Nursing Student Programs

Valley Children’s partners with colleges and universities to help nursing students earn clinical rotation hours to meet their program certification and/or graduation requirements and provide hands-on, practical academic service partnership training.

Individuals who are not currently enrolled or have graduated from college are not eligible.
 

Pediatric Nurse Extern Program

The Valley Children’s Pediatric Nurse Extern (PNE) program is a unique employment opportunity for nursing students who would like an immersive hands-on nursing experience within the hospital setting. The program allows students to perform authorized nursing functions and skills under the direction of a licensed preceptor. Students who attend a nursing program with an approved work student course and have completed a minimum of two semesters of nursing school are eligible to apply. PNE positions may be available throughout the organization in areas such as perioperative services, acute care med/surg units, the ICU setting and ambulatory clinics.  

PNE Study Details

PNE opportunities are available in several departments throughout the hospital. Academic requirements for admission as a PNE are:

  1. Completion of the first year of your school’s nursing school.
  2. Be in good academic standing.
  3. Meet the hospital’s health requirements.
  4. Achieve BLS certification.
  5. Be enrolled in a BRN approved work study program through an affiliated school.

There are two levels to Valley Children’s Hospital’s PNE Program:

Level RN Course Prerequisites
Pediatric Nurse Extern I 2 semesters
Pediatric Nurse Extern II Pediatric course

 

PNE Duties

The Pediatric Nurse Extern will:

  • Observe and/or administer oral, parental, rectal, I.V. medications and blood under the direct supervision and observation by the preceptor RN. (Must have completed the Pediatric Nursing Course in order to “administer” medications and blood.)
  • Provide patient/family instruction so that learning needs are met.
  • Identify patient response to treatment and progress towards accomplishment of desired outcomes.
  • Assists with nursing intervention/procedures/activities of daily living appropriate to the developmental age and condition of the child.
  • Collect and assesses patient data within the scope of practice for various age groups.
  • Utilize acquired knowledge base in the provision of nursing care to patients/families.
  • Maintain the rights of the patient and family.
  • Adhere to the safety, confidentiality, security, ethical, legal and regulatory requirements identified within the organization.
  • Document care provided in a precise, timely and efficient manner.
     

Benefits

Upon receiving their license, our participating PNEs receive additional credit towards their base rate of pay.