Nurse Externship Program
The nurse externship program is a nine-week, full-time paid employment opportunity. Participants strengthen and reinforce newly acquired knowledge and skills through hands-on nursing experiences while working under the direct supervision of RNs. This experiential learning opportunity facilitates a smooth transition from student to registered nurse after graduation and licensure.

The Chickasaw Nation Medical Center (CNMC) externship allows senior nursing students to select four nursing specialties and work two-week rotations in each department assigned from the following departments:

• Women’s clinic and obstetrics
• Critical care
• Emergency department
• Perioperative nursing*
• Medical/surgical areas of interest

*Perioperative is an eight-hour-a-day rotation

The externship also includes a two-week night shift rotation in one of the above inpatient areas. Extern Education Enrichment Day takes place in July with expert speakers on topics of interest. Externs may have the opportunity to transition into nurse tech positions.

Eligibility

• Nursing students enrolled in a nationally accredited nurse program in good standing
• Entering the last year of nursing study
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 minimum (must provide current, unofficial transcript as part of application process and a letter of good standing from your school of nursing)
• Have a strong interest in working at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center after graduation
• Have successfully completed all relevant health and background checks as required
• Chickasaw or First American, or have First American dependents (preferred but not required)

Applications for the summer nurse externship program are accepted each February. If selected, an interview will be scheduled, and candidates will receive an email from a human resources coordinator with additional details.

To apply, the following documents must be included:

• CNMC extern application
• CPR training verification card
• Copy of clinical skills checklist
• Two letters of recommendation from clinical faculty
• Letter of good standing from nursing program

Nurse Residency Program
The nurse residency program is a comprehensive program through which currently licensed registered nurses with less than 12 months of experience acquire the knowledge, skills and professional behaviors needed to deliver safe, quality care that meets the American Nurses Association’s defined scope and standards of practice. This includes practice-based experience and supplemental activities to promote nursing professional development.

The program supports each new nurse to:

• Transition from a novice nurse to an advanced beginner/competent professional nurse who provides safe, quality care
• Practice effective decision-making skills for clinical judgment and performance
• Build strategies to incorporate research-based and other evidence into practice
• Develop clinical leadership skills at the point of patient care
• Formulate an individual career plan

For questions or more information about any of these programs, please contact: Nursing.Education@Chickasaw.net.