Job Summary / Purpose

The nurse extern will gain experience in a realistic professional nursing work environment by assisting in the delivery of both direct and indirect nursing care under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse within the scope of practice of unlicensed, assistive personnel.

Essential Key Job Responsibilities

Skills and procedures

• Performs clinical procedures in a competent manner, following appropriate policies and procedures, under the direction of a Registered Nurse.
• Obtains vital signs, intake and output, accuchecks and documents per unit protocol.
• Obtains blood and blood products from the blood bank. May assist in identifying blood before administration.
• Assists with trach care, suctioning, G-tube and feeding tube insertions and maintenance, and simple/complex dressing changes.
• Assists physician before, during, and after procedures within facility and unit guidelines.
• Demonstrates knowledge related to age appropriate behavior of children, adolescents, adults, and seniors to assess the growth and development of the patient.
• Provides routine and procedural hygiene needs.
• Assists in meeting patient's activity needs.
• Obtains specimens as directed.
• Assists/Performs post-mortem care. Provides emotional support patients and assists with monitoring recovery from any procedures.

Communication

• Communicates effectively with all members of the health care team.
• Maintains complete patient confidentiality.
• Reports changes in patient's condition or other pertinent data to RN immediately.
• Assists with patient and family education, as appropriate.

Quality and Safety

• Attends shift huddles and in-services, as appropriate.
• Demonstrates safe and proper use of equipment.
• Uses personal protective equipment and complies with all universal precautions and blood-borne pathogens regulations.
• Cleans and checks for malfunctioning of stretchers, wheelchairs, bedside commodes, and I.V. poles according to unit protocol.
• Identifies and immediately reports any actual or potential hazard observed in the hospital environment.
• Demonstrates knowledge of all safety and emergency codes

Professional Development

• Dresses professionally and wears name badge at all times.
• Performs AIDET before any patient and family interactions.
• Actively participates in all Nurse Extern activities

Required Education

High School Diploma and/or GED
Current enrollment in an accredited nursing program and successful
completion of the Nursing Fundamentals 101 Course

Required Licensure and Certifications

Current BLS certification

Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Completed Skills Competency Assessment
Demonstrated career path which demonstrates progressive
leadership responsibilities and project management.
Able to work collaboratively to achieve desired department, facility
and regional results.
Skilled and articulate in both verbal and written communication.
Demonstrated abilities in clinical reasoning and problem solving
Proficient in Microsoft office and Outlook