Nurse Externship - Mercy Fort Smith Summer 2026

Our Mercy Nursing Externship is a unique handson learning experience designed to help nursing students bridge the gap between the classroom and realworld practice. This paid externship gives you the opportunity to work approximately 24 hours per week (two 12 hour shifts), rotating through a variety of units while learning directly at the elbow of a Mercy nurse.

Participating in a Mercy Externship this winter will help you:

• Deepen your understanding of the nursing role within an acute care setting
• Build confidence in delivering both direct and indirect patient care
• Enhance your clinical skills through dedicated preceptor time, including: IV therapy Foley care NG tube care and tube feeding Ostomy care Point-of-care testing, phlebotomy, and specimen collection Simple dressing changes Headtotoe assessments Trach care

You'll gain meaningful exposure to diverse patient populations, strengthen your criticalthinking skills, and work closely with experienced nurses who are committed to supporting your learning and growth.

Externship Requirement: Applicants must have completed at least 2 semesters of nursing school, including a minimum of one round of clinicals, by the start of the externship

What Past Mercy Externs Are Saying-

• "I got to see so many things I never experienced during clinicals-like time in Ortho, PACU, and other specialty units."
• "The nurses let me take the lead and practice my skills, which made such a difference in my confidence."
• "The staff was incredibly supportive and helped me feel secure in what I was learning."
• "I was met with kindness in every unit. It made the experience so meaningful."
• "Getting to explore multiple areas was huge. It helped me understand what different units are really like and where I can see myself working."

These reflections highlight what sets the Mercy Nursing Externship apart: supportive teams, real handson experience, and opportunities to grow in a welcoming environment.

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.