Nurse Extern Program

At UofL Health our nursing students have the opportunity to work in a variety of clinical specialties with the diverse patient population we serve.

The three-level nurse externship will provide the opportunity to work side-by-side with professional nursing staff providing hands-on patient care and help externs develop clinical reasoning skills necessary for quality patient care delivery.

Admission Criteria

1. Rolling admission once the candidate meets qualifications
2. Actively enrolled in an accredited nursing program
3. Maintain a 3.0 GPA
4. Completed Nursing Fundamentals
5. Two letters of recommendation from nursing faculty
6. Resume
7. Exemplar on goals participation/cover letter
8. Successful interview
9. BLS for Healthcare Provider

Nurse Extern 1

1. PRN position functions as a PCA float
2. Scheduled observations for specialty areas (ED, OR, PACU, etc.)
3. Application starting October 1, 2022
4. Duties as per the job description of a PCA

Summer Extern Intensive

Program Dates: May 15-July 21, 2023

• Eight-week program
• Anticipated graduation date by Sept. 2024
• Directly precepted by an RN in the clinical area of interest

Work towards validated competency to meet Extern 2 criteria

Eight-week Intensive – Matched to a unit

1. Directly precepted by RN
2. 24 hours per week (One week vacation allowed)
3. Complete nurse extern 2 skills check-offs
4. Immersed in the role of the RN, refining skills:

• • Physical assessment
  • Medication administration
  • Documentation
  • Clinical reasoning

Nurse Extern 2

Upon successful completion of the summer intensive:

1. Must continue to meet all nurse Extern 1 criteria
2. Successfully completes all Extern 2 competencies
3. Successful interview with the unit manager for Extern 2 selection
4. PRN position functions as a PCA on the unit with additional competencies