Student Nurse Extern I – Surgical Observation Unit

UNC Health; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

UNC Health’s Student Nurse Extern I program in the Surgery Observation Unit offers prelicensure nursing students a hands-on externship under RN supervision. You will participate in direct patient care, observe clinical workflows, and develop foundational nursing skills within a supportive team setting.

The role emphasizes safe practice, documentation accuracy, and collaboration with RNs, preparing you for future professional responsibilities in a hospital setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; higher-level degree may satisfy this requirement.
• Current enrollment in an accredited prelicensure nursing program with anticipated graduation within 12 months time from the start of student nurse externship.

Responsibilities

• Observes, collects, and documents patient information and reports changes to RN or provider.
• Assists patients and families during admission, orientation, and discharge.
• Performs basic care tasks: vital signs, measurements, specimen collection, simple wound care, ROM exercises, and 1:1 patient/family interactions.
• Provides direct personal care for activities of daily living.
• Performs indirect care duties: cleaning, restocking, transporting, and clerical tasks.
• Reinforces patient teaching and supports providers during exams and procedures.

Skills

Fluent in English

Organize and prioritize

Basic computer skills

Lift and carry 40-50 lbs

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Enrollment in prelicensure nursing program

Job description

UNC Health’s Student Nurse Extern I program in the Surgery Observation Unit offers prelicensure nursing students a hands-on externship under RN supervision. You will participate in direct patient care, observe clinical workflows, and develop foundational nursing skills within a supportive team setting.

The role emphasizes safe practice, documentation accuracy, and collaboration with RNs, preparing you for future professional responsibilities in a hospital setting.