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News Release: 8/14/2026

Human InterestHealthPress Release

HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood Nurse Extern Gains Hands-On Experience While Preparing for Nursing Career
 
KINGWOOD, TX – As students head back to school, nursing student Addyson Mitte is taking her education beyond the classroom through the HCA Healthcare Nurse Extern Program at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood.
The program is designed to help nursing students grow into strong nurse residents by bridging the gap between school and practice. Nurse externs gain hands-on experience alongside hospital care teams while continuing their nursing education, helping them build skills and confidence as they prepare for future careers caring for patients and communities.
For Mitte, the path to nursing began long before her first clinical rotation.

“When I was six years old, I wanted to be a nurse,” Mitte said. “When I was 14, I started my associate degree, and I graduated early. I worked hard to get into the nursing program.”

Mitte began her nursing education at Lone Star College-Kingwood. Her first clinical rotation brought her to HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, where she saw an opportunity to continue learning in a hospital setting.
Now, as a nurse extern, Mitte is building on her classroom education through hands-on experience with care teams and greater exposure to the daily work of nursing.

“I think it’s amazing that you can get hands-on experience, and it’s something that I’m so excited about,” Mitte said.

A nurse extern is a nursing student who is enrolled and in good standing at an accredited college or school of nursing. Once competency is validated, nurse externs may perform higher-level procedures under the supervision of a registered nurse and in accordance with state board of nursing laws. It is preferred that students complete their initial nursing foundation class before beginning the role.

As part of the program, Mitte will work one 12-hour shift each month while continuing her studies. The experience provides regular time in the hospital environment to strengthen her skills and develop connections with nurses and other members of the care team.

Nurse externs also bring fresh perspectives, energy and enthusiasm to healthcare teams while gaining experience that supports their education and professional development. As they continue their journey toward becoming registered nurses, those experiences can help shape their future nursing practice.
For Mitte, that future already has a clear destination.

“My goal is to be a nurse at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood,” Mitte said.

Through the HCA Healthcare Nurse Extern Program, Mitte is continuing to work toward the career she has wanted since childhood — one class, one shift and one patient care experience at a time.
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About HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood
HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood is a 551-bed acute care hospital serving the Lake Houston area for 35 years. It features the region’s only Level II trauma center, a comprehensive stroke center and a certified chest pain center. The hospital is recognized for excellence in advanced neuroscience, orthopedics and women’s and children’s services, including a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the area’s only pediatric emergency department. The hospital is a 2024-2026 recipient of Healthgrades' "America’s 250 Best Hospitals" and "50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Excellence" awards. Learn more at HCAhoustonhealthcare.com/kingwood.
 
About HCA Houston Healthcare
HCA Houston Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare in the Greater Houston area, treating nearly a million patients annually. With a colleague base of 15,000, HCA Houston Healthcare’s comprehensive network includes 14 hospitals, 11 outpatient surgery centers, 26 freestanding emergency centers and numerous freestanding diagnostic imaging facilities. As one of the region’s largest healthcare systems, HCA Houston Healthcare recognizes the importance of giving back to the communities we serve. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Houston Healthcare also is a major supporter of the University of Houston College of Nursing and the new University of Houston College of Medicine. For more information, visit HCAhoustonhealthcare.com.
 
 

News Release: 8/14/2026

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