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What does a Nurse Extern do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A nurse extern is a student nurse who works under the supervision of a registered nurse. The nurse extern provides direct patient care and performs tasks such as taking vital signs, providing personal care, and assisting with activities of daily living.

Nurse Extern job duties include:

  • Assisting patients with activities of daily living
  • Providing basic patient care
  • Taking vital signs
  • Assisting with patient transfers
  • Documentation
  • Providing emotional support to patients and families
  • Serving as a resource for patients and families
  • Promoting patient safety
  • Infection control
  • Time management

Nurse Extern Job Requirements

A nurse extern is a student who is currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program and has completed at least one semester of clinical coursework. Externs are typically placed in acute care settings such as medical-surgical units, labor and delivery, and the emergency department. Some facilities may require certification in CPR and basic life support prior to the start of the externship. Externships typically last for four to eight weeks and provide the student with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field of nursing.

Nurse Extern Skills

  • Patient care
  • Assessing patients
  • Communicating with patients
  • Documenting patient information
  • Working with a team
  • Following orders
  • Multi-tasking
  • Attention to detail
  • Stress management
  • Physical stamina
  • Empathy

Related: Top Nurse Extern Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Nurse Extern

A nurse extern is a student who is currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program and is working under the supervision of a registered nurse. Nurse externs are able to gain valuable experience in the field of nursing while completing their education. There are a few steps that you can take in order to become a nurse extern.

First, you will need to ensure that you are enrolled in an accredited nursing program. Once you have completed your nursing program, you will then need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam in order to obtain your license as a registered nurse. After you have obtained your RN license, you can then apply for a position as a nurse extern.

Nurse externships are typically offered at hospitals and other healthcare facilities. During your externship, you will be working under the supervision of a registered nurse. This experience will allow you to gain valuable hands-on experience in the field of nursing.

Becoming a nurse extern can be a great way to get started in your career as a registered nurse. It is important to remember that while you are working as an extern, you are still a student and should always adhere to the guidelines set forth by your nursing program.

Related: Nurse Extern Resume Example

Related: Nurse Extern Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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