Nurse Extern Summer 2026

Nurse Extern Program May 26 - July 31, 2026

Gain hands-on clinical experience as a Nurse Extern working alongside RN Clinical Coaches in a high-acuity patient care environment. This program offers the opportunity to enhance your clinical knowledge, strengthen your nursing skills, and experience the dynamic environment of our Magnet-designated academic medical center located in Madison, Wisconsin.

This program is intended for nursing students with expected graduation dates between December 2026 and June 2027. Current UW Health employees enrolled in associate or baccalaureate nursing programs are eligible to apply. All other applicants must be currently enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program.

Program Highlights

• Nurse Externs provide direct patient care in inpatient units and ambulatory clinics across UW Health's Madison-based campuses, including University Hospital, American Family Children's Hospital, East Madison Hospital, Eastpark Medical Center and regional clinic sites.
• Nurse Externs work alongside and under the supervision of a RN Clinical Coach and serve as integral members of an interdisciplinary health care team.
• Paid position with a 36-hour workweek including day, evening, night and weekend shifts.

Key Dates

• Applications accepted between November 1, 2025 and January 6, 2026.
• Virtual interviews will be conducted between November 2025 and February 2026.
• Offers will be extended mid-February through March 2026.
• Start date is May 26, 2026

Prior to submitting your application, please refer to the detailed information found at: https://careers.uwhealth.org/nurse-externship/

Please submit all of the following items with your online application:

• Resume
  • Include expected date of graduation.
  • List care clinical courses you will have completed by May 2026. Include course name, clinical hours and completion date.
  • Basic Life Support/CPR certification expiration date
• Essay
  • Describe a recent experience from nursing clinicals or your job that has affirmed your desire to pursue a career in nursing.
  • Share an example of a personal accomplishment that aligns with UW Health's vision for delivering remarkable health care.
  • What is (1) professional and (1) personal goal that you want to achieve if selected for the Nurse Extern program?

• Supplemental Application

Work Schedule:

90% FTE. 36 hours per week. Nurse extern schedules will be assigned to match the schedule of their RN Clinical Coach. 8 and/or 12-hour day/evening or day/night shifts with a weekend/holiday rotation may be required. Hours may vary based on the operational needs of the department.

Pay:

This is a paid externship. Shift differentials apply for PM, Night and Weekend shifts.

Questions may be directed to Adam Eder, Sr. Recruitment Specialist, AEder2@uwhealth.org

University Hospital in Madison is a Magnet-designated facility that's ranked Wisconsin's #1 hospital and considered one of the nation's leading hospitals, teaching institutions and referral centers.

American Family Children's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin-also a Magnet-designated facility-provides specialized care in a healing environment designed especially for pediatric patients and their families. American Family Children's Hospital is a comprehensive pediatric medical and surgical center, with nationally recognized pediatric specialists in a wide range of fields. It is also home to our Level One Pediatric Trauma Center and Level IV NICU, which cares for the tiniest patients throughout Wisconsin and beyond.

East Madison Hospital - on Madison's east side - is UW Health's newest hospital and one of the most advanced hospitals and wellness centers in the country. Here, health care is seen as a holistic endeavor where our mission is to not only diagnose and treat you when you're sick, but also to partner with you in health and wellness.

UW Health Clinics - our physicians and staff are dedicated to providing exceptional patient and family experience by delivering the highest quality of care in a compassional environment. With more than 80 primary and specialty care clinics located throughout Dane County and the surrounding areas, we are proud to have the opportunity to impact the communities we serve.