Job Description

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

(for nursing care beyond that performed by nursing assistants once deemed competent for nursing assistant related tasks)

============================================================================================================================================================================================================

Interprets plan of medical care and provides input on nursing care plan and assist in the following provided they have been deemed clinically competent by their nursing instructor.

========================================================================================================================================================================================

Completes the nursing assessment form with oversight and approval of RN.

============================================================================

Provides personal care including bath, shampoo, shave, back rub, positions changes, makes beds, prepares patients for meals, feeds patients and passes ice water.

=====================================================================================================================================================================

Answers call lights and bells promptly to determine and meet patient needs.

===============================================================================

Collects specimens, stool, urine, sputum, etc.

==================================================

Collects input and output and records appropriately.

========================================================

Collects and records vital signs on patient. Obtains and records pertinent patient information per hospital policy.

=======================================================================================================================

Assist and/or feeds patients. (enteral feedings included), provides between meal nourishments, provides fresh drinking water and encourages fluids 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 and elastic stockings and sequential compression devices.

==================================================================================

Inserts catheters and feeding tubes.

========================================

Applies restraints and side rails to ensure safety of patients.

===================================================================

Observes isolation technique and give direct care to patients in isolation.

===============================================================================

Assists in ostomy care and education.

=========================================

Set up orthopedic appliances.

=================================

Performs nursing functions requiring skill and judgement (supervised by RN).

================================================================================

Maintains records and reports necessary information in regard to patient care.

==================================================================================

Confers periodically with the RN on activities of the nursing staff and matters related to nursing care.

============================================================================================================

Assists in patient and family education as directed by the RN.

==================================================================

Serves as a liaison between the patient and other members of the health team.

=================================================================================

Prepares patients for surgery and other therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

==================================================================================

Maintains a safe environment for patient care.

==================================================

Place IV infusion devices under the direct supervision/immediate presence at the bedside of the supervising nurse.

======================================================================================================================

Performs other duties as assigned.

======================================


Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

==========================================

Enrollment in Board of Nursing approved School of Nursing Registered Nurse Program

======================================================================================

Completion of Nursing Fundamentals and/or basic Med/Surg clinical rotation.

===============================================================================

(Will vary per school)

==========================

Program Duration: 6-12 Months Program Candidates: Enrolled in an Accredited Registered Nurse Program Minimum Requirements: Education: Successful completion of one Med/Surg clinical rotation in an acute care setting Current Transcripts and Copy of Skills Evaluation on basic procedures, such as: Taking vital signs, giving bed baths, feeding, positioning and turning patients, etc. Recommendation letter from 2 instructors Pass Background Check (Note: Candidate will be scheduled for interview when requirements #1 to #5 are complete) * After acceptance into the program, candidates have to pass post off screenings/physical screening and other organization requirements for new hires.