NURSE EXTERN - BEHAVORIAL HEALTH

Under the direction of a Registered Nurse Preceptor, you will provide direct patient care in a behavioral health setting using the nursing process. This is an extern position designed for nursing students nearing completion of their degree program. You will work with an interdisciplinary healthcare team to assess patients, plan and deliver care, evaluate outcomes, and communicate with team members to ensure patient goals are met while supporting patients' and families' physical and emotional health.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care through an interdisciplinary approach, including assessment, planning, care delivery, and evaluation of outcomes
• Perform nursing interventions under RN preceptor direction, including medication administration, medication reconciliation, fall prevention, VTE prevention, and other prescribed interventions
• Document care according to policy and procedure while assuring patient safety
• Assist with activities of daily living such as dietary and hygiene needs
• Help with patient ambulation, turning, positioning, and transportation
• Answer call lights and report observations to the patient's nurse
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe environment to prevent and control infections
• Demonstrate professional behavior, strong customer service, and effective communication with all individuals and groups
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Registered Nurse Program approved by the State Board of Nursing
• If enrolled in a BSN program: must be entering senior year and have completed at least the medical/surgical clinical component
• If enrolled in a Diploma or Associate program: must be entering the final year of nursing school
• Must provide proof of continued enrollment and passing grades in nursing classes each semester until graduation
• Must be in good academic standing

Licenses and Certifications

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) required
• Act 33 clearance with renewal
• Act 34 clearance with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

Schedule and Work Environment

• Scheduling based on operational need, including rotating shifts, standby, and on-call assignments
• Local travel between Independence Health locations may be expected
• Personal protective equipment required according to CDC guidelines, including goggles, face shield, and mask
• When lifting requirements exceed 50 pounds, two-person lift assistance and/or transfer devices are required
• Frequent direct patient care with exposure to blood and body fluids
• Frequent use of lifting and transfer devices
• Frequent rotation of all shifts, including 8-hour and 10-12 hour shifts
• On-call and overtime may be required