Nurse Extern - Perioperative
Job Summary
Join the amazing team at Reading Hospital!
10 week externship, 12 hour shifts, 36 hours biweekly, with weekend rotation
• Please note:
Interviews will not begin until January, 2026 with start dates on May 4th, May 18th, and June 1st. We will contact you to discuss openings in January, 2026.
You are able to interview for up to 2 nursing divisions:
Emergency, Critical Care, Medical, Surgical Med Surg, Rehab, Periop, Maternal/Child, CVL, CVIR, Cancer Center.
The Nurse Extern will perform patient care skills under the supervision of the RN preceptor and in accordance with Tower Health policies and procedures. It is a “professional nurse” focus for the prospective graduate nurse.
A Nurse Extern Will
• Accompany the RN preceptor at all times on the assigned unit; clinical, shared governance meetings, etc.
• Perform assessments along with the RN.
• Document in EPIC using Nurse Extern sign on.
• Perform duties listed on the skills checklist under the direct supervision of the RN
A Nurse Extern May NOT
• Administer medications
• Perform peripheral IV insertion or obtain blood draws from Central Lines
• Administer Blood or Blood byproducts
• Administer titratable /vasoactive drip infusions or IV Push medications
• Perform independent double check verification
• Obtain or verify verbal or phone orders from providers
• Witness consents
• Provide discharge instructions
• Be utilized as the unit’s PCA
A Skills Checklist will be completed by the Nurse Extern. The RN preceptor will sign off concepts and skills covered with the Nurse Extern.
Dress Code
White scrub top with Navy scrub bottoms.
May wear long sleeve, white shirt underneath scrub top.
White Scrub jacket or lab coat. Clean sneakers or clogs.
Must follow dress code stipulations that are applicable to Nursing personnel
Qualifications
Education Requirements:
• High School Diploma or GED
• Nursing Student of an Accredited School
• Completed Fundamentals of Nursing course and at least one clinical rotation
Required
• Recommendation letter from school
Certification And Licensure
• BLS Certification
Discover why our hospital is a great place to work—take a virtual tour of Reading Hospital here: https://youtu.be/hH6ItnuIIsc
Nurse Extern Opportunities Available With The Following Periop Units
• Operating Room
• Endoscopy Suite
• Pre Post Surgical
• Pre Post Procedural
• PACU
Reading Hospital is a Center for Bariatric Surgery, total joints, cardiac, DaVinci Robot, ENT, Ortho, GYN, Breast Stereotaxic program and a Level I Trauma Center caring for 17,000 patients undergoing surgical procedures each year. Reading Hospital has 24 operating rooms, 4 with hybrid capabilities, including robotic surgery. Advancements in spinal surgery including minimally invasive procedures along with Stealth guided navigation system for brain surgery and shunt placement are found in our ORs.
In Reading Hospital's Operating Room, a collaborative team environment is embraced, and you will have the opportunity to learn complex procedures in all specialties. Reading Hospital also offers a clinical ladder for Surgical Technologists.
Overview
Tower Health, a regional healthcare system, serves communities across multiple counties in Pennsylvania. Its network includes Reading Hospital, Phoenixville Hospital, Pottstown Hospital, and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children (in partnership with Drexel University). Committed to academic medicine and training, Tower Health offers various programs, including residency and fellowship programs, the Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health, and the Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences. Additionally, the system provides a wide range of healthcare services, such as Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing, home healthcare via Tower Health at Home, TowerDirect ambulance and emergency response, Tower Health Medical Group, Tower Health Providers (a clinically integrated network), and Tower Health Urgent Care facilities across its service area.
Why Reading Hospital?
• 2025 America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award
• Recipient of Excellence Award: Stroke Care, Neurosciences, Pulmonary Care, and Critical Care
• Magnet Status
• Level 1 Trauma Center
• Ranked Among Top Ten Hospitals in Pennsylvania
• 5-Star Rating for Overall Hospital Quality
• Vizient Graduate Nurse Residency Program for all new RN grads
• Comprehensive benefits to include earned time off, enhanced tuition assistance, retirement savings with employer match and so much more!
Hospitals and Health Care
Health Care Provider
Part-time