Nursing Extern

The Student Nurse Externship Program offers nursing students the chance to gain hands-on experience in our various hospitals under the supervision of registered nurse (RN) preceptors.

This 8-to 10-week program during the summer months is designed to bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world clinical practice, enhancing students' skills and confidence. During the program, externs work closely with RN preceptors to assess patient needs, plan and deliver interdisciplinary care, and perform basic clinical skills safely and competently.

• Each participating hospital appoints a liaison to oversee the program, ensuring externs receive thorough orientation and training.
• Externs are evaluated weekly, and their competencies are verified using a hospital-specific skill's checklist.
• Preceptors, who are experienced RNs, provide 1:1 supervision, support, and feedback to externs throughout the program.
• This structured approach ensures that externs can effectively apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting while developing critical clinical skills and professional behaviors.
• The program not only benefits the students by providing valuable experience but also helps reduce vacancy rates and create a pipeline of well-trained nursing professionals for the hospital.

In order to be considered for the Student Nurse Extern Program, the following criteria must be met:

1. Students must be in good standing as indicated by their academic institution.
2. Students must have completed at least 2 clinical nursing courses.
3. Students must readily accept responsibility for adhering to the orientation schedules and the subsequent work schedule as defined by the hospital.

This position will be located at RWJ University Hospital Hamilton.