Student Nurse Extern

Early applications for our 2025 Summer Student Nurse Extern Cohort now being accepted.  Positions will be available at all MedStar Hospital locations.  

(RN) Nursing students slated to graduate in December 2025 and May 2026 are encouraged to apply.

Job Summary:
As a Nurse Extern, you will work alongside an RN mentor and care team, providing holistic and quality care to our patients. You will be paired with your RN mentor for at least 50% of your clinical time - receiving coaching, hands-on learning, and assimilation into the practice environment.  Your assigned RN mentor will help you develop critical thinking skills needed to increase your confidence as a nursing professional. In addition, a nursing professional development specialist will support you to ensure your learning needs are met as you gain the best clinical experience possible. 

This is an excellent experience to build a relationship on the unit where you would like to start your career as a new to practice nurse!

Program Start Date:   Late May / Early June 2025 - specific hospitals may have different starting dates

Required Commitment:    The summer cohort will be a 10-week long session.  Once classes resume for the fall semester, externs will be invited to remain* in a flexible per diem schedule.  *Externs must be in good standing to remain employed past the summer cohort.

During the summer cohort, externs will work the same schedule as their preceptor.  Bi/Weekly interactive educational sessions will be built into the schedule for additional learning opportunities.      

Please note:  MedStar Health welcomes students from across the country to join us for the summer cohort.  However, we do not provide or coordinate housing for students.  

Hours:   During the 10-week long cohort, externs will work 12-hour shifts for a total of 36 to 40 hours per week.   Day shift, Night shift and Rotating shifts may be available on specified units.  

Education/Training:   Active enrollment in an accredited RN program; Must be graduating in December 2025 or May 2026.  Official transcripts will be required at time of hire and at the end of each semester to validate active enrollment.

Experience: No clinical experience outside of nursing school is required.

License/Certification:  Maryland based positions require a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification by the Maryland Board of Nursing no later than one month prior to start date; BLS (CPR for Healthcare Providers) certification.

Learn from the best. Become the best.
MedStar Health has an unwavering commitment to advance the practice of nursing and develop our future nursing professionals. As a nursing student considering where to begin your career, MedStar has it all – opportunities to jump start your career while in school, plus a New-to-Practice Residency program to start your nursing career off strong.