Functioning within the Health System’s mission, vision, values, policies and procedures, the Nurse Extern functions as a partner to the Registered/Licensed Practical Nurse and Care Team with the goal of providing quality patient care. This position is intended to strengthen self-confidence, learn to operate various medical devices, learn various disease processes, interact with various healthcare providers, and expand clinical knowledge and skill as well as gain more clinical experience and additional nursing procedures.

Education: Must be currently enrolled and successfully completed one clinical nursing course and one clinical experience of an accredited RN or BSN program.

Licensure/Certification: Current BLS required or obtained within three (3) months of hire.

Experience: Previous experience as a Patient Care Tech preferred.

Skills: The Nurse Extern will assist the Registered Nurse in the practice of professional nursing by providing direct patient care to promote patient comfort and facilitate the performance of diagnostic and treatment procedures as outlined in the nursing care plan. The Nurse Extern must demonstrate knowledge in those skills identified, that may be carried out under the direct supervision of a RN. Bedside care and selected procedures performed under the direct supervision of the RN will lead to increased complexity of assignment, when the Nurse Extern provides documentation of relevant courses and has demonstrated competencies to complete procedures according to unit guidelines and the Education Department. The Nurse Extern has 45 days from date of hire to complete proof of competencies and skills checkoffs with the Education Department. Extern will have a maximum of two (2) attempts to prove competency.

Must have excellent “customer service” skills, including the ability to exhibit patience and tact with all constituents including physicians, patients and associates. Must demonstrate flexibility with work schedule changes, be cooperative and collaborative, and have the ability to work with speed and proficiency while under stress. Must have basic computer skills experience. Must be able to print and write legibly and accurately.
The Nurse Extern will assist with skills specifically identified on skills checklists for which training and competency has been established. Included but not limited to: obtaining vital signs, weights, assisting patients with personal care and activities of daily living as well as patient transfers/transport. Will assist with answering call lights, performing clerical/courier/transporter functions, collecting data through a variety of means including observation and through the use of instrumentation. Will have the ability to recognize and communicate pertinent information to multidisciplinary teams, obtain specimens, apply ice/heat/compress/dressings, intake/output, and point of care testing, 12 lead EKG, and application of monitors. Must also be able to identify, troubleshoot, and work with others as applicable to resolve issues and concerns.
Must demonstrate lifting ability including but not limited to assisting and maneuvering patients when required. Adequate physical ability including sufficient manual dexterity, frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting and sitting, regularly throughout a regular work shift assisting in patients ADLs. Must have knowledge of isolation techniques to communicable diseases and/or bodily fluids. Must have knowledge in the different materials and equipment involved in applying and removing seizure pads and braces.