<p>Saint Francis Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee is recruiting nursing students for its Nurse Extern I program — a structured, hands-on clinical development opportunity embedded within a 479-bed, full-service academic medical center. Externs begin on a Medical-Surgical unit working directly alongside experienced RNs and mentors, building the clinical foundation needed for a seamless transition into professional nursing practice upon graduation. This PRN role is ideal for students who have completed Fundamentals of Nursing and are ready to apply classroom knowledge in a high-acuity, multi-specialty hospital environment recognized for excellence by major national insurers.</p>
<h3>Perks and Benefits</h3> <ul> <li>Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance (eligibility determined by employment status and location)</li> <li>401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match</li> <li>Generous paid time off</li> <li>Career development and continuing education opportunities — including a structured pathway toward an RN role upon graduation</li> <li>Health savings accounts (HSA); healthcare and dependent flexible spending accounts (FSA)</li> <li>Employee Assistance Program and employee discount program</li> <li>Voluntary benefits: pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long-term care, elder and childcare assistance, auto and home insurance</li> </ul>
<h3>Practice Highlights</h3> <ul> <li>PRN status — minimum commitment of two (2) 12-hour shifts per month; scheduling based on departmental needs and individual availability</li> <li>All Nurse Extern I employees begin on a Medical-Surgical (Med Surg) unit, working directly with the nursing team to deliver safe, high-quality patient care</li> <li>Guided training and development program aligned to the scope outlined by the Tennessee State Board of Nursing</li> <li>Duties include assisting with daily patient care activities, hygiene, mobility, and comfort measures; supporting admissions, transfers, and discharges; and maintaining a clean, organized patient environment</li> <li>Collaborative, team-based care model with direct mentorship from experienced nurses across multiple nursing specialties</li> <li>479-bed full-service hospital with a broad array of Centers of Excellence: Center for Surgical Weight Loss, Joint & Spine Center, Heart & Vascular Center, Chest Pain Emergency Center, Diabetes Center, Cancer Center, and Center for Robotic Surgery</li> <li>Academic training site for University of Tennessee Surgical, Family Practice, and Psychiatric Residency programs — a true teaching hospital environment</li> <li>Accredited by The Joint Commission; recognized for quality of care by UnitedHealthcare, CIGNA, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Aetna</li> <li>Scheduled interviews: Thursday, March 12, 2026 and Thursday, April 9, 2026, 2:00–5:00 PM CST</li> <li>Mandatory New Hire Orientation: Friday, May 29, 2026 or Friday, June 19, 2026, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM CST</li> </ul>
<h3>Qualifications</h3> <ul> <li>Currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program; must have successfully completed a Fundamentals of Nursing course at the time of application</li> <li>Unofficial transcript required at time of application submission to verify Fundamentals of Nursing completion — incomplete applications will not be considered</li> <li>Commitment to a minimum of two (2) 12-hour shifts per month for the duration of the externship program</li> <li>Resume required as part of the application package</li> <li>Must meet all scope-of-practice requirements as defined by the Tennessee State Board of Nursing</li> </ul>
<h3>About the Community</h3> <p>Memphis, Tennessee sits on the banks of the Mississippi River and offers a compelling blend of cultural richness, affordability, and Southern hospitality — home to world-renowned music heritage, a thriving culinary scene, and major professional sports. The city's cost of living is well below the national average, making it an attractive base for students and early-career clinicians. Saint Francis Hospital is located at 5959 Park Avenue in the eastern part of the city, a well-established residential corridor with easy access to dining, parks, and major roadways connecting to the broader Mid-South region.</p>