Nurse Extern Patient Care Technician

This is a paid, hands-on development opportunity for pre-licensure RN students enrolled in an accredited nursing program. As a Nurse Extern Patient Care Technician, you will work alongside experienced nurses, preceptors, and clinical educators while progressing through four self-paced competency levels over approximately 18 months. The program combines direct patient care, skill development, specialty shadowing, and exposure to departments throughout the hospital, with the goal of strengthening clinical judgment, building confidence, exploring nursing specialties, and preparing you for a successful transition into graduate nurse practice.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of an RN, you will assist with:

• Activities of daily living, including bathing, grooming, oral care, and linen changes
• Vital signs, height, weight, and oxygen saturation monitoring
• Intake and output recording and calorie counts
• Blood glucose testing via finger sticks
• Specimen collection, including urine and stool samples
• Patient positioning, repositioning, dangling, ambulating, and use of mobility aids such as walkers, crutches, canes, and wheelchairs
• Foley and peripheral IV removal or placement, EKGs, cardiac rhythm interpretation, bladder scanning, phlebotomy, and selected specialty support roles as competencies are completed
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and well-organized care environment
• Effective communication of patient information to the care team
• Compliance with infection control and safety protocols, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment
• Participation in performance improvement initiatives, risk management reporting, and compliance with National Patient Safety Goals and Core Measures
• Continuous visual observation of patients when required
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled and in good standing in an accredited pre-licensure RN program
• Nursing Foundations coursework must be completed or in progress
• Expected graduation date must meet the requirements of the current cohort
• BLS certification must be obtained within seven days of hire
• Demonstrate professionalism, dependable attendance, teamwork, communication, and a commitment to patient safety
• Participate in one-on-one preceptor training during the initial competency period
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Comply with all policies and standards

Preferred Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in an acute care setting
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification
• Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) certification

Licenses and Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 90 days of hire
• CNA or CPCT certification preferred

Schedule and Expectations

• Work at least one shift per pay period during the semester
• Work two 12-hour shifts per pay period during school breaks
• Work one major holiday and one night shift during the approximately 18-month program
• Attend required orientation and ongoing education