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 clinical skills, and contribute to patient outcomes while maintaining detailed documentation and adhering to all hospital policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
- Perform selected nursing care activities and assigned tasks according to established policies and procedures, excluding invasive procedures, medication administration, IV therapy, and blood product administration
- Participate in developing and revising nursing care plans
- Take and record patient vital signs including temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration
- Collect, prepare, and transport specimens such as urine, stool, and sputum
- Deliver activities of daily living including hygiene, nutrition, elimination, and progressive activity
- Maintain accurate records of fluid intake and output
- Provide comfort measures and ensure patient safety
- Observe and report patient responses to interventions and treatment
- Provide one-on-one monitoring and observation for patients requiring close supervision
- Obtain and manage medical and lab records
- Prepare patients, environments, and supplies for care and treatment
- Work within isolation precautions as required
- 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
- Report unusual changes in patient condition, medical and surgical emergencies, and patient responses to care
- Respond appropriately to emergency situations
- Perform clerical duties including answering phones, responding to call signals, filing and assembling charts, and scheduling tests
- Maintain patient medical records and complete all required documentation in a timely manner
- Utilize patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data
- Monitor and maintain supplies and equipment
- Assist with cardiopulmonary resuscitation by bringing needed supplies as required
- Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe environment
- Adhere to infection control and patient safety practices
- Maintain confidentiality regarding patient, family, department, and hospital information in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies
- Collaborate with forensic teams and law enforcement officials as it relates to care of inmates and arrestees
- Provide coverage for relief and absences as required
- Complete required continuous training and education
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
