As a Student Nurse Extern, you will assist nursing staff in providing direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. This role offers hands-on clinical experience across diverse patient populations including neonates, infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers, school-age children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. You will participate in nursing care activities, develop and revise nursing care plans, and perform routine clinical tasks while building competency in a hospital setting.
Responsibilities
- Perform selected nursing care activities and assigned duties according to established policies and procedures, excluding invasive procedures, medication administration, IV therapy, and blood product administration
- Take and record patient vital signs including temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration
- Collect, prepare, and transport specimens such as urine, stool, and sputum
- Assist with activities of daily living including hygiene, nutrition, elimination, and progressive activity
- Maintain accurate records of fluid intake and output
- Provide comfort measures and observe and report patient responses to interventions and treatment
- Assist with wound care, dressing application and removal, and topical agent application
- Assist with patient transfers, ambulation, and transportation
- Perform pre- and post-procedural care as delegated
- Work within isolation precautions
- Provide one-on-one observation and monitoring for patients requiring close supervision
- Obtain medical and lab records
- Perform clerical duties including answering phones, responding to call signals, filing and assembling charts, and scheduling tests
- Document all activities performed and patient responses in a timely manner
- Report unusual changes in patient condition, medical and surgical emergencies, and respond appropriately to emergency situations
- Maintain supplies and equipment and assist with cardiopulmonary resuscitation by bringing needed supplies
- Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe environment while adhering to infection control and patient safety practices
- Communicate unit activities, needs, and problems to appropriate staff regarding patient care
- Maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to patient and family information, department information, and hospital information in accordance with HIPAA and compliance policies
- Work effectively as a team member within the department and with customers
- Complete required continuous training and education including department-specific requirements
- Collaborate with forensic team and law enforcement officials as it relates to care of inmates and arrestees to maintain a safe and secure environment
- Provide coverage for relief and absences as required
Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in an approved nursing program (diploma, associate, or bachelor's degree in nursing)
- Successfully completed fundamentals of nursing coursework
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 upon hire
- Maintain a letter grade of C or above in all nursing coursework for the duration of enrollment
- Proof of continuous enrollment in an approved nursing program to maintain employment
- Current CPR/BLS certification
- Experience in patient care or equivalent on-the-job training obtained through participation in an approved nursing program
- Qualified by education, training, or experience to work with assigned patient populations
Physical Demands
This position requires the ability to perform the following physical activities:
- Standing and walking constantly
- Lifting and carrying frequently
- Stooping, kneeling, and crouching frequently
- Reaching, handling, grasping, and feeling frequently
- Pushing and pulling occasionally
- Climbing, balancing, and crawling occasionally
- Talking and hearing constantly
- Eye, hand, and foot coordination constantly
- Repetitive motions constantly
- Sitting rarely
