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.
Perks and Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance (eligibility determined by employment status and location)
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
- Generous paid time off
- Career development and continuing education opportunities — including a structured pathway toward an RN role upon graduation
- Health savings accounts (HSA); healthcare and dependent flexible spending accounts (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program and employee discount program
- Voluntary benefits: pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long-term care, elder and childcare assistance, auto and home insurance
Practice Highlights
- PRN status — minimum commitment of two (2) 12-hour shifts per month; scheduling based on departmental needs and individual availability
- 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
- Guided training and development program aligned to the scope outlined by the Tennessee State Board of Nursing
- 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
- Collaborative, team-based care model with direct mentorship from experienced nurses across multiple nursing specialties
- 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
- Academic training site for University of Tennessee Surgical, Family Practice, and Psychiatric Residency programs — a true teaching hospital environment
- Accredited by The Joint Commission; recognized for quality of care by UnitedHealthcare, CIGNA, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Aetna
- Scheduled interviews: Thursday, March 12, 2026 and Thursday, April 9, 2026, 2:00–5:00 PM CST
- Mandatory New Hire Orientation: Friday, May 29, 2026 or Friday, June 19, 2026, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM CST
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program; must have successfully completed a Fundamentals of Nursing course at the time of application
- Unofficial transcript required at time of application submission to verify Fundamentals of Nursing completion — incomplete applications will not be considered
- Commitment to a minimum of two (2) 12-hour shifts per month for the duration of the externship program
- Resume required as part of the application package
- Must meet all scope-of-practice requirements as defined by the Tennessee State Board of Nursing
About the Community
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.