As a Student Nurse Extern, you will assist nursing staff in providing patient care under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. This role is designed for nursing students to apply classroom knowledge in a clinical setting while developing practical nursing skills across diverse patient populations.
Responsibilities
- Participate in selected nursing care activities as assigned and according to established policies and procedures
- Perform duties applicable to your assigned unit, excluding invasive procedures, medication administration, IV therapy, and blood product administration
- Assist in developing and revising nursing care plans
- Perform clerical duties related to admissions, discharges, patient records, and supply maintenance
- Perform diagnostic measurements as determined by skills training and validation
- Execute skills outlined on the Nurse Extern Skill Checklist to meet age-specific patient needs
- 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 such as water, blankets, and other conveniences
- Observe and report patient responses to interventions and treatment
- Provide one-on-one observation and monitoring for patients requiring close supervision to ensure safety
- Obtain medical and laboratory records
- Communicate unit activities, needs, and problems to appropriate staff regarding patient care
- Prepare patients, environments, and supplies for care and treatment
- Work within isolation precautions
- Assist with pre- and post-procedural care as delegated
- Assist with wound care, dressing application and removal, and topical agent application
- Assist with patient transfers, ambulation, and transportation
- Report unusual changes in patient condition, responses to care delivery, diagnostic results, and medical or surgical emergencies
- Respond appropriately to emergency situations
- Answer telephones, respond to call signals, file and assemble charts, complete documentation, and schedule tests
- Maintain patient medical records and document patient status and care provided
- Utilize patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data
- Maintain confidentiality regarding patient and family information, department matters, and hospital information in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies
- Work effectively as a team member within your department and with customers to provide quality service
- Monitor and maintain supplies and equipment
- Assist with cardiopulmonary resuscitation by bringing needed supplies as required
- Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe environment while adhering to infection control and patient safety practices
- Complete required continuous training and education including department-specific requirements
- Collaborate with forensic teams 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 including neonates, infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, adolescents, adults, and/or geriatric patients as specialty assignment dictates
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, and grasping frequently
- Feeling, talking, and hearing constantly
- Eye, hand, and foot coordination constantly
- Repetitive motions constantly
- Pushing and pulling occasionally
- Climbing and balancing occasionally
- Crawling occasionally
- Sitting rarely
