The Nurse Extern Program at Fox Chase Cancer Center is a structured educational and clinical program for nursing students with an interest in oncology nursing. The program is held the summer before the senior year in nursing school. Student nurse externs work full time for eight weeks with registered nurse preceptors in the inpatient clinical setting.

Weekly educational sessions designed specifically for the Nurse Extern Program are offered. While a variety of topics are included, some highlights are:

Palliative Care
Safe Handling of Chemotherapy
Care and Treatment Modalities for Site Specific Cancers
Pain Assessment and Management
Skin Care
Nursing Workforce Issues

The program offers additional opportunities for the student nurse extern including:

Participation in educational programs for RN staff
Observation experiences

Interventional Radiology
Operating Room
Intensive Care Unit
Infusion Room
Wound and Ostomy Care Rounds
Palliative Care/Hospice
Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Our program is rich in clinical and teambuilding experiences and provides the student opportunities to utilize critical thinking in an acute care patient setting.

Application information and answers to frequently asked questions can be found in the attachment FAQ. The required form for clinical letter of reference is also attached.

Frequently Asked Questions
Letter of Reference Form [PDF]
(This link requires Adobe® Acrobat Reader to view.)

The application process is closed. We are no longer accepting applications. Please note we have a very limited number of openings and despite offering this program without monetary compensation, it will be a competitive acceptance process. Students may also investigate obtaining academic credit for independent study with their college prior to starting the program.

For questions, contact Bernie Ciukurescu, 215-728-3547.

To make an appointment for treatment at Fox Chase, or if you have questions about cancer, call 1-888-FOX-CHASE (1-888-369-2427).

Fox Chase Cancer Center is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of 21 of the world's leading cancer centers

An NCI-designated
Comprehensive
Cancer Center

The Scientist names Fox Chase Cancer Center one of the Best Places to Work for PostDocs

Disclaimer: Temple University Health System (TUHS) neither provides nor controls the provision of health care. All health care is provided by its member organizations or independent health care providers affiliated with TUHS member organizations. Each TUHS member organization is owned and operated pursuant to its governing documents.