JOB SUMMARY: The Student Nurse Extern performs under the direct supervision of a qualified RN preceptor and is responsible to the Director of Acute Care Services and Director of Emergency Services. He/she performs approved clinical skills under the supervision of the RN preceptor. He/she must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served and knowledge of the principles of growth and development. The extern must abide by the guidelines developed by the Mississippi Hospital Association Externship program.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS: Includes the following: Other duties may be assigned.

• Demonstrates 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 relay appropriate data to nurse. Interprets information to identify each patient’s needs relative to his/her age and provide the care needed.
• Demonstrates skills to maintain 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.
• Demonstrates thorough, concise and timely documentation, shift reports and verbal communication.
• Communicates pertinent patient information to all health care team members.
• Maintains own clinical skills staying current in skills, ongoing competencies, equipment and certifications.
• Demonstrates ability to perform all clinical skills on approved list.
• Demonstrates technical aptitude for working and troubleshooting multiples pieces of equipment used for patient care including but not limited to telemetry monitoring devices and blood glucose monitoring.
• Demonstrates the aptitude for safely positioning and/or assisting others 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 Highland Community Hospital policies and procedures in performing duties.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Skills: Enrolled and in good standing with an accredited school of nursing and at the point of being classified a senior student. Completed at least a semester of clinical on a med. surg. unit. Must enroll in the Extern class with the affiliated School of Nursing program.

Work Experience: None REQUIRED.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

• None

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, follows

directions precisely, demonstrate initiative, set priorities and function under stress.