and advanced practice providers is dedicated to providing the highest quality and safety, inspiring our patients and communities to be their healthiest.

About the Team

WellSpan Surgery & Rehabilitation Hospital At WellSpan, we recognize that the challenges brought on by a stroke, trauma, orthopedic injury or spine condition require specialized care. WellSpan Surgery and Rehab Hospital was designed specifically with these challenges in mind; offering advanced orthopedic, spine and neurosurgical surgeries, acute inpatient rehabilitation and specialized outpatient rehabilitation. WellSpan Surgery and Rehab Hospital (WSRH) is a Magnet designated hospital where our dedicated interprofessional team works collaboratively with the integrated health care delivery system that is WellSpan. We support the journey to optimal independence by providing superior quality care, delivered by a compassionate team, in a patient-centered, healing environment.