“Even having the opportunity to pursue a career in nursing is very difficult,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to do something that would make a difference in people’s lives.”

Adamenou and 40 other nursing students from schools across Kentucky will prepare to enter the health care field while participating in ’s summer nurse extern program.

For nine weeks, students will work directly with a registered nurse to provide patient care, sharpening clinical reasoning skills and learning about assessments, medication administration and charting standards.

“Working with a registered nurse one-on-one will help me gain confidence to work in the hospital environment and apply the clinical skills I’ve learned to the real world,” said Adamenou, who will work the night shift in the Center for Women and Infants.

The hospital originally had 30 nurse extern positions, but increased the number because the quality of applicants was so high, said Shari Kretzschmer, RN, MSN, MBA, NEA-BC, UofL Hospital vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer.

“The extern program amplifies the work we are doing as a teaching hospital to train the best and brightest in the field of nursing,” Kretzschmer said.

Externs will receive hiring priority upon graduation and may work as part-time nursing assistants while finishing school.

Flynn Crawford, a student at the , will work in the emergency department, where he will gain trauma experience in preparation for his dream job of being a flight nurse. Crawford will graduate as a second lieutenant in the Air Force.

“I will gain so much knowledge and experience being at one of the best hospitals in the state,” Crawford said.

2018 UofL Hospital Nurse Externs
Ivone Adamenou, UofL
Sarah Adamic, UofL
Courtney Albers, UofL
Cody Aubrey, Bellarmine University
Alyssa Bailey, UofL
Whitney Barbour, UofL
Amber Close, Bellarmine University
Rachel Covington, Bellarmine University
Gabrielle Cox, Western Kentucky University
Flynn Crawford, UofL
Angela Ellendson, UofL
Meghan Farris, UofL
Meagan Geisen, Bellarmine University
Emma Gohlinghorst, Eastern Kentucky University
Kiera Hawkins, UofL
Vanessa Hearn, Bellarmine University
Sarah Heitzman, UofL
Angela Kiefer, UofL
Hnem Kim, UofL
Annie Kramer, UofL
Matthew Neamon, Jefferson Community & Technical College
Peyton Parker, UofL
Garry Posey, UofL
Hari Poudel, UofL
Alison Price, UofL
Marisa Raggio, Bellarmine University
Alex Ralph, Bellarmine University
Tasha Revolus, UofL
Jun Ruan, UofL
Breanna Sherrard, UofL
Victoria Smith, Murray State University
Erin Troy, UofL
McKenzie Waldron, UofL
Amie Walters, Jefferson Community & Technical College
Amber Weber, Ivy Tech Community College
Devon Welshons, Bellarmine University
Kayla Whitfield, UofL
Kerry Wilson, UofL
Sydney Wiseheart, UofL
Candice Zambella, UofL
Aurelia Zilinskas, UofL

During Saturday’s ceremony, dental and dental hygiene students will put on their white coats and take the , prompting their responsibility for clinical excellence and professionalism at the beginning of their dental education. Students are encouraged to remember the importance of showing compassion and empathy for their patients, and treating them with respect throughout their careers.

The Transition Ceremony signifies the advancement of future nurses from the classroom to clinical rotation learning during the final four semesters of the undergraduate program. Similar to a White Coat Ceremony for the Schools of Dentistry and Medicine, the Transition Ceremony is a symbolic step into the nursing profession. Students recite the and receive a pin to wear on their scrubs that serves as a reminder of their commitment to provide high quality care.