Professional Nursing Assistant (PNA) Summer 2027 Externship Program

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Professional Nursing Assistant (PNA) Summer 2027 Externship Program 

Deadline to Apply: December 1, 2026

Program Dates: May 17, 2027 - July 25, 2027

Program Overview:

Prior to graduation, RN students are offered the opportunity to grow their skills and experiences by participating in our paid 10-week Professional Nursing Assistant Program. This program brings together students and preceptors in a unique, one-on-one clinical partnership where mentor relationships strengthen the students’ awareness of nursing scope of practice and critical thinking skills. Students in this program receive a mix of on-unit and off-unit learning to develop their communication and interpersonal skills and assist with procedures and treatments.

Eligibility:

• Current enrollment in an accredited nursing program (NLN, CCNE, or ACNE accredited) at the time of application submission
• Successful completion of "Nursing Fundamentals" course and/or at least one semester of nursing school
• Eligible to obtain a North Carolina Nurse Aide I (CNA) certification before the PNA program start date
• Must be registered with the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry Listing by May 10, 2027. For additional information for obtaining the North Carolina Nurse Aide I certification, see contact information below:

North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry Listing 

N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Division of Health Service Regulation Health Care Personnel Registry Section

Website: NC HCPR: N.C. Nurse Aide I Registry (ncdhhs.gov)

Phone: 919-855-3969

Selection Timeline:

• Application Deadline: December 1, 2026
• Offers Extended by: Early December

General Description:

The PNA provides direct care to patients and assists with non-direct patient care unit coordination under the direct supervision of an RN. The individual in this position is expected to perform basic care and comfort standards as well as have knowledge of the patient population needs in the assigned work area.  In addition, the PNA is expected to assist the RN in the care of acutely ill patients.  This individual is expected to practice medical asepsis, respect the dignity and privacy of every patient and family, and to respect cultural differences during patient care.  They are expected to maintain the patient/family environment and perform general unit upkeep.  The PNA is expected to use accurate verbal and written communication and to document patient care appropriately in the electronic health record

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Be assigned 1:1 with an RN clinical partner each shift for the entire 10-week experience.
• Prepare patients, equipment and supplies for specific procedures and provide manual assistance as required.
• Obtain and record patient data for medical records noting and informing RN/LPN of information collected.
• Administer treatment and personal care procedures to patients including, but not limited to, feeding, bathing, hair care, changing clothing, nail care, bed-making, assisting with ambulation, enemas, skin care, and bowel and bladder elimination; provide such additional care as required to meet the personal needs and comfort of assigned patients.
• Participate in teaching activities by reinforcing teaching instructed by RN and/or providers as needed.
• Assist providers and nurses with physical examinations by helping position patients, changing non-sterile dressing and weighing patients.
• Take and record vital signs, record I&O, and apply ice bags. Note and report any changes in patient's condition. Turn and position patients, set up and feed patients as necessary, provide patients with fresh drinking water.
• Perform finger sticks for blood glucose testing, with appropriate training, document and notify RN/LPN.
• Assist with admission, discharge, and transportation of patients. Follow standard precautions and use personal protective equipment as required.
• Collect, deliver and conduct routine tests on patient specimens. Clean assigned area; stock and replenish supplies and equipment as required.
• Participate in own professional development by maintaining required skills validation and attending educational offerings. Support the development of other staff and formal learners.
• May also perform clean dressing change for wounds over 48 hours old.
• Perform other related duties incidental to work described herein.

Required Qualifications:

Education

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program (NLN, CCNE, or ACNE accredited) and remain actively enrolled during the PNA Program.
• Applicants must have successfully completed “Nursing Fundamentals” and/or at least one semester of nursing school in an NLN/CCNE/ACNE accredited nursing program. 

• Applicants must also be eligible to obtain North Carolina Nurse Aide I listing prior to PNA program start date.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

• No previous work experience is required.
• Applicants must commit to working 36-40 hours per week for the entire 10-week program.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Applicants must provide evidence of current listing with the North Carolina Division of Health Services Regulation/Nurse Aide I Registry with no substantiated findings of abuse, fraud, neglect or misappropriation of property.
• American Heart Association (AHA) BCLS certification must be maintained/completed by the end of new hire orientation, which typically takes place during the first week of employment.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.