Nurse Extern

Highland Clarksburg Hospital is seeking a Nurse Extern to join our nursing team across all units. This position offers nursing students the opportunity to gain practical clinical experience while working under the direct supervision of the Program Manager and Registered Nurses.

You will work as an integral member of the multidisciplinary treatment team, supporting patient care and therapeutic activities in a psychiatric and behavioral health setting. This role is ideal for students pursuing an Associate or Bachelor degree in Registered Nursing who want to develop foundational clinical skills in a structured learning environment.

Clinical Setting

You will work across all units at Highland Clarksburg Hospital, providing care to children, adolescents, adults, geriatric patients, and individuals with dual diagnoses experiencing mental health disturbances.

Responsibilities

• Maintain constant awareness and supervision of patients during daily activities, including gym, yard activities, crafts, art, group and recreation therapies, and outings
• Remain alert to potential safety issues and address them appropriately or notify appropriate personnel
• Follow all Highland Clarksburg Hospital policies and procedures, including personnel, nursing, and administrative policies
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times
• Serve as a positive role model for patients and peers, demonstrating appropriate behaviors, effective communication, and conflict resolution
• Report any unprofessional conduct or policy violations to the Nurse Manager or designated administrator
• Provide psychoeducational therapeutic groups under direct supervision and instruction of a Registered Nurse, based on multidisciplinary treatment team recommendations
• Complete patient mental status assessments under the direction of a Registered Nurse
• Chart daily in patient records and maintain organized unit documentation
• Initiate patient and employee incident reports as needed
• Provide verbal reports and briefings to oncoming shifts
• Lead educational and skills-based groups with patients
• Assist with activities of daily living
• Obtain and record vital signs and document all care in compliance with company policy and state and federal regulations
• Contribute to patient assessment and care planning
• Participate in quality assurance activities and staff development programs
• Attend in-services and staff meetings regularly
• Complete nursing student competencies
• Actively participate in unit therapeutic activities according to program schedules
• Assist with training of peers as assigned
• Follow infection control policies and assist with infection control rounds as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Associate or Bachelor degree level Registered Nurse program
• Proof of enrollment required each semester
• Ability to read and interpret instructions, documents, and follow procedures
• Ability to write routine reports and speak effectively with patients, families, employees, and the public
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables
• Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Ability to work with children, adolescents, or adults experiencing mental health disturbances or dual diagnoses
• Knowledge of stages of development throughout the life span
• Understanding of common psychiatric disorders and various treatment modalities for children, adolescents, adults, geriatrics, and dually diagnosed patients

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid West Virginia driver's license