Nursing Extern – Summer 2027

The University of Kansas Health System; North Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Kansas Health System is offering a paid Nursing Extern program for the summer, running 8–10 weeks from May 24 through July 30. Participants gain real-world clinical experience under a registered nurse preceptor, supporting the care team with delegated tasks and patient-centered service.

Externals will document care in the electronic system, maintain patient rooms, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams while developing critical thinking and technical nursing skills under

Qualifications

• High School Graduate required for extern program.
• Currently enrolled in an accredited School of Nursing (ADN/BSN).
• Completed basic nursing skills class/lab with documented knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Assist with nursing tasks under RN preceptor supervision.
• Record vital signs, I&O, and meal intake as assigned.
• Maintain clean patient rooms and safe environment.
• Follow infection control and standard precautions.

Skills

Vital signs

ADL support

Patient care

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma

Nursing program enrollment

Basic nursing skills course

Job description

Position Summary / Career Interest:

The Nursing Extern role is part of an 8-10 week paid summer Nurse Extern Program which allows student nurses to gain real world clinical experience and further develop critical thinking skills under the direct supervision and guidance of a registered professional nurse serving as their preceptor. The Nursing Extern will function as an extension of the care team who is accountable to/completes delegated tasks from the RN in a caring and culturally sensitive manner with excellent customer service always. Demonstrates competence in the areas of critical thinking, interpersonal relationships, and technical skills related to delegated tasks. ***The Nursing Extern program takes place from May 24 through July 30.

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Provides basic nursing skills, including but not limited to: Vital signs and pulse oximetry; fingerstick blood glucose; ADL’s; recording intake and output; collecting urine, phlebotomy, stool and sputum specimens; apply/remove compression hose; SCDs etc.; emptying drains, urinary catheters, NG tubes, and ostomies; additional skills to meet unit needs.
• Documents in O2 all tasks, I&O, percentage of meals eaten, etc.
• Maintains a neat, clutter free and clean patient room and work environment. Maintains a safe patient environment to include Fall Risk Prevention interventions as appropriate for high fall risk patients. This can include, but not limited to hourly rounds, answering call lights in person promptly for all patients on the unit.
• Demonstrates proper hand hygiene, standard precautions, other isolation precautions, and infection prevention principles. They care for the patient in restraints; including ROM and fluids/toileting; reorienting confused patients; reinforcement of patient safety precautions.
• Promptly notifies the RN of change in vital signs from baseline or expected result, change in mental status or condition, any breakdown in skin integrity or redness of skin, patient report of pain, any other patient needs, concerns or issues. Must complete other duties as assigned.
• Medication administration, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, patient assessment, documentation and more under the supervision of a Registered Nurse Preceptor.
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Education and Experience

• High School Graduate
• Currently enrolled in an accredited School of Nursing to obtain an Associate degree or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; and has completed basic nursing skills class/lab with documentation of knowledge/competence of required basic skills.

Required Licensure and Certification

• Basic Life Support Heartsaver (BLS HS) (Non-Clinical) – American Heart Association (AHA) which indicates completion of a hands-on component.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status or genetic information.