Nursing Externship

Purpose

Our 10-week Summer Extern Program for nursing students was developed to provide nursing students with an educational opportunity to improve their nursing skills in the clinical setting while at the same time providing them with summer employment.

Objectives

The Summer Extern Program is designed to . . .

• bridge the gap between the role of student and professional RN
• provide a realistic view of clinical nursing and its responsibilities
• minimize the impact of reality shock
• introduce the student to the Mission and Philosophy of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center

Program

Under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse, the Nursing Student-Extern will provide direct patient care, gaining hands-on experience and enhancing assessment skills. This program will also assist in the development of organizational and time management skills. While working in a collegial relationship with RNs, the Nursing Student-Extern will gain a better understanding of professional practice.

Periodic inservices are provided based on a needs assessment completed by all Externs at the beginning of the program.

Clinical Areas

Placement is determined by the student's clinical interest, shift preference, and availability of positions. Externships are available in a variety of areas.

Eligibility

The Nursing Student-Extern must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Attain senior status the fall of 2012
• Anticipate graduation within one year from the end of the program
• Have completed at least one acute care clinical
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (no consideration will be given to applicants with a gpa below 3.0)
• One (1) favorable clinical reference
• Two (2) favorable employer references

Dates

May 21, 2012 - August 3, 2012

Summer Externs will receive a competitive salary. Centralized and unit based orientation will be provided.

Deadline for Application

Applications are due by December 16, 2011

All references and transcripts must be in by the deadline of January 13, 2012.
Notification of acceptance into the program will be by March 3, 2012.

Applications

To apply online, click here.

We require that you identify and input reference information for two (2) former/current employer references and (1) clinical instructor reference. Please take a minute and gather contact information including email address and phone numbers for your references now so that you can provide that information without delay. Please let your references know to expect an email that will be from you regarding a reference check and to respond to it quickly. A quick response from them will enable us to move forward.

We will also need to have a transcript after completion of your FALL 2011 semester.