Nurse Extern - Med​/Surg

Job Overview

The nurse extern is a temporary position for nursing students to practice in all nursing areas. The extern is co‑assigned with a RN and may perform direct and indirect patient care working under direct supervision of a professional registered nurse.

• Assist registered nurse in the practice of professional nursing by providing direct patient care to promote patient comfort and facilitate performance of diagnostic and treatment procedures as outlined in the nursing care plan.
• Perform routine treatment procedures and assist in maintaining a safe, clean environment.
• Assist the RN with the patient’s activities of daily living, following departmental procedure.
• Perform designated procedures as needed, following departmental procedure.
• Accurately observe, record, and report to RN all patient concerns, symptoms, reactions, and progress in a timely manner.
• Assist RN with examinations and procedures according to departmental procedure.
• Demonstrate knowledge in basic and intermediate care skills as verified by nurse mentor, preceptor, nurse manager and/or nurse director.
• Assist RN with procedures defined by advanced skills inventory.
• Demonstrate knowledge in those skills identified on the skills checklist that may be carried out independently.
• Demonstrate knowledge in those skills identified on the skills checklist that may be carried out under direct supervision of an RN.
• Educate self effectively and assist in peer education; seek educational opportunities to increase competence.
• Assist RN with indirect care by maintaining a clean, sanitary, and safe environment to prevent and/or control infections and provide safety for patients, visitors, and employees.
• Thoroughly clean assigned patient care areas according to departmental procedure.
• May act in the role of a sitter for a patient as assigned by charge RN.
• May have limited access to medication, including during transport of non-controlled substances upon request of a licensed care provider.
• Make rounds, handle patient requests, report and record changes in condition or behavior of patients or unusual incidents, within scope of training.
• Assist and accompany patients in the admission, transfer, and discharge process.
• Ensure adherence to hospital and departmental policies and procedures.

Student must be in good standing in a nationally accredited nursing program and in their final year of an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree program.

• BLS required.
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and shift rotations as needed.
• Co‑assigned with a RN and will work under direct supervision of a professional registered nurse.
• Considered a critical service during inclement weather and disasters.