Graduate Nurse Extern (6224)

As a Graduate Nurse Extern, you will provide direct nursing care to patients within an assigned clinical unit under the supervision of a professional nurse. This role is designed for newly graduated nurses preparing for RN licensure. You will utilize the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care while developing clinical competencies across diverse patient populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care according to medical regimens and established nursing plans, excluding medication administration, IV insertion, and blood product administration
• Assess, plan, and implement patient care consistent with organizational policies, demonstrated competencies, and patient safety standards
• Perform clinical duties specific to your assigned unit while adhering to infection control and risk management practices
• Implement patient teaching including objectives, content, teaching strategies, and evaluation of progress
• Document assessments and clinical judgments in patient medical records
• Perform continuous clinical assessment, monitor patient responses to treatment, and report unusual findings to the Patient Care Coordinator, Registered Nurse, Physician, or other healthcare team members
• Demonstrate ability to manage care of patients with conditions common to the unit
• Provide age-specific patient care appropriate to your assigned patient population
• Transport patient charts, specimens, equipment, and supplies as needed
• Interact with patients, families, and staff in a courteous, customer-responsive manner while promoting patient satisfaction
• Collaborate with medical and hospital staff to coordinate and implement patient care
• Maintain required records, reports, and files for administrative and compliance purposes
• Utilize patient computer systems to enter and retrieve clinical data
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations, notify appropriate personnel, and initiate or assist with basic CPR procedures
• Maintain confidentiality regarding patient, family, department, and hospital information in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies
• Complete required continuous training and education, including department-specific requirements
• Attend staff meetings, mandatory in-service training, and continuing education as required
• Participate in performance improvement initiatives and respond to opportunities to improve patient care
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe environment for patients and personnel while adhering to infection control and patient safety standards
• Provide coverage for relief and absences as required

Required Qualifications

• Completion of course requirements for graduation from an Associate's Degree, Diploma, or Bachelor of Science program in nursing
• Qualified by education, training, or experience to work with the patient population assigned to your specialty (neonate, infant, toddler, pre-schooler, school-age, adolescent, adult, and/or geriatric)
• Patient care experience obtained through completion of an approved nursing program
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification upon hire
• National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) completion required within 90 days; if unsuccessful on second attempt, you may work in an ancillary role
• RN - Registered Nurse State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required within 90 days to work in the State of Tennessee

Physical Demands

This position requires frequent standing and walking. You will frequently lift, carry, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, handle, and grasp. Occasionally you will push, pull, climb, balance, and crawl. Sitting is rare. The role requires constant feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive motions, and eye/hand/foot coordination.