Nurse extern ii - cardiac surgical step down - december 2026 grads - st. luke's

Department:

Status: Part time

Benefits Eligible: No

Hours Per Week: 8

Schedule Details/Additional Information: 8 hrs a week required until graduation. Must be available to start August 10, 2026 or August 24, 2026.

Pay Range:

$21.85 - $32.80

Nurse Extern opportunity Cardiac Surgical Unit at St. Luke's for December 2026 grads. Start your journey with us as a Nurse Extern and build the foundation for a smooth transition into a nursing role after graduation. As a Newly Licensed RN, you’ll have the opportunity to join the same supportive team you trained with during your externship, making your move into professional practice more comfortable, familiar, and confident.

9ST is a 48 bed Adult Moderate Acuity Cardiovascular Surgical unit. Working closely with the CVICU, we provide care to those patients needing specialty services before and after their heart surgery, heart transplant and/or ventricular assist device (VAD). This is a high acuity fast-paced environment that offers many experiences and educational opportunities to nursing students.

Major Responsibilities:

• Under the observation of the Registered Nurse, completes activities of daily living, vital sign completion and blood glucose monitoring.
• Collaborates with the Registered Nurse in establishing a plan of care based upon an analysis of health, education and developmental needs and patient/family preferences.
• Under the observation of the Registered Nurse, evaluates patient response to interventions and effectively communicates observations and patient needs to the Registered Nurse.
• Develops delegation skills appropriate to Health Unit Coordinators, Nursing Assistants and technical roles on unit.
• Administers medication as delegated by the Registered Nurse. The level of clinical judgment and proficiency of skill must be evaluated prior to medication administration.
• Manages an increased number of patients and incorporates principles of time management into shift routine.
• Demonstrates an ability to collect and synthesize relevant patient data accurately identifying patient status and needs.
• In emergency situations and under appropriate supervision of a Registered Nurse, participates in activities they have demonstrated knowledge and skill in.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

None Required.

Education Required:

Currently enrolled in an accredited or approved program in Nursing.

Experience Required:

Nursing Assistant certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

Current enrollment (in final year) or graduate of an accredited nursing program. Successful completion of a Medical Surgical Course that includes pharmacological concepts. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to interruptions and changing priorities/workload necessary.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, and reach above shoulders during the work shift. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist, lift up to 20 lbs. over the head, and carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance. Must be able to push/pull with 30 lbs. of force and perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present. Will be required to use foot pedals on carts or machines. Must have functional vision and hearing. Will be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiation hazards as well as blood and body fluids on a continuous basis; therefore, protective clothing must be worn as necessary. Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

Our Commitment to You:

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work.

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care.