Nurse Extern II: Ortho Spine Joint Surgical

Advocate Health; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 30,307,000; Part time

Job summary

Advocate Health seeks Nurse Extern II for Fall 2026 grads at St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI. From an observation role, you will support RNs on post-surgical Ortho, Spine, Joint and ENT units and transition toward RN responsibilities.

You will work one 8-hour shift weekly, under RN supervision, gaining hands-on experience with vital signs, medication administration, and care planning for diverse post-op patients.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program.
• Anticipated December 2026 graduation in an accredited nursing program.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to adapt to interruptions and changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Under RN observation, completes activities of daily living, vital signs, and glucose monitoring.
• Collaborates with RN to establish a plan of care based on health needs and patient/family preferences.
• Monitors patient responses and communicates observations to the RN.
• Develops delegation skills for Health Unit Coordinators and nursing staff.
• Assists with medication administration as delegated by the RN after appropriate evaluation.
• Manages patient load with time management and prioritization.
• Gathers and synthesizes patient data to identify status and needs.
• Participates in emergency activities under supervision.

Education

Currently enrolled in accredited nursing program

Anticipated December 2026 graduation

Strong interpersonal skills

Tools

Medical-Surgical concepts

Job description

Nurse Extern II opportunities available for Fall 2026 Grads!

Jump start your nursing career in the NE II role on a post-surgical Ortho, Spine, Joint and ENT units at St. Luke's Medical Center. The patient population on 11S & 11T provide a wide variety of post-op Ortho experiences to grow your practice and skill set. Our RN preceptors provide strong support of students, learning opportunities and professional development. Transition seamlessly from a Nurse Extern II role into a Registered Nurse role on these highly sought after units. One 8-hour shift per week on days required.

Major Responsibilities:

• Under the observation of the Registered Nurse, completes activities of daily living, vital sign completion and blood glucose monitoring.
• Collaborates with the Registered Nurse in establishing a plan of care based upon an analysis of health, education and developmental needs and patient/family preferences.
• Under the observation of the Registered Nurse, evaluates patient response to interventions and effectively communicates observations and patient needs to the Registered Nurse.
• Develops delegation skills appropriate to Health Unit Coordinators, Nursing Assistants and technical roles on unit.
• Administers medication as delegated by the Registered Nurse. The level of clinical judgment and proficiency of skill must be evaluated prior to medication administration.
• Manages an increased number of patients and incorporates principles of time management into shift routine.
• Demonstrates an ability to collect and synthesize relevant patient data accurately identifying patient status and needs.
• In emergency situations and under appropriate supervision of a Registered Nurse, participates in activities they have demonstrated knowledge and skill in.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• None Required.

Education Required:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited or approved program in Nursing.

Experience Required:

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Current enrollment with anticipated Dec. 2026 graduation an accredited nursing program.
• Successful completion of a Medical Surgical Course that includes pharmacological concepts.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to interruptions and changing priorities/workload necessary.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, and reach above shoulders during the work shift.
• Must be able to:
• lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
• carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• - push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• - perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Will be required to use foot pedals on carts or machines.
• Must have functional vision and hearing.
• Will be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiation hazards as well as blood and body fluids on a continuous basis; therefore, protective clothing must be worn as necessary.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.