Graduate Nurse Extern (6849)

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 across diverse patient populations including neonates, infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers, school-age children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients, depending on your specialty assignment.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care according to medical regimens and established nursing plans, excluding medication administration, IV insertion, and blood/blood product administration
• Assess, plan, and implement patient care consistent with organizational policies, demonstrated competencies, risk management standards, infection control practices, and patient safety protocols
• Perform clinical duties specific to your assigned unit within scope limitations
• Implement patient teaching including objectives, content, teaching strategies, and evaluation of patient progress
• Document assessments and clinical judgments in patient medical records
• Conduct continual clinical assessment and monitor patient status and responses to treatment; report unusual findings to the Patient Care Coordinator, Registered Nurse, Physician, or other applicable healthcare team members
• Demonstrate ability to manage care of patients with conditions common to the unit
• Provide age-specific patient care appropriate to assigned patient populations
• Transport patient charts, specimens, equipment, and supplies as needed
• Interact and communicate in a courteous, customer-responsive manner in compliance with organizational standards; promote patient and customer satisfaction
• Work collaboratively with medical and hospital staff to coordinate and implement patient care
• Prepare and maintain required records, reports, and files for administrative and compliance purposes
• Utilize patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations; notify appropriate personnel and initiate or assist with basic CPR procedures
• Maintain confidentiality regarding patient and family information, department matters, and hospital information; adhere to HIPAA, confidentiality, and compliance policies
• Complete required continuous training and education, including department-specific requirements
• Attend staff meetings, mandatory in-service training, and continuing education as required
• Identify and respond to problems and opportunities to improve patient care
• Support and participate in organizational Performance Improvement initiatives
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe environment for patients and personnel; adhere to policies regarding quality improvement, patient safety, environment, and infection control 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 neonate, infant, toddler, pre-schooler, school-age, adolescent, adult, and/or geriatric patient population as your specialty assignment dictates
• Experience in patient care as 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 the ability to perform the following physical activities:

• Standing and walking constantly
• Lifting and carrying frequently
• Stooping, kneeling, and crouching frequently
• Reaching, handling, and grasping frequently
• Pushing and pulling occasionally
• Climbing, balancing, and crawling occasionally
• Feeling, talking, and hearing constantly
• Eye, hand, and foot coordination constantly
• Repetitive motions constantly
• Sitting rarely