If you’re currently in nursing school and looking for ways to gain real-world experience, a nurse extern position is one of the best opportunities available. It offers nursing students the chance to work in a hospital setting, apply their classroom knowledge, and practice clinical skills under supervision.
Essentially, a nurse extern is like a hybrid between a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a registered nurse (RN). You’ll start off performing basic patient care tasks, like a CNA, but as you gain competency in specific nursing skills, you’ll be able to perform those skills under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Nurse extern positions are incredibly valuable for students because they help you get your foot in the door, build confidence, and gain critical experience that can give you a competitive edge when applying for your first nursing job after graduation. Here are some key tips to help you secure a nurse extern position and make the most of this valuable experience.
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Understand What a Nurse Extern Position Entails
Before diving into the application process, it’s important to understand exactly what a nurse extern position is and what will be expected of you. Nurse externs are typically nursing students who have completed at least one clinical rotation and are looking to gain hands-on experience in a hospital or clinical setting.
Externs work closely with RNs to provide patient care, such as taking vital signs, assisting with bathing and feeding, and helping patients move around. While these tasks are similar to those performed by a CNA, nurse externs can also perform more advanced nursing skills once they’ve demonstrated competency. For example, you may be allowed to administer medications or perform wound care under supervision.
The goal of an externship is to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical nursing. It allows you to apply the theories you’ve learned in school to real patient care scenarios. Plus, it can also be a stepping stone to securing a full-time RN position in the same hospital after graduation.
Tip ➡️ Be sure to research the specific requirements and scope of practice for nurse externs in your state and the facility where you’re applying. These can vary depending on local regulations. Also, please note that some hospitals may not offer this position.
Start Networking Early
Networking is key when it comes to securing a nurse extern position. Many hospitals prioritize internal candidates for externship opportunities, which means they often prefer students who have already made a positive impression during clinical rotations or through part-time employment. This is why it’s important to start building connections early on in your nursing program.
Introduce yourself to nurse managers, clinical instructors, and staff nurses during your rotations, and let them know you’re interested in an extern position. Ask questions, show interest in the unit you’re working on, and seek feedback on your performance. If you express enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, you may be remembered when extern opportunities become available.
Tip ➡️ Don’t forget about your fellow nursing students! They may know about extern positions opening up or have connections at facilities that are hiring. Stay in touch with classmates and share information about job leads.
Perfect Your Resume and Cover Letter
Just like applying for any other job, securing a nurse extern position requires a strong resume and cover letter. You’ll want to tailor both documents to highlight your clinical experience, skills, and any relevant coursework.
Your resume should include:
- Clinical rotations: Highlight the specific clinical experiences you’ve had so far, including the unit type, patient population, and any nursing skills you’ve performed (like IV starts, medication administration, or wound care). Be sure to mention the number of hours completed for each rotation, as this helps demonstrate the depth of your experience, and since this can vary widely between candidates.
- Skills: Include a section on your resume that lists key nursing skills you’ve developed, such as taking vital signs, performing assessments, or administering medications. Tailor this section to the requirements of the extern position.
- Certifications: If you have certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS) or any others, make sure to include these on your resume. Many hospitals require BLS certification for externs.
- Work experience: If you’ve worked as a CNA, a medical assistant, or in any healthcare-related role, make sure to include that experience. Even non-clinical roles in customer service or retail can highlight your communication and teamwork skills, which are essential in nursing.
For your cover letter, be sure to explain why you’re interested in the extern position and how it aligns with your long-term goals as a nurse. Talk about your passion for patient care, your dedication to learning, and how you believe the externship will help you grow. Personalize each cover letter for the specific hospital or unit you’re applying to.
Tip ➡️ Check out the FreshRN course Hired: The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Nurse Resumes and Interviews to look like a pro!
Highlight Your Clinical Competency and Soft Skills
When interviewing for a nurse extern position, hospitals are looking for candidates who not only have a solid foundation in clinical skills but also demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication abilities. Externs need to work well under supervision, take initiative, and function as part of the healthcare team.
During your interview, be prepared to discuss examples of how you’ve demonstrated clinical competency in your nursing school rotations. For instance, if you’ve successfully inserted an IV or performed a full patient assessment, bring that up as an example of your skillset.
Just as important are your soft skills. Talk about how you’ve handled difficult patient interactions, worked in a fast-paced environment, or supported fellow students or healthcare team members. Hospitals want to see that you’re a team player, can manage stress, and have a genuine desire to care for patients.
Tip ➡️ Don’t forget to mention your commitment to learning. Hospitals invest time in training nurse externs, and they want to see that you’re eager to grow and develop your skills.
Apply Early and Follow Up
Nurse extern positions are competitive, so it’s important to apply early. Many hospitals start recruiting for summer externships months in advance—some as early as the fall semester. Keep an eye on job boards, hospital websites, and announcements from your nursing school to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
After submitting your application, don’t hesitate to follow up with the hiring manager or recruiter. A polite email or phone call a week or two after submitting your application can help keep your name at the top of their list and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
Tip ➡️ Be persistent but not pushy. Following up once or twice is appropriate, but don’t overdo it. Trust the process and be patient!
Consider Becoming a CNA at the Hospital You’re Interested In
One of the best ways to get a foot in the door at a hospital and improve your chances of securing a nurse extern position is by working there as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) first. Many hospitals offer CNA roles to nursing students, and by taking on this position, you’ll gain invaluable patient care experience while also making connections within the hospital.
As a CNA, you’ll learn the ins and outs of how the hospital operates, get familiar with the patient population, and form relationships with nurses and other healthcare professionals. This can give you a big advantage when applying for an externship later, as the hospital is more likely to hire someone who is already familiar with their workflows, policies, and culture. Plus, you’ll have references who can speak to your work ethic and patient care skills.
Working as a CNA also helps you build your resume with direct patient care experience, which is something nurse extern positions value highly. Even if the tasks you perform as a CNA are more basic than those of an extern, the experience and relationships you build can set you apart from other applicants.
Tip ➡️ If you’re not already a CNA, consider getting certified early in nursing school. This will give you time to work part-time as a CNA before applying for extern positions.
Be Open to Different Units and Shift Schedules
While you may have a dream unit in mind (like labor and delivery, ICU, or pediatrics), keep in mind that extern positions may not always be available in your preferred area. Being flexible about the unit and shift you work can increase your chances of landing a position.
For example, if you’re open to working in a med-surg or telemetry unit, you’ll gain invaluable experience with a diverse patient population. Similarly, being willing to work night shifts or weekends might make you a more attractive candidate to hiring managers who are trying to fill gaps in staffing.
Remember, every clinical experience you have as an extern will help you develop your nursing skills, no matter the unit. You can always apply for your dream unit after you graduate.
Tip ➡️ Use this flexibility to your advantage during interviews. Let the hiring manager know you’re open to various units and shifts—it shows you’re adaptable and ready to help where needed.
Final Thoughts on Nurse Extern Positions
Securing a nurse extern position is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience, improve your clinical skills, and build relationships with healthcare professionals to prepare for your future job as a registered nurse. By understanding the role, networking, crafting a standout resume, and demonstrating your clinical competency, you’ll be well on your way to landing an externship that can open doors to your future nursing career.
Remember, persistence pays off—apply early, follow up, and be open to different opportunities. The experience you gain as a nurse extern will be invaluable as you transition from nursing student to practicing RN.
More Resources
- Types of Nursing Jobs and Where to Find Them: A Comprehensive Guide for New Graduate Nurses
- Best Nursing Jobs for New Grad Nurses
- How to Land a Job as a New Nurse
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