Professional Nursing Assistant (PNA) Summer 2026 Externship Program

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

Professional Nursing Assistant (PNA) Summer 2026 Externship Program (Deadline to Apply : December 1, 2025)

Program Dates : May 18, 2026 - July 26, 2026

Prior to graduation, RN students are offered the opportunity to grow their skills and experiences by participating in our paid 10-week Professional Nursing Assistant Program. This program brings together students and preceptors in a unique, one-on-one clinical partnership where mentor relationships strengthen the students' awareness of nursing scope of practice and critical thinking skills. Students in this program receive a mix of on-unit and off-unit learning to develop their communication and interpersonal skills and assist with procedures and treatments.

Application : Must be inclusive of resume and PNA Video Interview.

PNA Video Interview (Required) : Submit your video interview via the following link : PNA Video Interview

The video interview is required as part of your application.

Eligibility : Applicants must have successfully completed "Nursing Fundamentals" and / or at least one semester of nursing school in an NLN / CCNE / ACNE accredited nursing program. Applicants must also be eligible to obtain a North Carolina Nurse Aide I certification prior to PNA program start date.

Selection Timeline

• Application Deadline (inclusive of video interview) : December 1, 2025
• Offers Extended by : December 12, 2025
• Offers Accepted by : December 19, 2025
• Candidates must be registered with the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry by May 11, 2026. To register, contact : North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry Listing

N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Division of Health Service Regulation Health Care Personnel Registry Section

Website : NC HCPR : N.C. Nurse Aide I Registry (ncdhhs.gov)

8 a.m. - 12 noon, and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., Monday-Friday

Phone : 919-855-3969

General Description

The PNA provides direct care to patients and assists with non-direct patient care unit coordination under the direct supervision of an RN. The individual in this position is expected to perform basic care and comfort standards as well as have knowledge of the patient population needs in the assigned work area. In addition, the PNA is expected to assist the RN in the care of acutely ill patients. This individual is expected to practice medical asepsis, respect the dignity and privacy of every patient and family, and to respect cultural differences during patient care. They are expected to maintain the patient / family environment and perform general unit upkeep. The PNA is expected to use accurate verbal and written communication and to document patient care appropriately in the electronic health record

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education

Experience

Degrees, Licensure, and / or Certification

Duke is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.