Virtual Information Sessions
Join us to learn about our Student Nurse Externship Program. Whether you're just starting to explore externship options or ready to apply, this session will provide valuable information to help guide your next steps.
Choose an information session below to register:
Register today and take the first step toward an enriching pediatric nursing experience at CHKD!
Student Nurse Externship Program
Transitioning from the classroom to a career can be challenging.
Get a head start on your nursing career by snagging a CHKD Student Nurse Externship, available each summer. This unique opportunity allows current nursing students the opportunity to explore the world of pediatric nursing in a supportive and rewarding environment.
The Externship Timeline
Each fall, the Student Nurse Extern job is posted for two months and applications are received online through CHKD.org/Careers. The externship runs for 10 weeks, from mid-May through the end of July. Applications to be a 2027 Student Nurse Extern will be accepted from October 1 to December 1, 2026.
Externship Details
Student nurse externs are placed on one of CHKD’s many unique inpatient units, like general medical and surgical nursing, NICU, PICU, ED, rehab, or perioperative. Key program features include:
Competitive salary
Clinical practice plus classroom experiences
12-hour shifts, with day-night rotation and occasional weekend shifts
Open to students enrolled in an Associate, Diploma, or Bachelor of Science nursing program who have completed at least 2 semesters of clinicals and are in good standing at an accredited school of nursing
Program dates: 10 weeks from mid-May through late July (2027 dates: May 17-July 23)
Want to know more about our externship? View a recording from a past information session.
Application Process
Submit an online application by the deadline (December 1, 2026).
Await an email from the program coordinator.
Follow steps to submit the remaining application packet by the deadline.
If you are selected to proceed, a virtual interview will be scheduled during January.
Resume
A formal resume listing work experience, student activities, and any honors received. You will have already uploaded this with your online application at the time of applying.
References
Two letters of recommendation from nursing school faculty, one of which will need to be from a clinical nursing instructor.
Official Transcript
Arrange for your school to prepare and send a copy of your official transcript. Transcripts can either be mailed or sent electronically and must be sealed and tamper free. This will serve to verify that you are a nursing student in good standing.
Personal Essay
In 500 words or less, describe your personal goals and objectives. What would you like to gain from your participation in the student nurse extern program? Why should you be selected?
Unit Preferences
Review the unit descriptions list provided by the program coordinator and choose three departments that you prefer to be assigned to during the externship.
There’s no better way to “earn as you learn” during your summer break while working under the guidance of a CHKD nurse preceptor.