Surgical Nurse Extern - Paid OR Summer Experience

UNC Health; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

UNC Rex Healthcare is offering a 10-week Student Nurse Externship Program for rising senior ADN/BSN students. The role operates in the Operating Room with hands-on patient care under RN supervision, building confidence and clinical judgment as you transition toward a licensed nurse.

The program emphasizes direct and indirect patient care, collaboration with the nursing team, and experiences across surgical service lines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; current enrollment in an accredited prelicensure nursing program with anticipated graduation within 12 months from start of externship.
• Listed as Nursing Assistant I with North Carolina DHHS and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• No prior professional experience required.

Responsibilities

• Observes, collects, and documents patient information and reports significant changes to a nurse or provider; participates in patient safety reporting.
• Provides assistance to patients and families during admission, orientation, and discharge.
• Performs care/treatments per care plan including vital signs, measurements, specimen collection, wound care, glucose checks, range of motion, and basic patient/family interactions.
• Provides direct personal care for activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and assisting with ambulation.
• Assists with indirect care duties including maintaining a clean work area, restocking supplies, and transporting patients and materials.
• Reinforces routine teaching and documents patient understanding; supports providers during routine exams and emergencies as needed.
• In psychiatric settings, aids reality orientation, supports behavior modification plans, and assists in managing safety and therapeutic milieu.

Skills

Fluent English

Organization & prioritization

Basic computer skills

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Frequent standing/walking

CPR certification

Education

High school diploma or GED

Enrollment in accredited prelicensure nursing program

Job description

UNC Rex Healthcare is offering a 10-week Student Nurse Externship Program for rising senior ADN/BSN students. The role operates in the Operating Room with hands-on patient care under RN supervision, building confidence and clinical judgment as you transition toward a licensed nurse.

The program emphasizes direct and indirect patient care, collaboration with the nursing team, and experiences across surgical service lines.