In November of 2021, while enduring the pandemic and staffing shortages, St. Croix Health began its first nurse extender program. This position was created in the hope to obtain nursing students during their last semester of nursing school and give them direct on-the-job training/experience as they continued their schooling to become a registered nurse. Nursing students nearing graduation were paired with St. Croix Health’s registered nurses (RNs) and certified nurse assistants (CNAs) to enhance their clinical experience as nursing students and to support the increased demands on inpatient departments.  

It is clear the efficacy of the program has been outstanding. Patients have received quality care, while the nurse extenders have increased their knowledge base through a hands-on approach. The extenders embraced the opportunity to learn from the nurse leaders and gained knowledge and skills they will take with them as they start their nursing journey. The nurse extenders brought relief to departments by offering an extra hand, brightness and enthusiasm that was impressed by all.   

Two out of the four nurse extenders have officially joined the Medical/Surgical, Intensive Care Unit team as RNs post-graduation. They recently passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN® exam) and are officially RNs. The program will continue moving forward.

Nurse extenders are truly an asset to St. Croix Health’s care team, and they are excited to welcome the newest extenders to the team.