2027 Nurse Extern Program Early Application

ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED WITHIN YOUR APPLICATION:

• Resume

• Unofficial transcript

• Two letters of recommendation from nursing school faculty

• Reflective essay on your personal goals and how the three (3) nursing areas, chosen on your application, relate to those goals

Eligibility Criteria:

• Actively enrolled in a nationally accredited nursing program

• Successful completion of nursing fundamentals/foundations by program start date

• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA 

• Anticipated graduation date between August 2027 - July 2028

• Must not have a post-graduation RN commitment at another organization

• BLS for Healthcare Provider

• Cardiac: Pacemakers, Aortic Devices, Telemetry, VADs, PCU (Advanced Cardiovascular Conditions such as MI, Heart Failure, Arrhythmias, Post Surgical Cardiac Procedures)

• Cardiac/Pulmonary: Telemetry, Oxygen Therapy, Respiratory Treatments, BiPAP/CPAP, ICU & PCU (Care for patients with complex conditions affecting heart and lung including heart failure, COPD, pneumonia, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, and respiratory failure)

• Center for Women & Infants: Labor & Delivery, Mother Baby, Neonatal ICU

• Neurology: Neuroscience, Post Brain & Spine Surgery, Seizures, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, ICU & PCU

• Oncology: Inpatient Medical, Surgical, Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT), Outpatient Infusion

• Orthopedics: Complex Ortho & Hand, Fracture Repairs, Joint Replacements, Post-Surgical Trauma, Sports Injuries

• Psychiatric: Adolescents, Adults, Emergency Psych (EPS), Inpatient Detox, Med Psych, Pediatrics

• Rehabilitation-Inpatient: Acute Neuro/Cardio/Pulmonary, Spinal Cord Injuries, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Transplant, Pediatrics and Adult

• Surgery/Procedural: Pre-Op, PACU, Outpatient

• Transplant: Heart, Kidney, Liver, Lung, Pancreas, ICU & PCU

• Trauma: ED, Burn, ICU, PCU

Early Application Nurse Extern Essential Functions: 

Following placement at one of our UofL Health facilities, you will function as a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) in the float pool at your facility. This will allow you to float amongst the different ICU & PCU units beginning December 14, 2026, through May 10, 2027, when the summer intensive program begins.

The Summer Intensive Nurse Extern (beginning May 10, 2027 - July 16, 2027) 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. You will work 24 hours/week, directly precepted by a RN, caring for patients on your unit of placement (24 hours of summer vacation allowed).

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 patient's activity needs.

6. Obtains laboratory specimens as directed.

7. Assists/performs post-mortem care.

8. Provides emotional support to patients and families.

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

2. Maintains complete patient confidentiality.

3. Reports changes in patient's condition or other pertinent data to the RN immediately.

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

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

2. Performs 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.

· 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.

· 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