Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center (PBRMC) is excited to announce the launch of its new Nurse Extern Program, beginning November 8th, 2024. This initiative, led by PBRMC’s Education Department, is designed to equip the next generation of nurses with critical hands-on experience and practical skills in various specialties. Our inaugural class includes 15 nurse externs, all of whom are actively enrolled in a pre-licensure registered nursing program.
The Nurse Extern Program offers nursing students an opportunity to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings. As they rotate through different nursing specialties, externs will gain firsthand experience under the mentorship of PBRMC’s nursing team. This exposure is essential in preparing these students for successful careers upon graduation and empowers them to deliver high-quality care to our community.
“Our Nurse Extern Program is more than just an educational opportunity—it’s about building a culture that values, mentors, and supports future nurses,” said Carla Rider, CNO at PBRMC. “With this program, we aim to increase nurse retention at PBRMC, ensuring continuity of care and stability within our hospital and community.”
This initiative is part of a broader collaborative effort to address workforce shortages and strengthen healthcare access across the region. PBRMC has partnered with Heartland Forward to create seamless pathways for students from secondary education into nursing programs and career apprenticeships.
As we welcome our first class of nurse externs, PBRMC is proud to lead initiatives that enrich the lives of future healthcare providers and positively impact our community.
“By investing in our workforce today, we are building a stronger, healthier tomorrow for Southeast Missouri,” said Clyde Wood, CEO.
About Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center:
Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center is located in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and serves Butler County and seven other surrounding counties. PBRMC is committed to meeting our community’s healthcare needs by providing compassionate, quality patient care. The medical center offers a wide range of services, including oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, robotic surgery, women’s health and more. Learn more at PBRMC.com
