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.