Nurse Extern - Bronson Healthcare (All Locations) - PRN

Bronson Healthcare; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Bronson Healthcare is seeking a Nurse Extern for all Bronson locations in Michigan. The role is PRN with 12-hour variable shifts (7a-7p or 7p-7a) and a two-week orientation. The extern supports RN staff, documents care, and participates in unit rotations across departments.

Applicants must be enrolled in a nursing program and within one year of graduation (Spring 2027/Winter 2027), with BLS and pharmacology competencies. Four shifts per month are required, with at least two weekend shifts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; enrolled in an accredited school of nursing.
• Pharmacology coursework or successful pharmacology test is required.
• Must read, interpret, and analyze data from computer systems.

Responsibilities

• Document nursing history and patient needs for assigned patients.
• Develop a care plan for assigned patients based on assessment.
• Manage and evaluate the care plan with RN supervision.
• Take vital signs and monitor patient condition and drug responses.
• Administer medications and explain procedures to patients.

Skills

Computer literacy

Pharmacology

Clear communication

Education

GED or High School Diploma

Enrolled in accredited nursing program

Expected graduation Spring 2027 or Winter 2027

Tools

BLS Certification

Job description

Company Culture

Love Where You Work! Team Bronson is compassionate, resilient and strong. We are driven by Positivity which inspires us to be our best and to go above and beyond for our patients, for one another, and for our community.

Job Details

Location BBC Bronson Battle Creek, BLH Bronson LakeView Hospital, BMH Bronson Methodist Hospital, BSH Bronson South Haven
Title: Nurse Extern - Bronson Healthcare (All Locations) - PRN
Applications will be reviewed starting 08/31/2026
We strive to match you with your top preferred areas based on availability and compatibility.
Student Extern Rotations Available
Please note that students are unable to transfer units/rotations until the completion of the externship.
You will be prompted in the application to specify your top five areas of interest.
Ensure you indicate the hospital(s) and specific unit(s) of interest.
Please include at least 1 med/surg area of interest.
Current Bronson employees should submit their application through Workday, accessible from the Bronson Home Page.
For more information on our units, please utilize the following link: Departments at Bronson

Additional Information

This is a paid, year-round position working 12-hour variable shifts (7a to 7p or 7p to 7a). A minimum of four shifts per month is required (two of the four shifts will be weekend shifts) typically equating to one 12-hour shift per week. The position is PRN and not eligible for benefits. Nurse Externs selected for a position will undergo a two-week, full-time (day shift) orientation program to ensure preparedness for working on the unit.

Employment Oversight

Under general supervision and in accordance with the policies, procedures, and guidelines established within the organization, unit, and the Nurse Practice Act, the Nurse Extern works with an RN to implement patient care based on the patient’s age and maintain and upgrade his/her skills based on the patient population served, the type and nature of care provided, and advances in health care technology. The Nurse Extern is responsible for communicating learning needs to the nurse preceptor. The Nurse Extern will seek out a variety of learning experiences and is accountable, under the direction of an RN, for setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and promoting the achievement of patient outcomes as defined in the nursing care plan, as follows: utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation; coordinating the care provided by other professionals and unlicensed staff, including delegation and coaching in selected situations; providing selected aspects of physical care within the scope of professional nursing practice as appropriate given the patient’s level of acuity and complexity of care required; and documenting and communicating during each tour of duty the patient’s response to care provided, consumption of resources and anticipated needs.

Required Competencies

Employees providing direct patient care must demonstrate competencies specific to the population served.

Qualifications

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited school of nursing and be within one year of graduation, with an expected graduation date in Spring 2027 or Winter 2027. The Nurse Extern must complete the individual unit requirements for orientation which includes Hospital, Core, and Department specific orientation based upon the unit and experience level (the Nurse Extern is considered to be in orientation during the full time of employment as a Nurse Extern). BLS Certification

• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze data from various computer systems and equipment in order to set an appropriate plan of action.
• Satisfactory completion of a pharmacology course or satisfactory performance on a pharmacology medication test.
• Must be able to constantly communicate in a clear and caring manner, both verbally and in writing.

Working Conditions

Work which produces levels of mental/visual fatigue which are typical of jobs that perform a wide variety of duties with frequent and significant uncontrollable deadlines. Work may include the operation of and full attention to a personal computer or CRT up to 40 percent of the time. Involves considerable standing or walking, regular lifting of light-weight objects (i.e., 20 pounds or less) and assisting with heavier tasks such as assisting in lifting and moving patients. Minor straining or fatiguing positions must be assumed, and some fatiguing physical motions are required.

Collaboration and Duties

• Documents nursing history and physical/emotional needs/strengths for assigned patients.
• Develops a plan of care for assigned patients, based upon assessment.
• Manages care plan for assigned patients by organizing and delegating therapeutic patient care interventions to be implemented and evaluating effectiveness of care given by self and others.
• Takes temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs to assess condition of patient and detect deviations from normal.
• Observes patient, records significant conditions and reactions, implements appropriate interventions and/or notifies supervisor or Physician of patient’s condition and reaction to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents.
• Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques and policies.
• Explains procedures and treatments to patient to gain cooperation, understanding, and allay apprehension.
• Prepares equipment and aids physician during treatment and examination of patient.
• Maintains awareness of comfort and safety needs of patient.
• Initiates a patient education plan according to the individualized needs of the patient, as prescribed by Physician, and/or hospital policy and nursing care plan, including patient and family instruction.
• Responds to life saving situations based upon nursing standards, policies, procedures, and protocol.
• Manages discharge planning and preparation for assigned patients.
• Manages personal, unit, and hospital resources effectively.
• Rotates among clinical services of institution within cluster (i.e., obstetrics, surgery, orthopedics, outpatient and admitting, pediatrics, etc.).
• Prepares rooms, appropriate instruments, equipment, and supplies for procedures of surgery (as assignment indicates).
• Participates in department or unit performance improvement activities.
• Assumes responsibility for professional development.
• Develops and provides a positive work climate and the overall team effort of the department.
• May act as a clinical resource and role model to Unit Clerk, USAs, PCAs, and LPNs.

Note

There are some aspects of the RN role that the Nurse Extern cannot assume accountability for, nor perform independently. A listing of these duties is provided and signed by the individual as a part of the orientation process. This listing is attached to the Nurse Extern Skills List.

Shift Details

Shift: Variable Time Type
Part time
Scheduled Weekly Hours 10
Cost Center 1507
Nursing Talent Development (BMH)

About Bronson Healthcare

Bronson Healthcare is a community-owned, not-for-profit health system that has been serving southwest Michigan since 1900. Today, with a workforce of 9,000 people and 1,500 medical staff members, it is the area’s largest employer and leading healthcare system. Bronson provides care in virtually every specialty and offers a full range of services from primary care to critical care at more than 100 locations. Bronson’s exceptionally high quality standards enable us to do what’s right for our patients and their families. We are empowered as individuals and as teams, to apply our skills and experience so that every patient receives safe, timely and effective treatment. What’s more, our state‑of‑the‑art, technology and evidence‑based processes give us the tools we need to deliver the right care, at the right time. By putting each patient and their family at the center of our work, we demonstrate the dignity and respect we have for each individual we serve. This unwavering commitment to serving others combined with our unique healing environment helps make the patient experience here an exceptional one. The excellence and Positivity of our employees and medical staff has contributed to Bronson Healthcare being ranked by Forbes as one of America’s Best‑In‑State Employers (2022-23), by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women (2023) and by the National Association for Business Resources as one of the 2023 Top 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For.