About the role#
The Nurse Extern program is a paid, hands-on development opportunity for students currently enrolled in an accredited pre-licensure RN program. This 18-month program allows students to work alongside experienced nurses and preceptors to strengthen clinical judgment and prepare for a transition into graduate nurse practice. Externs progress through four self-paced competency levels that include direct patient care, skill development, and specialty shadowing.
What you'll do#
- Assist with activities of daily living, including meals, bathing, grooming, and mobility support.
- Collect and record patient data such as vital signs, oxygen saturation, intake and output, and blood glucose levels.
- Maintain a clean and safe patient environment while adhering to infection control and safety protocols.
- Communicate patient information effectively to the care team and report findings to the supervising nurse.
- Participate in performance improvement initiatives and risk management reporting.
- Perform clinical tasks as competencies are completed, which may include EKG monitoring, phlebotomy, and catheter care.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an accredited pre-licensure RN program with Nursing Foundations coursework completed or in progress.
- Ability to obtain BLS certification within seven days of hire.
- Commitment to working at least one shift per pay period during the semester and two 12-hour shifts per pay period during school breaks.
- Expectation to work one major holiday and one night shift during the 18-month program.
- Professionalism, dependable attendance, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
Location & details#
- Location: Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Employment Type: Full-time.
How to get in at Community Health Systems
Intern Insider's per-company playbook.
Securing an internship at Community Health Systems requires speed because early applicants often reach recruiters before the volume of candidates becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you apply among the first. This timing often makes the difference between being seen and getting lost in a large queue. Reaching out to the right person is your next move. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a referral. This approach materially improves your response rates compared to submitting an application through a general portal.


