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Summer of Excellence Nursing Externship – Sioux Falls, SD

Mission

The Sanford Health Summer E program provides the nursing extern an opportunity to:

  • Gain experience and skill within actual patient care situations, clinical simulation and classroom sessions.
  • Work in partnership with an RN preceptor serving as a personal clinical coach.
  • Foster the extern's level of competence and confidence.
  • Develop interpersonal, critical thinking, and technical nursing skills, including medication administration.
  • Network with peers from other colleges and universities regionally and nationally.

Program Qualifications

The ten-week program will begin in May 2013. To be eligible, you must:

  1. Be currently enrolled and within one year of graduating from an accredited nursing program.
    • A Bachelor's degree (BSN/BAN) required for Sanford Medical Center, preferred for Sanford Network sites.
  2. Meet Sanford Health's job-related health requirements.
  3. Provide proof of current certification in Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers from the American Heart Association.
    • American Heart Association required.
  4. Receive satisfactory references.

Application Process

Printable checklist

  1. Complete Sanford Health employee on-line application form.
    • Provide name and email address of two (2) references.
      • Two (2) Nursing faculty (current instructors).
      • If employed by a Sanford Health facility your current supervisor will also be contacted.
    • An on-line document will be sent to the reference for completion.
      • Please notify references to anticipate and accept an email from Sanford Health to complete this step.
  2. Bring to your interview:
    • A current official transcript from the college or university in which you are enrolled. (Obtain from your school registrar with official seal).
    • A copy of your current American Heart Association Basic Healthcare Provider (BLS) card.

Program Acceptance

  • Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, October 19, 2012.
  • Interviews will be conducted during November and December of 2012.
  • Offers will be extended via phone to those selected for the program upon the conclusion of interviews, followed with a confirmation offer letter.

Information

Orientation
Orientation is provided in May to acclimate you to the Sioux Falls Sanford Health or Sioux Falls Region Network site and your assigned unit.

Work/Class Schedule
Externs are expected to:

  • Work full-time (36-40 hours), including nights, weekends, holidays and 8-, 10-, or 12-hour shifts for 10 consecutive weeks. Additional opportunities for observation outside your assigned department are provided.
  • Participate in required classroom sessions. Optional college credit is available through a partnership with a local college.

Work Department
Upon selection into the program, you will be notified of your work unit/department assignment.

Preceptor Assignment
You will receive your preceptor contact information in late March or early April.

Program participation provides you:

  • Sanford Health 401k retirement as a PRN employee
  • Worker's compensation insurance coverage
  • Sanford Health email
  • Wegner Library resources
  • Sanford Perks (Discounted tickets to local merchants and activities in Sioux Falls and surrounding area)

Housing
Housing is not provided. If you should require assistance securing housing, please contact local colleges or universities, as they often rent space to students over the summer.