OSF Saint Katharine celebrates Summer Nurse Extern Program graduates
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Megan White, Public Relations and Communications Coordinator | (815) 285-5663
OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center recently celebrated the graduation of six nursing students who completed the organization's Summer Nurse Extern Program, a two-month immersive experience designed to provide hands-on clinical learning and professional development.
The 2026 summer nurse extern graduates include:
- Andrea Weitenbeck, Med/Surg
- Marie Hess, Med/Surg
- Grace Eisenrich, Obstetrics
- Owen Rangel, Surgical Services
- Rebekah Zeigler, Emergency Department
- Jenna Johnson, Emergency Department
Throughout the program, the students worked alongside OSF Saint Katharine health care professionals, gaining valuable clinical experience and strengthening their patient care skills as they prepare to enter their final year of nursing school this fall.
Andrea Weitenbeck said the program helped her grow both personally and professionally, "This has been an amazing experience. I have gained so much knowledge and confidence in my skills and interactions with patients throughout this process. I feel so much more at ease entering into my last semester of nursing school, and I would recommend this opportunity to all nursing students looking to expand their clinical knowledge."