“The nurse extern program helped me build and become confident in my nursing skills. As well as allowed me to begin learning about more of the specialized treatments and procedures that were done on my unit. This is what really showed me that being an oncology nurse is my calling.”

— Mackenzie Blease
Nursing assistant

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“Learning in a classroom and reading textbooks is one way I learned nursing practices, but real experience with patients allowed me to further my knowledge and practical skills. The nurse externship allowed me to feel competent in certain skills I will use throughout the rest of my nursing career. I am excited to see what the future holds for me and the different opportunities that I will have down the road in my nursing career!”

— Chloe Cass
Nursing assistant

What is the rate of pay? The hourly rate of pay for 2025 Nurse Externs will be $20 per hour, plus shift differentials.

Will I need to purchase a uniform for the externship?  You may wear your nursing school uniform for the externship.  Select departments may provide hospital-issued scrubs.

Is housing available for the summer? Single or double occupancy air conditioned rooms with laundry and kitchen facilities are reserved on the UW-Madison campus for a reasonable rate. A meal plan option can be purchased from a nearby university dining hall.  Pricing and location information will be made available in the spring.

Is parking available for the summer? Parking information will be sent to you once you accept your offer of employment. UW Health also offers a free metro bus pass.  We encourage employees to take advantage of this resource.

What will my schedule look like? Your work schedule will follow your clinical coach’s schedule. Nurse externs work 36 hours per week. You will be expected to be available for all shifts, including days, evenings, nights and weekends and holidays.  Nurse externs must commit to working all ten weeks of this program.  Work schedules typically become available in May and will come from the department you are hired for.

Can I apply for the Nurse Residency Program while I am a Nurse Extern? Yes!  For those interested in the Winter 2026 Nurse Residency Program, we will begin accepting applications on June 1, 2025.  Spring 2026 graduates can apply in September 2025. 

Additional questions may be directed to: Adam Eder, Sr. Recruitment Specialist, AEder2@uwhealth.org.

The Externship runs from May 27, 2025 – August 1, 2025.

Applications will be accepted between November 1, 2024 – January 6, 2025. Click here to apply.

Please include the following items:

• Resume
  • List all direct care clinical courses you will have completed by May 2025. 
  • Include course number and title, facility name (if known) and expected course completion date (month/year)
  • Include your expected date of graduation – month / year
• Essay
  • Explain why you are pursuing a nurse externship at UW Health. 
  • Discuss your clinical interests
  • Identify 3 personal goals you want to achieve during the program. 
• Unofficial Academic Transcript

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

Program dates: May 27 – August 1, 2025   

Gain valuable experience in patient care as a paid Nurse Extern at UW Health. This opportunity is for students:

• Currently enrolled in a Baccalaureate Nursing Program, who have successfully completed two clinical rotations and anticipate graduation between December 2025 to June 2026.
• Current UW Health employees who are enrolled in an Associate Degree Nursing Program who have successfully completed two clinical rotations and anticipate graduation between December 2025 to June 2026.

You’ll help provide remarkable patient care alongside a RN Clinical Coach during this 10 week program. This opportunity will enhance your clinical knowledge and provide valuable direct patient care experience at our Magnet-designated academic medical center.

Program Highlights

• Nurse Extern opportunities are available in a variety of settings:
  • Inpatient placement will include adult and pediatric care units at our Level 1 Trauma Center – University Hospital, American Family Children’s Hospital and East Madison Hospital. Examples of participating specialties are medical, surgical, critical care, and psychiatry.
  • Emergency Services, perioperative services and ambulatory procedural care placement options may also be available.
  • Please review the department descriptions. Clinical areas of interest will be discussed during your interview.
• Nurse Externs will work alongside an RN Clinical Coach and will perform hands-on patient care.
• Recruitment will review your application. If you are selected, you will be contacted for a virtual interview with a Nurse Recruiter.
• Affordable housing is available on the UW-Madison campus, which is a short distance to the medical center.