2027 Nurse Extern Program Early Application

Nursing Externship Opportunity

UofL Health is offering nursing students the opportunity to become immersed in the role of a professional nurse to support the transition from student to RN. Our externs have the opportunity to work in a variety of clinical specialties with the diverse patient population we serve. This externship will provide the opportunity to work side by side with a professional nurse providing hands-on patient care and help externs develop clinical reasoning skills necessary for quality patient care delivery.

Early Application Dates: August 1, 2026 - October 31, 2026 Notification of acceptance by December 1, 2026. Early Application is for those students wanting to start December 14, 2026, functioning as a float pool PCA at the facility you are offered, with intention to participate in the Summer Nurse Intensive Program. During the early application period, students will be required to fulfill PRN minimum requirements of 48 hours within a 6-week scheduling period. Summer Intensive Program Application Dates: November 1, 2026 - March 1, 2027 Notification of acceptance by April 1, 2027.

The UofL Health Nurse Extern Program offers placements across a variety of clinical and acuity settings throughout our nine-hospital system. These include Brown Cancer Center, Frazier Rehabilitation, Heart Hospital, Jewish Hospital, Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, Peace Hospital, Shelbyville Hospital, South Hospital and UofL Hospital.

Skills and Procedures

Performs clinical procedures in a competent manner, following appropriate policies and procedures, as delegated by a Licensed Practical or Registered Nurse. Performs the duties of a Patient Care Assistant and maintains PCA competencies.

1. Obtains blood and blood products from the blood bank. May assist in verifying blood prior to administration.

2. Assists with all aspects of Registered Nursing patient care under direct supervision.

3. Demonstrates knowledge related to age-appropriate behavior to assess the growth and development of the patient.

4. Provides for routine and procedural hygiene needs.

5. Assists in meeting patient's activity needs.

6. Obtains laboratory specimens as directed.

7. Assists/performs post-mortem care.

8. Provides emotional support to patients and families.

Communication

1. Communicates effectively with all members of the health care team.

2. Maintains complete patient confidentiality.

3. Reports changes in patient's condition or other pertinent data to the RN immediately.

Quality and Safety

1. Attends shift huddles and in services, as appropriate.

2. Demonstrates safe and proper use of equipment.

3. Uses personal protective equipment and complies with all universal precautions and bloodborne pathogens regulations.

4. Identifies and immediately reports any actual or potential hazard observed in the hospital environment.

5. Demonstrates knowledge of all safety and emergency codes

Professional Development

1. Dresses professionally and wears name badge at all times.

2. Performs AIDET before any patient and family interactions.

3. Actively participates in all Nurse Extern activities.

4. Maintain compliance with all company policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.

5. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities critical to this role: Planning and providing care for complex patients across the continuum of care.

Language Ability: Must be able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats.

Reasoning Ability: Able to critically think through complex patient situations, process improvements, and evidence-based practice.

Computer Skills: Including, but not limited to, clinical documentation, email, and basic computer proficiency.

Additional Responsibilities:

Demonstrates a commitment to service, organization values and professionalism through appropriate conduct and demeanor at all times.

Maintains confidentiality and protects sensitive data at all times.

Adheres to organizational and department specific safety standards and guidelines.

Works collaboratively and supports efforts of team members.

Demonstrates exceptional customer service and interacts effectively with physicians, patients, residents, visitors, staff, and the broader health care community.

At UofL Health, we expect all our employees to live the values of honesty, integrity and compassion and demonstrate these values in their interactions with others and as they deliver excellent patient care by:

Honoring and caring for the dignity of all persons in mind, body, and spirit

Ensuring the highest quality of care for those we serve

Working together as a team to achieve our goals

Improving continuously by listening, and asking for and responding to feedback

Seeking new and better ways to meet the needs of those we serve

Using our resources wisely

Understanding how each of our roles contributes to the success of UofL Health