Nurse Extern - Bronson Healthcare (All Locations) - PRN

This posting is for external applicants; current Bronson employees should apply through Workday.

About the role

A paid, year-round PRN position for nursing students within one year of graduation. Nurse Externs work 12-hour variable shifts (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.) with a minimum of four shifts per month, including two weekend shifts (typically one 12-hour shift per week). This role is not eligible for benefits. Selected externs complete a two-week, full-time (day shift) orientation program.

Under general supervision and in accordance with organizational policies and the Nurse Practice Act, the Nurse Extern works with an RN to implement patient care based on the patient’s age, maintaining and upgrading skills relevant to the patient population served. The role involves communicating learning needs to the nurse preceptor, seeking diverse learning experiences, and supporting patient outcomes under RN direction.

Responsibilities

• Documents nursing history and physical/emotional needs/strengths for assigned patients.
• Develops and manages a plan of care for assigned patients, including assessment, delegation, and evaluation of care effectiveness.
• Takes and records vital signs, observes patient conditions, and implements interventions or notifies supervisors/physicians as needed.
• Administers prescribed medications and treatments following approved nursing techniques and policies.
• Explains procedures and treatments to patients to ensure cooperation and reduce apprehension.
• Prepares equipment and assists physicians during treatments and examinations.
• Addresses patient comfort and safety needs, and initiates individualized patient education plans.
• Responds to life-saving situations based on nursing standards, policies, and protocols.
• Manages discharge planning and resource utilization for assigned patients.
• Rotates among clinical services (e.g., obstetrics, surgery, orthopedics, pediatrics) within assigned clusters.
• Prepares rooms, instruments, equipment, and supplies for surgical procedures as assigned.
• Participates in performance improvement activities and assumes responsibility for professional development.
• Contributes to a positive work climate and team effort within the department.
• May act as a clinical resource and role model for Unit Clerks, USAs, PCAs, and LPNs.

Note: Some RN duties cannot be performed independently by the Nurse Extern; these limitations are outlined during orientation.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Enrolled in an accredited school of nursing with an expected graduation date in Spring 2027 or Winter 2027.
• Completion of unit-specific orientation requirements, including Hospital, Core, and Department-specific training.
• BLS Certification.
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze data from computer systems and equipment to develop action plans.
• Satisfactory completion of a pharmacology course or performance on a pharmacology medication test.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle mental/visual fatigue typical of roles with frequent uncontrollable deadlines.
• Up to 40% of time may involve operating a personal computer or CRT.
• Frequent standing, walking, lifting light-weight objects (up to 20 pounds), and assisting with heavier tasks such as patient lifting/moving.
• Ability to assume minor straining or fatiguing positions and perform fatiguing physical motions.

Schedule

• PRN (as needed) with variable 12-hour shifts (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.).
• Minimum of four shifts per month, including two weekend shifts (typically one 12-hour shift per week).