Nurse Extern | CVICU

Department Status: Benefits Eligible

Hours Per Week: 0 (varies based on clinical rotation and unit needs)

Pay Range: $19.00 - $19.00 per hour

About the role

Under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN), the Nurse Extern is responsible for demonstrating competency in foundational and progressively developing patient care skills, performing only those delegated tasks that align with their education, validated competencies, and organizational policy. The extern supports the RN in delivering safe, high-quality, age-appropriate care and contributes to patient throughput by assisting with transport, admissions, discharges, and other workflow activities as assigned.

Orientation begins December 14, 2026 (must attend the full week).

Requirements

• Proof of high school education or equivalent (GED).
• Completion of the first semester that includes a basic fundamentals of nursing course in an accredited School of Nursing.
• Active enrollment and good standing in a recognized accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Successful completion of foundational nursing coursework, including but not limited to:
  • Foundations of Professional Nursing
  • Physical Assessment and Health
  • Fundamental Principles and Skills
  • Pathophysiology/Pharmacology or equivalent courses
• Verification of coursework completion through official or unofficial transcripts, written confirmation from the School of Nursing, or other formal academic documentation.
• Completion of the 2026 Nurse Extern Program Letter (one-time submission).
• Submission of a 2026 Nurse Extern Reference Form completed by a clinical instructor or preceptor (one-time submission).

Responsibilities

• Supports patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, and other personal care needs while maintaining dignity, comfort, and safety.
• Assists patients with mobility and hygiene needs, including repositioning, transfers, ambulation, and use of assistive devices in accordance with established procedures and RN direction.
• Obtains and documents routine clinical measurements, including vital signs, height, weight, and intake/output; promptly reports abnormalities or notable changes to the RN.
• Supports patient nutrition and hydration by assisting with feeding, meal setup, and monitoring diet tolerance in alignment with prescribed diet orders and RN guidance.
• Maintains a clean and safe patient environment, ensuring rooms, equipment, and common areas meet infection prevention standards and remain hazard-free.
• Observes and communicates changes in patient condition, including physical, emotional, or behavioral variations, and provides timely, factual reports to the RN.
• Reinforces patient and family education, reviews safety measures, explains unit routines, and assists in preparing patients for tests or procedures as directed by the RN.
• Performs clerical and administrative support functions, including answering phones, entering information into the electronic medical record, retrieving supplies, and supporting unit communication.
• Manages patient-care supplies and equipment, stocks inventory, and ensures materials are available and equipment is clean and functional.
• Performs competency-validated technical skills, such as 12-lead electrocardiograms, routine venipuncture, and specimen collection, under RN supervision and only after documented competency validation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) required.
• Active enrollment in a recognized accredited nursing program (Associate-level or Bachelor-level) and maintenance of good academic standing with a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Successful completion of foundational nursing coursework required for safe participation in supervised clinical practice.
• Ability to complete all required orientation, training, and competency validation programs upon hire, including RN-supported instruction for designated skills.
• Demonstrated competency in basic fundamentals of nursing as acquired through accredited nursing coursework.

Skills

• Ability to perform approved clinical skills and procedures following RN-precepted training and documented competency validation.
• Strong observational and communication skills to identify and report changes in patient condition.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, work effectively in a team-oriented environment, and remain composed in high-stress or emergency situations.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, squat, kneel, and assist with patient transfers or equipment movement while maintaining proper body mechanics.
• Adequate near and far visual acuity, hearing, fine motor coordination, and tactile sensitivity to safely perform clinical support activities.
• Ability to function safely in a clinical environment with exposure to blood, bodily fluids, communicable diseases, and other potential hazards.

Benefits

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards, including:

• Competitive base compensation with opportunity for annual increases based on performance.
• Premium pay for shift differentials, on-call duties, and other eligible roles.
• Incentive pay for select positions.
• Paid Time Off programs.
• Health and welfare benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Family benefits, including adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program for career development.

Note: Eligibility for programs may depend on FTE or employment status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary).

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of additional nursing coursework beyond foundational requirements.
• Previous experience in healthcare, patient care, or customer service settings.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association.
• Familiarity with electronic medical record (EMR) systems.
• Strong communication, interpersonal skills, and demonstrated interest in developing clinical skills within a hospital or acute care setting.