Nurse Extern

Employment Type: Part time, rotating shift

About the role

An opportunity to join Trinity Health Oakland—a 497-bed community teaching hospital, Level II trauma center, and longtime leader in Oakland County healthcare. The hospital provides comprehensive care in cardiovascular, stroke, orthopedics, obstetrics, gynecology, and cancer services, and has been delivering advanced medical care for over 90 years. As part of the Trinity Health System, the organization has received numerous local and national awards for leadership, quality outcomes, and clinical excellence.

The Contingent Nurse Extern functions as a collaborative member of the healthcare team under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). This role performs basic direct patient care for a specific group of patients, supports unit-based shared governance, and promotes organizational commitment to excellence in patient care.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates principles of Relationship-Based Care to cultivate and maintain therapeutic relationships and function as an interdisciplinary care team member.
• Performs basic bedside care and selected procedures under the direction and supervision of an RN, applying progressive knowledge and skills acquired through a formal nursing program.
• Performs activities of daily living (ADLs) appropriate to the patient’s condition under RN supervision.
• Provides individualized care consistent with the plan of care under RN direction, including basic nutritional support (bed setup, feeding assistance, intake/calorie documentation).
• Addresses educational needs of patients and families under RN supervision.
• Reports changes in patient condition to the RN in a timely manner.
• Assists with the admission process by collecting assessment data, applying equipment, labeling belongings, and orienting patients/families to unit routines.
• Provides patient care that respects rights, dignity, values, cultural preferences, and expressed needs, with attention to comfort, pain relief, and anxiety reduction.
• Seeks, evaluates, and incorporates feedback to improve performance and identify clinical improvement opportunities.
• Participates in self-appraisal and actively engages in unit-based and other committees promoting patient and workplace safety.
• Takes accountability for maintaining skills and competence while progressing toward the role of a Registered Nurse.
• Integrates Trinity Health’s Guiding Behaviors to provide excellent care for patients and care team members.
• Contributes to a culture of excellence through professional behavior in the organization and community.
• Performs other duties as assigned, which may vary by unit, patient type, or need, including non-clinical tasks supporting patient and care team needs.
• Demonstrates commitment to the mission of St. Joseph Mercy Oakland and Trinity Health values.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and policies (e.g., Trinity Health Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, Code of Ethics).
• Supports customer service expectations in interactions with personnel, patients, and community groups.

Requirements

• Currently attending and in good standing at an accredited school of nursing; enrollment in a bachelor’s program preferred.
• Must maintain continuous "active" student status.
• Must have successfully completed two (2) clinical nursing rotations, including one Medical/Surgical rotation.
• Current BCLS (Basic Life Support Certification).
• Organizational and time management skills to complete role responsibilities.
• Ability to adapt to changes in assigned hours, shifts, or days based on departmental/organizational needs.
• Positive communication skills to meet diverse patient needs, optimize resources, and adapt care processes.
• Excellent customer service orientation for interactions with hospital personnel, patients, and community groups.

Skills

• Increased complexity of assignments may be assigned based on demonstrated competencies and relevant coursework.
• Ability to use hands for simple/firm grasping and fine manipulation.
• Physical requirements include occasional squatting, crawling, crouching, kneeling, balancing, frequent bending/stooping, and reaching above shoulder level.
• Frequent lifting/carrying of patients/equipment/other items not exceeding 51 pounds; associates will not lift items/patients exceeding 35 pounds from the floor.
• In a typical day, the associate may sit for 25%, stand for 25%, and walk for 50% of the time.

Department/Unit Specifics

• Maintains skill level through completion of required hospital and unit-based education.
• Working weekends and holidays is required to meet staffing needs.
• May be assigned to other units or shifts to meet staffing requirements.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to communicable diseases, blood-borne pathogens, and hazardous substances in the patient care environment.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Full benefits package (Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, Life Insurance, Short- and Long-term Disability) starting on day one.
• Nurse Residency Program for all new nurses.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match and contributions.
• Opportunities for growth and advancement throughout Trinity Health.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• DailyPay – option to receive pay daily.
• Free parking near the workplace.