Find your calling at Mercy!

As a student in an approved registered nurse or practical nurse school of nursing, the Nurse Extern student participates in clinical work under the direction of an RN. The Nurse Extern assists in the individualized care of the patient to achieve the patient’s highest level of wellness working cooperatively with others as part of the healthcare team and performs designated clinical procedures and nonclinical support tasks within the nurse extern scope.

Position Details:

Mercy Jefferson Winter Externship

Festus, MO 63028

December 21, 2026 - January 15, 2027

Our Mercy Nursing Externship is a unique hands‑on learning experience designed to help nursing students bridge the gap between the classroom and real‑world practice. This paid externship gives you the opportunity to work approximately 36 hours per week, rotating through a variety of units while learning directly at the elbow of a Mercy nurse.

Participating in a Mercy Externship will help you:

• Deepen your understanding of the nursing role within an acute care setting
• Build confidence in delivering both direct and indirect patient care
• Enhance your clinical skills through dedicated preceptor time, including: IV therapy Foley care NG tube care and tube feeding Ostomy care Point-of-care testing, phlebotomy, and specimen collection Simple dressing changes Head‑to‑toe assessments Trach care

You’ll gain meaningful exposure to diverse patient populations, strengthen your critical‑thinking skills, and work closely with experienced nurses who are committed to supporting your learning and growth.

Externship Requirement: Applicants must have completed at least 2 semesters of nursing school, including a minimum of one round of clinicals, by the start of the externship

What Past Mercy Externs Are Saying-

• "I feel that all of the nurses were very willing and happy to have students and created a very comfortable space to learn and ask questions."
• "I liked getting to see a variety of places in the hospital. It helped me get a better idea of the right nursing job for me."
• "I think it was great to see all that the hospital has to offer and what a typical day looks like on each floor. I think it was entirely more helpful than the clinical experiences I have had at school."
• "Going to different units throughout the externship helped me learn about different protocols, medications, acuity levels of patients, and more. It allowed me to experience so many different clinical areas in a short time."
  
  

These reflections highlight what sets the Mercy Nursing Externship apart: supportive teams, real hands‑on experience, and opportunities to grow in a welcoming environment.

For questions, reach out to Katie Slinkard, Recruiter, at Katie.Slinkard@Mercy.Net.

Why Mercy?

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.