Nurse Extern Program

• Sharing the knowledge
• Mentorship
• Professional growth
• Critical Thinking
• Assessment Skills
• Patient Education

Nursing Services in coordination with Staff Development is pleased to offer a Nurse Extern Program.   The externship role is an exciting opportunity for students to work with professional nurses and cutting edge technologies.

Students accepted into the program will

• Work in an academic healthcare environment where all staff, including the nurse extern, are valued and learning is encouraged.
• Receive a structured orientation to the hospital and unit.
• Work collaboratively with physicians, advanced practice nurses and other professional care providers.
• Master nursing skills through care of patients with acute and non-acute healthcare needs under the direct supervision of a nurse.
• Receive continuous evaluation of skills and experiences to aid in the growth of the extern.

Students are currently practice on the following units of the Medical Center: Emergency Services, Neonatal Intensive Care, Women and Family Health, Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care, Orthopedics/Rehabilitation, Neurosurgery Intensive Care, Medicine, Oncology, General Surgery/GI, Clinical Psychiatry, Medical Intensive Care, Surgical Intensive Care, Cardiac Intensive Care, Stepdown Units and Nursing Resource Office.

Eligibility for the program requires

• Current enrollment and good standing in an accredited Associate degree, Diploma or Baccalaureate Professional Nursing Program.
• Completion of an introductory/basic Nursing/Medical Surgical course and clinical practicum.
• Completion of the following prerequisite courses: psychology including, or as a separate entity, communication and interpersonal theory and preparation, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, sociology and microbiology.

Nurse Externs require a commitment to learning, decision-making ability, and strong, effective organizational and communication skills.  In addition, students need to support the program through a commitment of time.

Upon acceptance to the program the nurse extern will agree to

• Participate in an orientation
• Attend the scheduled follow-up meetings
• And schedule a minimum of one eight-hour shift per week on the assigned unit.

Interested candidates should submit a response form, current resume and letter of reference from a current or recent clinical instructor.  Response forms for the May 2008 orientation need to be received by February 8, 2008.  Submit all documents to:

Kathy Walrath
The University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago
Staff Development, Nurse Extern Program
Suite 1500
1740 W. Taylor
Chicago, Illinois 60612

Kathy Walrath or Donna Hilburger will contact you after your response form is received.

For more information or a brochure please call (312) 413-2536 or e-mail Kathy Walrath or Donna Hilburger.