Ready to take your nursing education beyond the classroom? WellSpan Health offers Nurse Externship opportunities that provide hands-on experience, professional growth and valuable exposure to patient care.
Our Nurse Externship Program helps nursing students build confidence, strengthen clinical skills and learn alongside experienced care teams. Students can explore an additional 8-week Summer Nurse Externship opportunity to continue gaining experience and expanding their skills.
As a nurse extern, you'll:
- Assist with daily patient care, including bathing, dressing and mobility
- Monitor and document vital signs and patient conditions
- Support nurses with care coordination and procedures
- Help prepare patients for tests and treatments
- Gain exposure to real-world clinical scenarios and workflows
Whether you join us in the winter or summer, WellSpan's externship programs are designed to help you feel more prepared, confident and ready to launch your nursing career.
Real Experience, Real Growth
For our 2025 WellSpan summer extern, Siediah Byard, the program was a defining step in her nursing journey.
“What inspired me to pursue a career in nursing was my passion for helping others and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives while working as part of a team,” she shared.
Siediah knew healthcare was the right path once she began gaining hands-on experience.
“Even during stressful situations, I felt comfortable in the environment and knew this was where I belonged.”
During her externship, Siediah gained experience in both Med-Surg and the Emergency Department (ED)—an experience that helped her build a strong clinical foundation and discover her passion.
“Starting on a Medical –Surgical Unit helped me become very comfortable with direct patient care, time management, and handling difficult situations. By the time I transitioned to the ED, I felt much more confident and ready to jump in and help.”
Learning in Fast-Paced Environments
Externs have the opportunity to extern in high-impact areas such as:
- Medical-Surgical Units
- Critical Care Units
- Operating Room Units
- Behavioral Health
- Family Birthing Services
- Pediatrics
These experiences provide exposure to a variety of patient needs and care scenarios, helping students build adaptability, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.
A Supportive Learning Environment
One of the most valuable aspects of the program is the mentorship externs receive from nurses and staff.
“The support from the nurses and staff had a huge impact on my experience. They created an environment where I felt comfortable asking questions, learning new skills, and becoming more confident in-patient care.”
Externs are encouraged to actively participate, ask questions and take advantage of every learning moment — something Siediah emphasizes:
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take advantage of every opportunity. Confidence comes with experience, and every shift is a chance to grow.”
A Pathway to Your Future Career
The externship is more than a short-term experience—it can be the start of your long-term career at WellSpan.
Siediah’s journey is a great example:
- Completed an externship experience in Medical Surgical and Emergency Departments.
- Transitioned into an Emergency Department Patient Care Technician role
- Recently graduated as a Graduate Nurse (GN) and is preparing for the NCLEX
“My externship confirmed that emergency nursing was the specialty I wanted to pursue. It solidified my long-term career goals.”
Who Should Apply?
We’re looking for nursing students who:
- Are enrolled in an accredited Registered Nursing program
- Have completed at least two clinical semesters with a med/surg rotation completed
- Are eager to gain hands-on experience and grow clinically
When to Apply
Applications for the Winter Nurse Externship typically open July 1st and remain posted throughout the fall. Be sure to apply early, as these opportunities are highly competitive.
Take the Next Step
Ready to gain real-world experience and start building your future in nursing?
