Winter Nurse Extern Program 2026 - Surgery & Rehab Hospital

About the Role

WellSpan Health’s Winter Nurse Extern Program offers at least 72 hours of paid clinical experiences during winter break. Externs work one-on-one with an experienced RN preceptor on varied shifts. Limited opportunities are available in the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit and Surgical Rotation (Pre-Op, PACU, and Post Surgical).

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.

Common Expectations

• 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.

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 the Summer Externship Program.
• Basic Life Support certification upon hire.

Preferred: Enrollment in an accredited BSN program.

About Us

WellSpan Health’s vision is to reimagine healthcare through the delivery of comprehensive, equitable health and wellness solutions throughout our continuum of care. As an integrated delivery system focused on leading in value-based care, we encompass more than 2,300 employed providers, 250 locations, nine award-winning hospitals, home care, and a behavioral health organization serving central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. Our high-performing Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is the region’s largest and one of the best in the nation. With a team 23,000 strong, WellSpan experts provide a range of services, from wellness and employer services solutions to advanced care for complex medical and behavioral conditions.

About The Team

WellSpan Surgery & Rehabilitation Hospital specializes in the challenges brought on by stroke, trauma, orthopedic injury, or spine conditions, offering advanced orthopedic, spine, and neurosurgical surgeries, acute inpatient rehabilitation, and specialized outpatient rehabilitation. As a Magnet-designated hospital, our dedicated interprofessional team works collaboratively within the integrated WellSpan system to support patients on their journey to optimal independence through superior quality care in a patient-centered, healing environment.