UofL Health is offering nursing students three-level nurse externships in which externs will be immersed in the role of a professional nurse. At UofL Health 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 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 2025 UofL Health Nurse Extern Program today!

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Admission Criteria

  • Rolling admission once the candidate meets qualifications
  • Actively enrolled in an accredited nursing program
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA
  • Completed Nursing Fundamentals
  • Two letters of recommendation from nursing faculty
  • Resume
  • Exemplar on goals participation/cover letter
  • Successful interview
  • BLS for Healthcare Provider
  • Unofficial Transcript

Nurse Extern 1

  • PRN position
  • Scheduled observations for specialty areas (ED, OR, PACU, etc.)
  • Applications and start dates open October 1 and run through April 18
  • Duties as per the job description of a PCA

Nurse Extern 2 Summer Intensive Program Dates: May 12-July 18, 2025

  • Anticipated graduation date by Sept. 2026
  • 24 hours per week (One week vacation allowed)
  • Directly precepted by an RN in the clinical area of interest
  • Performs all RN skills under the direct supervision of RN preceptor
  • Immersed in the role of the RN, refining skills:
    • Physical assessment
    • Medication administration
    • Documentation
    • Clinical reasoning
  • Performs nurse extern 2 skills independently, following each skill check off
  • Performs PCA skills independently

Nurse Extern 3

Upon successful completion of the summer intensive:

  • PRN position
  • Successful interview with the unit manager for nurse extern 3 selection
  • Successfully completes all nurse extern 2 competencies
  • Performs nurse extern 2 skills independently