Nurse Extern - Summer

Vail Health
Vail, CO 81657, USA

Job Description

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Vail Health has become the world’s most advanced mountain healthcare system. Vail Health consists of an updated 520,000-square-foot, 56-bed hospital. This state-of-the-art facility provides exceptional care to all of our patients, with the most beautiful views in the area, located centrally in Vail. Learn more about Vail Health here.

We are seeking dedicated and passionate nursing students to join our healthcare team in the picturesque town of Vail, Colorado as a Summer Nurse Extern. As a Summer Nurse Extern, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in one of 6 inpatient units: Emergency Department, Preop/PACU (Main Hospital or Surgery Center), Family Birth Center, Patient Care Unit/Intensive Care Unit and, Inpatient Behavioral Health. Learn alongside expert RNs in a dynamic healthcare environment while enjoying the stunning natural surroundings of Vail. This temporary position is designed to provide nursing students with valuable insights into the field and enhance their clinical skills during the summer season.

About the opportunity:

The Nurse Extern functions as a collaborative member of the health care team in partnership with and under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN). Promotes values of compassion, integrity, stewardship, teamwork, safety, and excellence in interactions with patients, families, and team members. Collaborates with care team, the medical staff, and other departments to provide quality patient care. Supports established hospital policies and procedures.

What you will do:

Provides support as a nurse extern in one of the following departments: Emergency Department, Post-Anesthesia, and Patient Care Unit. Assists with and performs patient care including collection of patient information, accurate reading and documentation of vital signs, and recording input and output activities and treatments on the electronic medical record. Coordinates the daily patient flow and schedule to optimize patient care, safety, and satisfaction - includes preparing rooms for exams and procedures, transferring patients between departments, and providing sitter responsibilities as assigned. Performs activities of daily living (ADLs) appropriate to the patient's condition. Demonstrates clinical knowledge in all patient types and age groups to meet patient care needs/outcomes within the practice. Complies with processes to ensure patient safety and upholds patient fall precautions. Takes personal accountability to seek out experiences to enhance skills and competence and to develop role as a progression towards that of a Registered Nurse. Skills that the nurse extern may perform after completed competency training to include: insertion and removal of urinary catheters and non-sterile dressing changes. Nurse externs may not complete assessments. Protects patients and employees by assisting in maintaining a clean, safe working environment, and adhering to infection control policies and protocols. Displays cultural competency and ability to work with diverse patient populations. Maintains all assigned patient equipment processes, as needed. This may include cleaning, maintenance, and management of defective equipment, Continue Passive Motion (CPM) Therapy, compression devices, hot/cold devices, and telemetry devices. Role models the principals of a Just Culture and Organizational Values. Perform other duties as assigned. Must be HIPAA compliant.

This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.

What you will need:

Experience:

Must have completed Med/Surg I (or equivalent) Must be entering final year in an accredited nursing program

License(s):

N/A

Certification(s):

Basic Life Support (BLS), required

Education:

Enrolled in a BSN or ADN accredited nursing program, required

Benefits at Vail Health (Full Time) Include:

Competitive Wages & Family Benefits: Competitive wages Parental leave (4 weeks paid) Housing programs Childcare reimbursement Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical Dental Vision Educational Programs: Tuition Assistance Existing Student Loan Repayment Specialty Certification Reimbursement Annual Supplemental Educational Funds Paid Time Off: Up to five weeks in your first year of employment and continues to grow each year. Retirement & Supplemental Insurance: 403(b) Retirement plan with immediate matching Life insurance Short and long-term disability Recreation Benefits, Wellness & More: Up to $1,000 annual wellbeing reimbursement Recreation discounts Pet insurance

Pay is based upon relevant education and experience per hour.

Hourly Pay:

$25 - $25 USD

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About Vail Health

About Vail Health

Vail Health is a dynamic mountain healthcare system that combines the world-class care
you’d see in a big city with a small-town approach. Our history of pioneerism inspires us to
roll up our sleeves in a collaborative and innovative spirit. We take pride in being an
independent healthcare system that has the flexibility to make decisions that directly
impact our communities.
Elevated standards are the cornerstone of our approach. As a pillar of our community, Vail
Health puts as much emphasis on mental health as we do on physical health. We
recognize the value of integrated teamwork to provide the same level of personalized care
we'd give an elite athlete, neighbor, or family member.
Joining Vail Health means becoming part of something greater than yourself. We support
your journey, providing curated benefits that foster your personal and professional growth.
Together, we make a meaningful impact on the lives of our employees, patients, and local
communities.

Expanded Reach & Specialized Services
Vail Health has expanded its reach with care facilities in Avon, Edwards, Eagle, Gypsum,
and Basalt. Our main hospital in Vail offers a wide range of services, including emergency
care, surgery, childbirth, and imaging, all within a modern facility that reflects our
dedication to innovation and excellence.
The Shaw Cancer Center, a premier oncology facility in Edwards, provides comprehensive
cancer care—ranging from radiation and infusion to supportive therapies—set in a serene,
mountain environment.
In 2025, we also opened the Precourt Healing Center, a state-of-the-art Behavioral Health
facility offering both inpatient and outpatient services to meet the growing mental health
needs of our mountain communities with compassionate, integrated care.

Why Nurses Choose Vail Health
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling options, generous paid time off, and the
opportunity to live in one of the most desirable mountain communities in the
country.
• Wellness-Focused Culture: A system-wide commitment to caregiver well-being,
including fitness benefits, mental health support, and a strong culture of gratitude
and recognition.
• Diverse Clinical Opportunities: From surgical services and emergency care to
oncology, behavioral health, family birth center and orthopedics, nurses can gain
experience across a wide range of specialties.
• Professional Growth: Access to continuing education, tuition reimbursement, and
clinical advancement programs that encourage lifelong learning and leadership
development.
• Partnerships with World-Class Providers: The Steadman Clinic and Vail-Summit
Orthopedics & Neurosurgery (VSON)—leaders in sports medicine, orthopedics, and
spinal care.

Vail Health Benefits

We’re proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that supports the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of our team members. Benefits include:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options
Generous paid time off (PTO)
Retirement savings plan with employer match- 5% match immediately.
Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support
Employee wellness program ($1,000 for Full Time employees) and other mental health resources
Relocation and housing assistance for eligible roles

At Vail Health, you're not just taking on a job—you're joining a mission to elevate care in the communities we serve.

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