ST. LOUIS, MO (Aug. 24, 2022) – Hospitals and health systems across the country have all been dealing with a shortage of nurses, an issue exacerbated by the pandemic. At SSM Health, leaders are working to increase the pipeline for future nurses by developing a unique program that creates a team of “nurse externs.”
Like an internship program, the “externs” gain valuable experience as they train and work alongside SSM Health staff nurses. However, externs get broader exposure to multiple clinical departments, are paid hourly for their efforts and receive tuition reimbursement. SSM Health is working with universities to pave the way for externs to receive college credit as well.
“Nursing is a very fulfilling career, and it’s important that we provide exposure to all the opportunities that exist within a system as large as SSM Health,” said Amber Wood, SSM Health System VP for Clinical Education & Clinical Placements. “The program also helps student nurses know what to expect when they make the transition to full-time work.”
Externs are serving at most of SSM Health’s hospitals in the St. Louis region, with plans to expand throughout the four-state region where SSM Health treats patients.
Currently, 78 students from 17 universities in five states – Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Arkansas and Ohio – are taking part in the program, which began in May. The externs work on patient floors, in behavioral health, emergency rooms, and labor and delivery, with plans to extend the offerings to the operating room and cath labs.
“We already provided nursing internships and residency programs, for recent graduates. The ‘extern’ option – which we’ve been developing for more than a year –provides yet another opportunity for us to attract caregivers to join our health ministry,” Wood said. “It’s one more way to ensure we can continue providing high-quality, accessible care to our communities.”
Interested students can visit our Nurse Extern page to apply.
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About SSM Health
SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit health system serving the comprehensive health needs of communities across the Midwest through a robust and fully integrated health care delivery system. The organization’s 40,000 team members and more than 11,000 providers are committed to providing exceptional health care services and revealing God’s healing presence to everyone they serve.
With care delivery sites in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, SSM Health includes 23 hospitals, more than 290 physician offices and other outpatient and virtual care services, 12 post-acute facilities, comprehensive home care and hospice services, a pharmacy benefit company, a health insurance company and an accountable care organization. It is one of the largest employers in every community it serves. For more information, visit ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
