Find your calling at Mercy!

As a student in an approved registered nurse or practical nurse school of nursing, the Nurse Extern student participates in clinical work under the direction of an RN. The Nurse Extern assists in the individualized care of the patient to achieve the patient’s highest level of wellness working cooperatively with others as part of the healthcare team and performs designated clinical procedures and nonclinical support tasks within the nurse extern scope.

Position Details:

Winter Nurse Externship

Location: Mercy Hospital Southeast, Cape Girardeau, MO

Department: Center of Nursing Excellence

Status: Temporary, 4-week session, 36 hours/week

Shift: 12 Hour Days or Nights

Two sessions to choose from:

Session I: December 14th - January 8th

Session II: December 21st - January 15th

Our Mercy Nurse Externship is a unique hands‑on learning experience designed to help nursing students bridge the gap between the classroom and real‑world practice. This paid externship gives participants the opportunity to work approximately 36 hours per week, during a 4-week session while on school break. Nurse externs will rotate through a variety of units while learning directly at the elbow of a Mercy nurse.

Participating in a Mercy Externship will help you:

• Deepen your understanding of the nursing role within an acute care setting
• Build confidence in delivering both direct and indirect patient care in an acute care setting
• Enhance your clinical skills through dedicated preceptor time, including: IV therapy, Foley care, NG tube care, tube feeding, ostomy care, point-of-care testing, phlebotomy, specimen collection, simple dressing changes, trach care, and head‑to‑toe assessments.

You’ll gain meaningful exposure to diverse patient populations, strengthen your critical‑thinking skills, and work closely with experienced nurses who are committed to supporting your professional growth and learning opportunities.

Qualifications:

Nurse Externship Requirement: *Applicants must have completed at least 2 semesters of nursing school, including a minimum of one round of clinicals, prior to the start of the externship.

• Required Education: High school diploma, G.E.D. and enrolled in an approved or accredited nursing program. *Please see above. Applicants may be asked to provide a copy of student transcripts indicating they have completed Fundamentals of Nursing from an accredited school of nursing and provide competency skills list from their learning institution.
• Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Other: Minimum Physical Requirements:
  • Position requires individuals to push, pull, and/or lift 50 pounds on a regular basis.
  • Position requires prolonged standing and walking each shift.
  • Position requires the ability to grip, reach, bend, kneel, twist, and squat to perform duties.

Supportive teams, real hands‑on experience, and opportunities to grow in a welcoming environment are just a few of the highlights that set the Mercy Nurse Externship apart.

***Limited Opportunities Available***

Please make sure to apply prior to the application deadline of November 14, 2026

For more information, please contact: emily.phillips@mercy.net

Why Mercy?

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.