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. 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.
Jumpstart your nursing career and apply to the 2026 UofL Health Nurse Extern Program today!
Deadline to apply is April 1
Eligibility
- Actively enrolled in nationally accredited nursing program
- 3.0 Cumulative GPA
- BLS for Healthcare provider
- Successful completion of nursing fundamentals
- Anticipated graduation date by September 2027
- No post-graduation RN commitment
Program Application
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation from nursing faculty
- Exemplar on goals and unit preference
- Unofficial transcript
- Successful interview
Early Application
- PRN position
- Scheduled observations for specialty areas
- Duties as per the job description of a PCA
- Automatic enrollment into the summer intensive program
Applications open August 15, 2025
Deadline to apply is October 31, 2025
Summer Intensive
Program Dates: May 11-July 10, 2026
- 24 hours per week (one week vacation allowed)
- Directly precepted by an RN in the clinical area
- Performs all RN skills under the direct supervision of the RN preceptor
- Immersed in the role of the RN, refining skills:
- Physical Assessment
- Medication Administration
- Documentation
- Clinical Reasoning
- Performs PCA skills independently
Applications open November 1, 2026
Deadline to apply is April 1, 2026
Advanced Nurse Extern
Upon successful completion of the summer intensive:
- PRN position
- Must successfully complete the summer intensive program
- Successfully complete all nurse extern competencies
Want to learn more?
Join one of our informative information sessions.
