Nurse Extern - Winter 2026 - Chambersburg Hospital

Winter 2026 Program start dates: November 30, December 14, or December 28. Must include uploaded resume, transcript, and letter of recommendation from current nursing instructor highlighting current academic standing, behavior standing, and completion of Medical Surgical rotation.

About the Program

• 4 to 6-week experience in 1 unit with shadow opportunities as available
• Rotating shifts based on preceptor schedule
• Consideration given for RN students entering final semester/year (graduation in spring 2027 and winter 2027)
• Must have completed Medical Surgical rotation in accredited nursing program prior to start of externship
• Must maintain good standing status in accredited nursing program
• Paid clinical experience with 1:1 experienced RN preceptor
• Units available: Emergency Department, Critical Care Unit, Intermediate Care Unit, Medical & Surgical Units, Acute Rehab
• At completion of program, students may continue employment in a Nursing Assistant capacity by working a minimum of 12 hours per month

Responsibilities

• Provides information needed by the registered nurse to coordinate the care and discharge planning for the patient and family
• Provides general nursing care and personal care assistance to patients, including bathing, dressing, eating, changing bed linens and bed pans, and positioning
• Assists in the preparation and transportation of patients for tests, procedures, etc.
• Monitors patient condition levels; reports changes to the appropriate individuals
• Obtains and documents patient vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, weight, respiration, pulse, pain, and department-specific requirements
• Performs selected procedures per Nurse Extern checklist
• Sets up and removes equipment and supplies; ensures equipment is functioning properly and stored appropriately
• Performs EKGs and Point-of-Care testing which may include blood glucose, hemoccult, and specific gravity testing
• Runs special errands as required; responds to light calls
• Ensures patient rooms, nursing areas, supply carts, etc. are stocked with appropriate items at required levels
• Maintains par levels of supplies and equipment on assigned unit(s); notifies supervisor when reorder points are reached
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of the assigned patient population; assesses and interprets patient age-specific data and provides appropriate, age-specific treatment
• Provides direct patient care to assigned patient age group(s)
• Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental, and infection control standards
• Participates in educational programs and inservice meetings
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation
• Performs other related duties as identified

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Currently enrolled in an approved Nursing program with completion of two clinical semesters
• Completion of at least one medical-surgical clinical rotation
• Must be passing in an accredited program prior to Winter Externship Program
• Enrollment in an accredited BSN program preferred
• Basic Life Support certification upon hire required