ACAD NURSE EXTN at Forrest General Hospital – Columbia, Mississippi

Job Summary:

The Nurse Extern performs under the direct supervision of an RN Preceptor and is delegated an assignment to achieve quality patient care. He/She is involved in the implementation phase of the nursing process and is organizationally accountable to the Patient Care Coordinator of the unit. The Nurse Extern performs tasks assigned by the RN in an assistant role to the RN on the unit and is expected to perform all the tasks performed by Acute Care Techs and Nurse Aides. The Nurse Extern requires special training, the ability to perform Nurse Extern duties and competencies that are validated through the Education department. Perform other job duties as directed.

Performance Expectations:

The knowledge and skills necessary to provide technical care appropriate to the age of the patients served; also demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development and possesses the ability to collect data and relays appropriate data to nurse, status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age specific needs, and to provide the care needed. Interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age specific needs and provides care. Maintains a safe and clean work environment. Embraces and practices “We Care “philosophy in all aspects of patient, visitor, co-worker, employee and non-employee care. Thorough, concise and timely documentation, shift reports and verbal communication. Communicates pertinent patient information and concerns to all health care team members. Maintains own clinical skills staying current in skills, ongoing competencies, equipment and certifications to include telemetry monitoring and Basic Life Support certification. Performs all technical skills required for each unit’s population by rendering professional care including obtaining blood sugars, restraints, suicide precautions, bathing, dressing, ambulating, and feeding patients. Works, troubleshoots, and assists the nurse with multiples pieces of Equipment used for patient care including but not limited to telemetry monitoring devices and blood glucose monitoring. Safely positions and/or assists the nurse to safely position the patient using a variety of devices such as but not limited to abduction pillows, splints, slings, braces, neck collars, walkers, crutches, immobilizers, and specialty beds. Communicates effectively with others in an appropriate and timely manner. Adheres to and promotes established values of the organization, i.e. customer service, safety, infection control and compliance standards. Consistently follows patient care and FGH policy, procedures and standards of care in performing duties. Ability to record assessments, vitals, intake/output, and procedures performed into the electronic health record. Complete evaluation of RN preceptor.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills Completion of 2nd semester or 3rd trimester in nursing school. Successful completion of affiliated school of nursing required training and competencies. Enrolled in the affiliated schools nursing extern course.

Work Experience:

Successful passing of nursing clinicals and successful evaluation by Nursing Instructor at the affiliated nursing school.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

Enrolled in affliated nursing school extern program

Additional Certification/Licensure - Obtained based on required timeframe below

Basic Life Support

Within 30 Days of Employment Required

Mental Demands:

Ability to perform as a team member, cooperate with others, follow directions precisely, demonstrate initiative, set priorities and function under stress.