Primary Location:

UofL Hospital

Address:

530 S Jackson St Louisville KY 40202

Shift:

Varied (United States of America)

Job Description Summary:

PLEASE TAKE NOTE: Program Application (ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED WITH APPLICATION):
*Resume
*Two letters of recommendation from nursing school faculty/staff
*Exemplar on goals and your three (3) unit preferences
*Unofficial transcript

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.

Eligibility:
*Actively enrolled in nationally accredited nursing program
*Minimum 3.0 Cumulative GPA
*BLS for Healthcare Provider
*Successful completion of nursing fundamentals/foundations by April 1. 2026
*Anticipated graduation date by September 2027
*No post-graduation RN commitment required

Summer Intensive Program Application Dates: November 1 2025-April 1 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

Opportunity for Post-Summer Advanced Nurse Extern role (not required to promote after participating in the Summer Intensive Program):
*Successful completion of the summer intensive
*PRN position
*Must successfully complete all summer intensive competencies

Job Description:

The Summer Intensive Nurse Extern (beginning May 11 2026 - July 10 2026) will gain experience in a realistic professional nursing work environment by assisting in the delivery of both direct and indirect nursing care under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse within the scope of practice of unlicensed assistive personnel.

Additional Job Description:

Summer Intensive Nurse Extern Essential Functions:

Skills and Procedures

Performs clinical procedures in a competent manner following appropriate policies and procedures as delegated by a Licensed Practical or Registered Nurse. Performs the duties of a Patient Care Assistant and maintains PCA competencies.

1. Obtains blood and blood products from the blood bank. May assist in verifying blood prior to administration.

2. Assists with all aspects of Registered Nursing patient care under direct supervision.

3. Demonstrates knowledge related to age-appropriate behavior to assess the growth and development of the patient.

4. Provides for routine and procedural hygiene needs.

5. Assists in meeting patients activity needs.

6. Obtains laboratory specimens as directed.

7. Assists/performs post-mortem care.

8. Provides emotional support to patients and families.

Communication

1. Communicates effectively with all members of the health care team.

2. Maintains complete patient confidentiality.

3. Reports changes in patients condition or other pertinent data to the RN immediately.

Quality and Safety

1. Attends shift huddles and in services as appropriate.

2. Demonstrates safe and proper use of equipment.

3. Uses personal protective equipment and complies with all universal precautions and bloodborne pathogens regulations.

4. Identifies and immediately reports any actual or potential hazard observed in the hospital environment.

5. Demonstrates knowledge of all safety and emergency codes

Professional Development

1. Dresses professionally and wears name badge at all times.

AIDET before any patient and family interactions.

3. Actively participates in all Nurse Extern activities

4. Maintain compliance with all company policies procedures and standards of conduct.

5. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities critical to this role: Planning and providing care for complex patients across the continuum of care.

Language Ability: Must be able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats.

Reasoning Ability: Able to critically think through complex patient situations process improvements and evidence-based practice.

Computer Skills: Including but not limited to clinical documentation email and basic computer proficiency.

Additional Responsibilities:

Demonstrates a commitment to service organization values and professionalism through appropriate conduct and demeanor at all times.

Maintains confidentiality and protects sensitive data at all times.

Adheres to organizational and department specific safety standards and guidelines.

Works collaboratively and supports efforts of team members.

Demonstrates exceptional customer service and interacts effectively with physicians patients residents visitors staff and the broader health care community.

At UofL Health we expect all our employees to live the values of honesty integrity and compassion and demonstrate these values in their interactions with others and as they deliver excellent patient care by:

Honoring and caring for the dignity of all persons in mind body and spirit

Ensuring the highest quality of care for those we serve

Working together as a team to achieve our goals

Improving continuously by listening and asking for and responding to feedback

Seeking new and better ways to meet the needs of those we serve

Using our resources wisely

Understanding how each of our roles contributes to the success of UofL Health