Future nurses celebrated at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center for completion of the Summer Externship Program
Provided by UVA Health
Twenty-nine enthusiastic nursing students gathered with UVA Health leaders, nurses, team members, and family members to celebrate the successful completion of the Summer Nursing Externship Program for UVA Health’s community hospitals in Manassas, Haymarket, and Culpeper.
The ceremony included certificates of completion from Michelle Strider, MBA, RN, CPHQ, chief nursing officer; April Morrison, MSN, RN, director, nursing professional practice; and Katherine McNamara, MSN, RN, student and clinical program manager, officer of UVA Health Community Medical Centers and clinics in Northern Virginia and Culpeper. Students were recognized with cheering and applause from the UVA Health team members who came to acknowledge the finish line.
Strider shared stories from her own journey, which began 17 years ago as an RN in this organization. Reflecting on both the rewarding and challenging moments along the way, she encouraged the students to stay the course, reminding them that their hard work will be worth it. Few things are as rewarding as this work, she noted, and the students have already demonstrated their commitment throughout the summer.
Following the ceremony, students and UVA Health staff gathered for lunch, sharing reflections and discussing their experiences throughout the eight-week program.
The Summer Nursing Externship Program for UVA Health’s community hospitals in Prince William County and Culpeper were designed to support the next generation of nurses while strengthening patient care across UVA Health clinics and medical centers. The paid, full-time, eight-week externship provided nursing students entering their final year of nursing school with valuable hands-on clinical experience under the guidance of experienced registered nurses. Throughout the program, externs worked alongside dedicated preceptors, followed their schedules, and gained practical knowledge that complemented their classroom education while experiencing UVA Health’s collaborative culture.
Program Overview
The summer externship program is open to nursing students entering the final year of an accredited nursing program with an anticipated graduation date by the spring semester. The program runs for eight weeks during June and July. After completing orientation, students work 36 to 40 hours per week, typically consisting of three 12-hour shifts. Externs gain firsthand experience of working hospital shifts by working either day or night shifts based on their assigned preceptor schedule.
“The Nursing Externship Program is an investment in the future of nursing and in the communities we serve,” said Strider. “By giving nursing students meaningful clinical experiences alongside our nurses and care teams, we help them build confidence, strengthen their skills, and begin to see themselves as part of the profession. Just as importantly, we are creating a strong pathway for talented future nurses to begin and grow their careers at UVA Health.”
Students who successfully complete the externship become eligible to receive employment offers upon graduation, creating a direct pathway into nursing careers at UVA Health. Several students also choose to remain with UVA Health following the externship, continuing their hands-on learning and contributing to patient care at their assigned facilities.
Clinical Placement Opportunities
During the 2026 Summer program, externs gained experience in a variety of clinical settings across UVA Health, including:
UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
- Acute Care
- Emergency Department
- Women’s Services
UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center
- Acute Care
- Emergency Department
UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
- Acute Care
- Emergency Department
- Behavioral Health
Looking Ahead
To introduce future nursing students to the program, members of the UVA Health recruitment team plan to visit local nursing schools throughout the fall.
Building the Future of Nursing
UVA Health continues expanding access to high-quality care across Culpeper and Northern Virginia. The health system includes UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center, UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center, UVA Health Prince William Medical Center, and a growing network of outpatient clinics. Together, these organizations employ more than 850 physicians representing 60 specialties and subspecialties, along with approximately 2,900 team members dedicated to serving their communities.
The Summer Nursing Externship Program represents another important investment in the future of healthcare by developing skilled, compassionate nurses while creating a strong pipeline of talent for UVA Health. Prospective applicants were encouraged to learn more about future externship opportunities and career openings through the UVA Community Health careers website.
