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Overview
The Nurse Extern is accountable for providing nursing assistance and performing basic nursing procedures to groups of patients within an assigned nursing department, under the supervision, guidance and direction of a Registered Nurse. In addition, the Nurse Extern can gain additional clinical practice to enhance their preparation as future licensed nurses.
Responsibilities
• Under the continuous direct on-site supervision of a Registered Nurse, interprets the plan of medical care and provides input on the nursing care plan.
• Assists with nursing care activities after being deemed clinically competent by the nursing instructor.
• Completes nursing assessment forms with oversight and approval of a Registered Nurse.
• Provides personal care including bathing, shampooing, shaving, back rubs, position changes, bed making, meal preparation, feeding patients, and providing ice water.
• Answers call lights and bells promptly to determine and meet patient needs.
• Collects specimens including stool, urine, sputum, and other samples.
• Collects intake and output information and records appropriately.
• Collects and records vital signs and obtains pertinent patient information according to hospital policy.
• Assists and/or feeds patients, including enteral feedings.
• Provides between-meal nourishments, fresh drinking water, and encourages fluid intake when indicated.
• Assists in progressive ambulation of patients by wheelchair, stretcher, and bed.
• Administers enemas, douches, and inserts rectal tubes and documents appropriately.
• Applies ace bandages, elastic stockings, and sequential compression devices.
• Inserts catheters and feeding tubes.
• Applies restraints and side rails to ensure patient safety.
• Observes isolation techniques and provides direct care to patients in isolation.
• Assists with ostomy care and patient education.
• Sets up orthopedic appliances.
• Performs nursing functions requiring skill and judgment under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Maintains records and reports necessary patient care information.
• Confers periodically with the Registered Nurse regarding nursing activities and patient care matters.
• Assists in patient and family education as directed by the Registered Nurse.
• Serves as a liaison between the patient and other members of the healthcare team.
• Prepares patients for surgery and other therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
• Maintains a safe environment for patient care.
• Places IV infusion devices under the direct supervision and immediate bedside presence of the supervising Registered Nurse.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Enrollment in a Board of Nursing approved Registered Nurse Program required.
• Completion of Nursing Fundamentals and/or a basic Medical/Surgical clinical rotation required (may vary by school).
Experience
• Successful completion of at least one Medical/Surgical clinical rotation in an acute care setting required.
• Program duration typically ranges from six (6) to twelve (12) months.
Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
• Current transcripts required.
• Copy of skills evaluation demonstrating competency in basic procedures, including: • Taking vital signs. • Providing bed baths. • Feeding patients. • Positioning and turning patients. • Other basic patient care skills.
• Two (2) recommendation letters from nursing instructors required.
• Ability to provide patient care under the supervision of licensed nursing personnel.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, instructors, and healthcare team members.
Licenses & Certifications
• Candidate must be enrolled in an accredited Registered Nurse Program.
Additional Requirements
• Must pass a background check.
• Candidates will be scheduled for interviews after completion of all program requirements.
• Following acceptance into the program, candidates must successfully complete post-offer screenings, physical examinations, and all organizational requirements for new hires.
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