Nursing Careers at Saint Francis
Where is Your Nursing Future?
It is right here — at Saint Francis Healthcare System.
Based in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Saint Francis Healthcare System offers services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to more than 715,000 people in southeast Missouri and in a five-state region through Saint Francis Medical Center and more than 40 Medical Partner locations.
The Catholic-based Healthcare System has evolved in the 21st century from a local community medical center to the regional tertiary healthcare leader. Nestled only 100 miles south of St. Louis, we mix big-city excitement with small-town charm.
Everything you need to know about nursing at Saint Francis is right here — learn more about pay and benefit packages and about Saint Francis Healthcare System.
Have questions about a healthcare career at Saint Francis? Contact us today.
Apply to the Student Unlicensed Assistive Personnel Program Today!
What is a Student Unlicensed Assistive Personnel?
The Student Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) is authorized to perform interventions delegated and supervised by a nurse. The UAP provides direct and indirect patient care tasks as delegated by the appropriate licensed nursing personnel. The primary responsibility of the Unlicensed Assistive Personnel student is to provide basic patient care activities such as bathing, oral hygiene, elimination, toileting, nutrition and ambulation. The UAP program supports patient safety and patient satisfaction by performing regular patient rounds and effectively communicating with all care team members. The Student Unlicensed Assistive Personnel demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient.
What is the Student Unlicensed Assistive Personnel Program?
The UAP Training Program is a 12-week structured, competency-based training program designed to prepare individuals for entry-level roles in healthcare. Participants will gain foundational knowledge and hands-on experience to support clinical teams in both inpatient and ambulatory care environments. The classroom portion includes lesson presentations, homework, independent studying, written exams and skills labs. The clinical practicum includes working with preceptors on different care areas across the HealthCare System. Successful completion of this program leads to employment opportunities within the healthcare system and supports advancement into licensed clinical roles. Classroom hours are Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm and clinical hours are Monday-Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm. Pay rates and times subject to change.
Is Certification Offered After Completion of the Student Unlicensed Assistive Personnel Program?
Completion of the Program will not result in automatic certification for Student Unlicensed Assistive Personnel. Upon successful completion of the Program, each graduate will receive a letter of completion that allows the graduate to challenge the state of Missouri nurse assistant exam.
What Are the Requirements for the Student Unlicensed Assistive Personnel Program?
- High school diploma
- 18 years of age
- BLS Certification within 90 days of hire date
(will be included with program)
Why Saint Francis Healthcare System?
Guided by our Mission to provide a ministry of healing, wellness, quality and love inspired by our faith in Jesus Christ, Saint Francis Healthcare System delivers progressive and innovative healthcare services to southeast Missouri and beyond. Our colleagues are called to compassionately serve, while seeing others through Christ’s eyes. Saint Francis’s commitment to excellence in quality and service is what sets us apart.
Where Can I Apply for the Student Unlicensed Assistive Personnel Program?
- SUAP Program application link
- Link on the Saint Francis Healthcare System Facebook page
- Internal candidates may apply in Workday
Questions?
Please contact Jill Tropf, BSN, Instructional Assistant in Learning and Development, at jmtropf@sfmc.net.
New Healthcare Professional Residency Program
Building Confidence. Enhancing Skills. Supporting Growth.
Our New Healthcare Professional Residency Program is designed to help new professionals transition smoothly into their roles while fostering excellence in patient care. This structured program combines education, mentorship, and hands-on experience to ensure success in today’s dynamic healthcare environment.
Program Features
- Comprehensive Learning: Topics include resiliency, emotional intelligence, communication, and professional identity.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Connect with peers and experts across multiple specialties.
- Simulation-Based Training: Practice real-world scenarios like stroke response, heparin administration, and Code Blue.
- Continuous Development: Leadership, time management, and evidence-based practice sessions.
The New Healthcare Professional Residency program is offered 3 times per year to meet the unique needs of new professionals transitioning into practice.
Contact: Regina Cooper, Development Programs Coordinator
Email: rcooper@sfmc.net | Phone: 573-331-5771
Nursing Student Externship Program
The Externship for Nursing Students program provides a dynamic learning experience. This program allows students to participate in direct patient care with assigned RN mentors. Time will be spent in both Medical/Surgical and Specialty areas of choice. The Externship will be offered to new participants throughout the year. Nursing students, chosen for this program, will have the opportunity to participate in the Externship until graduation from their nursing program. Nurse Externs will also be given the opportunity to train and work as a Patient Care Associate while participating in the program.
Program Details
- Organizational and classroom orientation to start in May and December
- RN mentored clinical experience
- Participate in direct and indirect patient care
- Spend time in both Medical/Surgical and Specialty areas
- Opportunity to advance nursing skills while working under the direction of experienced nursing professionals
- 12 hours paid clinical experience every two weeks with the opportunity for additional hours during school breaks
- Options to further your training in additional roles throughout the Healthcare System
- Flexible shifts to accommodate any school schedule
Eligibility Requirements
- Nursing students who are entering or within their last year of the nursing program
- Meet Saint Francis job-related health requirements
- Satisfactory work record (from within the last year)
- Satisfactory academic record
Sorry, applications for the program are not being accepted at this time
Stories from Our Nurses
Nurses come from near and far to practice at Saint Francis Healthcare System for a variety of reasons. See what our Nurses have to say about becoming part of the Saint Francis Family and Cape Girardeau.
Ashley Seabaugh
Ashley Seabaugh is the Director of Nursing-Medical/Surgical at Saint Francis Healthcare System. She is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in nursing.
Family Nurse Practitioner Bobbi J. Palmer
Bobbi J. Palmer, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP-BC) at Saint Francis Clinic Kingshighway. She previously taught at Southeast Hospital College of Nursing. She is an advanced- practice nurse (APRN) with a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Jennifer Debrock, BSN, RN
Jennifer Debrock, BSN, RN, started her first nursing job at Saint Francis 13 years ago, but her love for people and their hearts started long before that.
Lindsey Miesner, RN, NNP-BC
Lindsey Miesner, RN, NNP-BC is a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Michelle and McKensi Williams
At Saint Francis, we are a family – sometimes, in more ways than one. Meet the mother-daughter duo at southeast Missouri’s only Level III Emergency and Trauma Center at Saint Francis Medical Center: Michelle and McKensi Williams.
Staci Baker, RN
Staci Baker, RN is a registered nurse in the Cardiovascular Lab.
Whitney Glueck, RN and Jessie Livesay, RN
Whitney Glueck, RN and Jessie Livesay, RN are labor and delivery nurses at Saint Francis.