Get paid to build your nursing skills through Avera’s Nursing Clinical Internship (NCI) program. This paid summer internship is designed for nursing students who want hands-on experience in hospital and clinic settings. You’ll be paired with an experienced RN who will serve as your preceptor, helping you grow both clinically and professionally.
Internships are not required for nursing students, but it is encouraged. It’s a great opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom while exploring what a future nursing career could look like.
Internships are offered in locations across South Dakota, Minnesota and Nebraska.
Eligibility Requirements
- Going into the final one or two semesters of a nursing program at the beginning of the NCI program. It must be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing (NLN).
- Be a student of good academic standing.
- Available to intern late May through early August. Internships are approximately 8-10 weeks and vary slightly by location.
- Be available to work full time 36-40 hours each week with rotating 8- or 12-hour shifts (days, evenings, nights and weekends).
- Complete the application process and upload resume.
- Upon offer, complete health assessment and background check.
NCI vs Clinical Rotation
A nursing clinical internship is totally different than clinical rotations, which are only for a short time. NCI students care for a patient for a full shift. You’ll be guided by a dedicated RN preceptor. YOU get to do hands-on skills like IVs and procedures as they watch. You won't be expected to do it all on your own, but we want to help give you the skills and confidence so you can.
What do past interns say?
“You don’t know what it’s like to be a nurse until you get to really work their shifts.”
“Preceptors help build you up and build your confidence. Build community within the unit.”
“It feels like I am a nurse. I get to report, give medications, do assessments and charting.”
