Pediatric Nurse Extern - Day Surgery

Valley Children's Hospital is seeking a Pediatric Nurse Extern for the Day Surgery unit within the Perioperative Department. This position offers clinical experience in a fast-paced surgical environment serving pediatric patients ranging from newborn to young adult. You will work across multiple phases of the surgical day, including pre-operative patient assessment and preparation, as well as post-operative recovery and discharge preparation.

Clinical Setting

The Perioperative Department at Valley Children's Hospital is a comprehensive division supporting all service lines within the hospital. Day Surgery handles a high volume of procedures, with the most common surgeries being ENT, followed by orthopedics and general surgeries. The unit is divided into distinct areas: pre-op admitting where patients are assessed and prepared for surgery, and post-op phase II where awake patients recover and are reunited with family before discharge.

Responsibilities

• Perform nursing activities as documented in your nursing program curriculum
• Assist with patient pre-operative assessment and surgical preparation
• Support post-operative recovery and discharge preparation
• Assist with medication administration upon completion of pediatric theory and clinical coursework and successful completion of the Valley Children's medication examination
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary perioperative team including registered nurses, operating room technicians, and other skilled professionals

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Current enrollment in an accredited RN program with completion of at least two semesters or equivalent
• Proof of second semester completion via official transcripts
• Continuous enrollment throughout employment in an approved Work Study course at an affiliated institution: Fresno City College, CSU Fresno, Lemoore College, College of the Sequoias, SJVC, Merced College, or CSU Stanislaus
• BLS - Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association, required within 30 days of hire or transfer into position

Advancement

Advancement to Pediatric Nurse Extern II is based on completion of pediatric theory and clinical coursework and successful completion of the Valley Children's Hospital medication examination.

Schedule and Orientation

• Position type: Per Diem
• Daily hours: 8 hours
• Work shift: Varied
• New hire clinical orientation is a full week, typically offered during school breaks in December or January
• You must be able to complete the full weeklong orientation

Compensation

• Compensation range: $23.00 - $36.00 per hour
• Final compensation is dependent upon skills and experience