Nurse Extern 4-6028

The Nursing Transition to Practice Program (TPP) is a structured clinical education position designed for nursing students to perform skilled clinical duties under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. This position allows students to progress through four levels of clinical responsibility as they advance through their nursing program, gaining hands-on experience in patient care, clinical assessment, and professional nursing practice.

Program Structure

The TPP position is organized into four levels corresponding to nursing school progression:

Level I (First Semester): Students perform vital sign monitoring, point-of-care testing, hourly rounding, assist with activities of daily living and mobility, document care in the electronic health record, and perform specific validated skills under supervising RN guidance. Active participation in professional development workshops is required.

Level II (Second Semester): Students continue all Level I duties with expanded responsibilities as assigned by the nursing or clinical area, along with continued professional development participation.

Level III (Third Semester): Students manage a full patient load under the direction and supervision of an assigned RN, assist with specific tasks, and participate in program-directed professional development and career planning activities.

Level IV (Fourth Semester): Students manage a full patient load with an assigned supervising RN, assist with specific tasks, and participate in professional development workshops and career planning activities in preparation for transition to an RN position.

Responsibilities

• Perform patient assessments, collect basic clinical data, monitor patient status, and obtain specimens in accordance with nursing standards under direct RN supervision
• Collaborate with supervising RN to identify patient care needs, develop care plans, implement interventions, and provide patient education
• Provide direct patient care and assist with activities of daily living, restorative care, and therapeutic interventions to support patient recovery and well-being
• Monitor patient responses to treatment, promptly report changes in condition to the supervising RN, and contribute to patient safety and quality outcomes
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, follow organizational policies and infection prevention practices, ensure a safe care environment, and adhere to Arizona State Board of Nursing and facility requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned to support overall department and organizational effectiveness

Required Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Current enrollment in an accredited RN nursing program with proof of enrollment at the appropriate semester level for the position level applied

Certification:

• Current BLS certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association

Other Requirements:

• Maintain nursing school skills checklist on file with the hospital
• Maintain good standing and enrollment in nursing program with progression through the program
• Ability to distinguish clinical changes in patient skin, fluids, and diagnostic indicators
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Ability to lift 50-70 pounds, assist in a combined lift to 300 pounds, and walk 3 miles per shift
• Able to care for patients with infectious diseases
• Able to sit, stand, walk 3-5 hours per day; bend, stoop, kneel, and reach for duration of shift
• Demonstrate behaviors and professionalism that align with the TPP and facility's Code of Conduct, Mission, Vision, and Values

Exposure and Hazards

This position is classified as Exposure Category I with routine potential for exposure to blood, body fluids, and tissues. Additional potential hazards include exposure to chemical, biological, and radioactive substances, and possible exposure to hostile individuals.

Position Details

• This is a non-exempt position
• This is a safety-sensitive position
• Reports to Department Manager or Director
• Department: Nursing/Education