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Extern roles are valued at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and give nursing students the opportunity to acquire valuable skills and knowledge working with experienced nursing staff in a highly specialized pediatric oncology environment. These programs enable nursing students to build valuable professional relationships, as well as help in making informed decisions regarding specialized practice based on actual experience with nurses, patients and their families, all within the unique mission-driven environment of St. Jude.
Nursing students complete the Summer Nurse Externship within 12 months of their graduation from nursing school. This externship is eight to 10 weeks long. Externs complete a series of classroom sessions where didactic information is combined with innovative simulation to help increase pediatric nursing knowledge. Additionally, externs participate in team building and enculturation activities to support a deeper engagement with the local Memphis community and St. Jude.
St. Jude offers nurse externships in the following areas:
- Bone Marrow Transplantation
- Clinical Logistics
- Infusion Center and Acute Care Clinic
- Intensive Care Unit
- Intermediate Care Unit
- Leukemia/Lymphoma/Hematology
- Outpatient Clinics
- Solid Tumor/Neuro-Oncology
- Surgical Services
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be within 12 months of obtaining their Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with preference for candidates who have completed a pediatric course
- Have a 3.2 or higher GPA (3.5 preferred)
How to apply
A complete application includes:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Transcript
- Letter of academic standing from current school
Upload all required documents to the application before submitting, as it is not possible to upload additional documents after submission. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants not selected for the current open externship will need to re-apply for future nurse externship openings.
Please note that all Summer 2026 Externship slots have been filled. The application window for Summer 2027 opens on November 18, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a paid externship?
Yes, this is a paid externship.
Does this externship offer benefits?
No, this externship does not offer benefits.
Is housing included?
No, this externship does not cover the cost of housing, but St. Jude may be able to connect externs with housing options, based on availability.
What options are available for nursing students about to graduate?
If you are about to graduate from nursing school, explore the St. Jude Nursing Residency Program.
Is there an option to shadow nursing staff?
Consider applying to the Clinical Observer in Clinical Settings program.
Questions?
If you have questions about the Nursing Externship Program at St. Jude after reading the information above, complete this form, and we will get back to you.