21st Century Health Careers Program

Program Information | Student Nurse Extern / Graduate Student Intern Program | Frequently Asked Questions | Contact Information

Program Information

The 21st Century Health Careers Program is an exciting new initiative to introduce 11th and 12th grade students to potential career paths in the health care industry. Battle Creek Health System, Kellogg Community College and the Calhoun Area Technology Center joined to create the 21st Century Health Careers Program in support of the School-to-Work initiatives.

Interested students with the necessary math, science and English skills are encouraged to join the two-year program. Students will receive an introduction to a wide variety of basic health care skills, including medical ethics, supplies and equipment, asepsis, medical terminology, body structures and function, assessment communications, emergency procedures, transporting patients, positioning patients and hygiene and personal care.

Following this introduction, students spend three weeks of each month in the hospital setting learning new skills and experiencing health careers. One week of every month is spent in the classroom testing new-found knowledge and preparing for the next hospital experience. Up to 10 college credits in English, anatomy and physiology can be earned at Kellogg Community College during the 2-year program.

Contact Information

The 21st Century Health Careers Program gives all interested students first-hand experience in many of the health related fields. To receive more information about this program you can contact the program counselor at the address below:

Program Counselor
The Calhoun Area Technology Center
475 East Roosevelt Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-968-2271 tel
269-968-4344 fax
www.calhounareatech.com/21st_century.html

Student Nurse Extern/Graduate Nurse Intern Programs

The Battle Creek Health System (BCHS) Student Nurse Extern/Graduate Nurse Intern Programs were created to offer students pursuing careers in nursing the opportunities to experience intensive hands-on patient care complimented by classroom experiences that replicate real-life health care conditions.

Aspiring nurses work in controlled environments with designated Nurse Preceptors and are orientated to BCHS documentation system and nursing philosophy.

Student Nurse Extern Program

The Student Nurse Extern Program at Battle Creek Health System provides structured clinical and didactic (classroom) experiences for eligible participants, allowing them to improve critical thinking and clinical practice skills. The 10-month program aims to empower externs through practical experience using the nursing process to make sound nursing decision and interventions to provide quality care.

The objective of the Student Nurse Extern Program is to offer a variety of hands-on learning opportunities in an acute care setting that compliments the nursing students classes for an overall nursing experience. Under the guidance of a Nurse Preceptor, the student will experience a smooth transition from classroom into the clinical work force given the extern the ability to transition into their nursing career shortly after achieving their state license. The program demonstrates BCHS’s commitment for quality health care, strong education programming, and retention of qualified nursing staff.

The program begins in August with classroom portions offered in August and June. Each session is designed to promote an understanding of BCHS system for care delivery, standards of care, and promotes an in-depth, hands-on approach that prepares the student for their role as registered nurse.

To enhance the very best training experience, each Student Nurse Extern will have the opportunity to visit different ancillary sites to observe the diverse day-to-day practices and how those techniques relate to the students’ roles as a registered nurse, thus maximizing the student’s learning experience and opportunities.

Program Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Individualized career development
• Ongoing educational opportunities
• Professional colleague support
• Priority in hiring
• NCLEX Review for state examinations
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Shortened Orientation time Post-Graduation

Program Qualifications
Eligibility requirements for the prospective Student Nurse Extern include the first year completion of an associate degreed nursing program or three years completion of a nurse bachelors’ degree program. Program space is limited and 3 months Nurse Technician employment at BCHS is required to qualify for the extern program, therefore application by March 31st is essential.

Graduate Nurse Intern Program
The Graduate Nurse Intern Program assists students who have completed their nursing degrees to transition from student to registered nurse.

Graduate Nurse Interns participate in an intensive 12-week program, which includes both classroom learning and clinical experience. They are assigned to a Registered Nurse Preceptor, a person who provides one-on-one coaching and mentoring during their orientation period and beyond. Interns shadow a Registered Nurse Preceptor in areas of interests and learn how the various departments operate, after which they have the opportunity to bid on positions of interest.

Periodically throughout the program and after program completion, the Graduate Nurse Interns come together with peers to talk about lessons learned, classroom and clinical experiences, as well as overall program benefits. This not only helps the students, but offers valuable feedback to program administrators so they can make modifications where appropriate.

Depending upon the areas of interest selected by the students; a 12- 24-month commitment to the health system is expected.

Program Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Individualized career development
• Ongoing educational opportunities
• Professional colleague support
• Priority in hiring
• NCLEX Review for state examinations
• Tuition reimbursement

Program Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited nursing program
• Eligible to sit for NCLEX exam in the State of Michigan
• Recommendation from instructor, mentor, or supervisor

Our mission is to … serve together in providing excellent health care for our community and promoting wellness for the whole person offering access and compassion for all.

Our vision is to be the leader in addressing community health needs by delivering high quality, cost effective primary and secondary care in collaboration with physicians and other providers.

Our values are . . . quality, service, compassion, dignity, and integrity.