Summer Student Nurse Extern Program: Baptist Health Hospitals

Does the idea of being a part of a healthcare system whose culture keeps patients and team members at the center of decisions inspire you? Are you looking for an opportunity to work in a specialty nursing unit, medical surgical unit or progressive care unit? Put into practice what you've learned during nursing school?  Would you love to learn from a trained preceptor in a 1-on-1 environment?  If so, Baptist Health's Student Nurse Extern Program might be the perfect way to gain experience, prior to graduation 
 
Here at Baptist Health, we pride ourselves on developing early-career talent and providing you an opportunity to learn from the best of the best. We want to invest in the future team members of our organization… YOU 

Baptist Health's Student Nurse Extern (SNE) Program is a special program beginning June 1, 2026. The program begins with mandatory orientation and in-person education during week one, followed by 3 12-hour shifts each week with an assigned preceptor.  During the summer, ½ day educational sessions are also provided to enhance skills.  These sessions include simulation and skills stations, along with lectures and panel discussions. The program is designed for nursing students who have the summer semester off from the nursing program. 

An externship in nursing at Baptist Health will give you experience engaging with an essential piece of the profession… patients SNE's have an opportunity to: 

• Expose you to nursing departments to gain experience, confidence and competence as you enter your senior year in nursing school
• Work directly with a trained registered nurse preceptor… 1-on-1 This is an amazing opportunity to build a relationship with your preceptor and see first-hand a day in the life of a nurse at Baptist Health 
• Build your confidence as a future nurse
• Work at one hospital on an assigned unit (unit assignment shared at the time of offer)
• Work up to 36 hours/week on day or night shift (Note: SNE's follow their preceptor's schedule)
• Explore/apply to system-wide nursing opportunities before you even leave the program 

It doesn't end there During your externship program, you will have the opportunity to network with Baptist Health nursing leadership, give back to the community, receive mentorship, and, most importantly, impact patient care.  And, of course, have a little bit of fun too 
  
Location Opportunities 

SNE's applying to this job posting will be considered for the following Baptist Health facilities: 

• Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital

Located in Birmingham, this 588 bed facility provides the following services: Brain & Neuro, Cancer Care, Children's Services, Diagnostics, Digestive Disorders, Ear, Nose & Throat, Emergency, Gynecological Surgery, Heart Care, infertility issues, Interventional Radiology, Maternity, Orthopedics, Pain Management, Psychiatry (one of the largest providers in the State), Pulmonary and Respiratory, Rehabilitation Services, Robotic Surgery, Sleep Center, Surgical Services, Urology, Weight Loss Surgery, Women's Health, Workforce Wellness, and Wound Care.

• Baptist Health Princeton Hospital

Located in Birmingham, this hospital is equipped with 505 beds and serves 53,000 people for primary and emergency care. Princeton is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and is committed to contributing to the future of health care through its clinical research and medical residency program. Princeton offers fast, life-saving response times for patients with chest pain or stroke symptoms; cardiology, including structural heart and valve care; orthopedics, including rehabilitation; psychiatric care; a comprehensive sleep center; and a Comprehensive Bariatrics Center, providing surgical and non-surgical weight-loss procedures.

• Baptist Health Shelby Hospital

Located in Alabaster, this facility is equipped with 252 beds and sees over 51,000 patients in the emergency department every year. Shelby offers advanced technology resources including a 3 Tesla MRI, a robotic surgery program, and a state-of-the-art cardiology suite. Shelby offers a full range of services to meet the diverse needs of patients including fast, life-saving response times for patients with chest pain or stroke symptoms; cardiology, including specialized surgical services; orthopedics, including rehabilitation; and psychiatric care.

• Baptist Health Walker Hospital

Located in Jasper, this facility is equipped with 267 beds and specializes in cardiology; orthopedics, including rehabilitation; psychiatric care; urology; and detox therapy.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Associate or Bachelor of Nursing program with an expected graduation date of Fall Spring 2027 (September May 2027) is required
• Availability to participate in the SNE Program from June 1st, 2026 – July 25th, 2026, three 12-hour shifts a week, with minimal absence required 
• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• Maintain current BLS/Healthcare Provider certification from the American Heart Association
• Preference will be given to those students wanting to pursue a nursing career at Baptist Health upon graduation