Registered Nurse Summer Internship Programs
Summer RN Internships
Transitioning from the classroom to a career can be challenging. You can get a head start on your nursing career by taking advantage of this unique opportunity. Earn as you learn at UnityPoint Health during our summer internship programs.
Program Objectives
- Build strong professional relationships with clinical team members
- Gain confidence in performing technical skills
- Develop clinical judgment skills and priority setting
During your internship, you will work in our caring, nurturing environment under the guidance of an experienced registered nurse in one of our Patient Care areas. This program will allow you to observe, firsthand, the dynamics of collaborative nursing practice and to begin the transition from student to professional nurse at UnityPoint Health.
RN Internship Programs
Internship Overview
How to Apply
- Please complete the entire Add-on Application Form. Once you have populated all the information into the form, be sure to click the print button and print a copy for your records. Once you've printed your form, you should click File-Save As and Save a copy to your computer for the next step. Please make sure that what you attach is readable, as we will not review any forms that have formatting issues.
- Once you have completed the add-on form and saved to your computer, you are then ready to submit your online application for the Nurse Extern Program on the UnityPoint Health - Meriter Careers page. Upload your resume and unofficial official transcripts and be sure to also upload your add-on form into your application prior to submitting. It is your responsibility to make sure that all required application materials are included in the online application.
Completed application material includes:
- Online Application completed at UnityPoint Health - Meriter Careers Page, add the job to your Job Cart and complete the application form as directed
- Resume (uploaded into online application)
- CPR/BLS certification
- Add-on Application Form completed
- Unofficial Transcripts (uploaded into online application)
- We will not consider incomplete applications
Eligibility
The Student Nurse Extern Program is open to any nursing student who:
- Will be in the last year of an accredited nursing program for the fall semester following the program (anticipates graduation December 2025 or May 2026).
- Is a student in good standing at an accredited school of nursing
- Has completed at least one acute care clinical
- Is certified in Health Care Provider BLS through August 2025
- Has been certified as a CNA
Program Timeline
The program is a 10-week commitment during the summer.
Program participants are assigned to a unit during the 10-week program and the schedule pairs with a unit preceptor(s) that may include AM, PM or Night shift (or rotating). The schedule hours can range between 32-40 hrs. per week and generally include a weekend component.
Upcoming 2025 cohort:
Anticipated Program Dates: May 25th- August 2nd, 2025
Application Opens November 22nd, 2024 and will close January 31st, 2025
*Dates and times are subject to change
Contact Information
Kelley Petrovich
Recruitment Partner
kelley.petrovich@unitypoint.org
UnityPoint Health – Meriter
202 S. Park Street
Madison, WI 53715
608-417-5626
Internship Overview
How to Apply
- Visit our UnityPoint Health Careers page and select the student nurse summer internship posting in the market nearest you to begin the application process. Summer nurse internship opportunities are currently offered in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Quad Cities, Sioux City and Waterloo.
- Upload your resume and the additional materials below to your application prior to submitting. Please note that it is your responsibility to make sure that all required application materials are included in the online application.
Completed application material includes:
- UnityPoint at Home online application information
- Recommendation form – completed by two school of nursing faculty members
- Letter of intent that answers the following questions:
- What influenced you to pursue a career in nursing?
- Why are you interested in the nurse internship program?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
Eligibility
- Current enrollment in an accredited ADN, BSN, or Accelerated Program (either entering your fourth year of the BSN program or the last two terms of the ADN program)
- Current LPN enrolled in ADN or BSN program
- GPA 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Current AHA or Red Cross Card - for the Professional Provider
- Submit proof of state-approved Certified Nurse Aide Course (CNA)
- All interns are required to be enrolled in a nursing course during the duration of the internship