Nurse Extern - ED

About the role

The nurse extern position is a temporary opportunity for nursing students to gain practical experience across various nursing areas within FirstHealth of the Carolinas. This role is co-assigned with a Registered Nurse (RN) and involves performing both direct and indirect patient care under direct supervision.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine treatment procedures and assists in maintaining a safe, clean environment.
• Affords assistance in the patient’s activities of daily living, ensuring these are provided in a timely manner according to departmental procedures.
• Accurately observes, records, and reports patient concerns, symptoms, reactions, and progress to the Registered Nurse (RN).
• Aids the RN in examinations and procedures as per departmental procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge in basic and intermediate care skills, verified through mentorship, preceptorship, and assessments by nurse managers and directors.
• Participates in the execution of advanced skills as outlined in the advanced skills inventory, demonstrating competency in skills independently or under RN supervision.
• Engages in self-education and assists in peer education, seeking further opportunities to enhance competence.
• Maintains a clean, sanitary, and safe environment to prevent and control infections, ensuring the safety of patients, visitors, and employees.
• Cleans assigned patient care areas thoroughly according to departmental procedures.
• May act as a sitter for a patient as directed by the Charge RN.
• May have limited access to medications, including controlled substances, as requested by a licensed care provider.
• Completes rounds, handles patient requests, reports and documents changes in patient condition or behavior, and addresses unusual incidents within the scope of training.
• Assists and accompanies patients during admission, transfer, and discharge processes.
• Ensures compliance with hospital and departmental policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a nationally accredited nursing program in their final year of an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree program.
• Must be in good standing of the nursing program.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and shift rotations as needed.
• Considered critical service during inclement weather and disasters.

Qualifications

• BLS certification is required.

Skills

• Basic and intermediate care skills.
• Advanced skills as per the advanced skills inventory.
• Self-directed learning and peer education.
• Compliance with hospital and departmental policies and procedures.

Benefits

FirstHealth of the Carolinas offers competitive benefits to its employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Pay

The pay rate for this position is determined based on the student's level of experience and the specific requirements of the program.

Schedule

The schedule for the nurse extern position varies depending on the needs of the department and the availability of the student. Shifts may include day, evening, night, and weekend hours.