Overview - The Student Nurse Extern Program is designed to support, grow, and develop the student nurse into a successful and thriving professional RN. Nurse Externs are a valued Wellstar team member and play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of our patients and families.
Nurse Externs provide safe, age-appropriate care to patients by performing basic tasks such as activities of daily living, hygiene, repositioning, ambulation, vital signs, and documentation. After demonstrating mastery of these basic nursing skills, Nurse Externs will have the opportunity to engage in more advanced skills, under the direct supervision of an RN.
Opportunities for working side-by-side with an RN, observations in various departments, and scheduled floating between multiple units are available; work schedules and shifts vary depending on the needs of the unit and site.
Professional Development- In addition to gaining hands-on experience with patients, families, and staff, Nurse Externs are provided the opportunity to grow into the nursing profession by engaging in targeted learning opportunities, quality improvement strategies, and shared leadership experiences.
Professional Development classes, designed by Wellstar and focused on the specific needs of nursing students, are provided in the Fall and Spring to enhance Nurse Externs nursing knowledge and development clinical judgment in preparation for the NCLEX® examination.
Nurse Externs are included in unit-based quality improvement strategies, reinforcing the importance of engaging in evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes.
Nurse Externs are also invited to join the Nurse Residency Sub-Council, to share their voices and help shape their experiences and advocate for nurses entering the profession.
Minimum Requirements – Enrollment in an accredited Associate, Baccalaureate, or Master’s-level registered nursing program with at least one major clinical rotation successfully completed is required.
