Nurse Extern - Patient Care Technician

About the role

The Nurse Extern Program is a paid, hands-on development opportunity for pre-licensure RN students enrolled in an accredited nursing program. Nurse Externs work alongside experienced nurses, preceptors, and clinical educators while progressing through four self-paced competency levels over an approximately 18-month program. The program combines direct patient care, skill development, specialty shadowing, and exposure to departments throughout the hospital to strengthen clinical judgment, build confidence, explore nursing specialties, and prepare students for a successful transition into graduate nurse practice.

Under the direction of an RN, Nurse Externs assist with activities of daily living, vital signs, intake and output, blood glucose testing, specimen collection, hygiene, mobility, patient safety, and timely documentation and reporting. As competencies are completed, externs may receive training in skills such as Foley and peripheral IV removal or placement, EKGs, cardiac rhythm interpretation, bladder scanning, phlebotomy, and selected specialty support roles.

Responsibilities

• Assists nursing staff in delivering care, performing delegated basic patient care services, and ensuring a clean, safe, and well-organized environment.
• Collects and records patient data, including vital signs, height, weight, oxygen saturation, intake/output, and calorie counts, reporting findings to the RN/LPN/LVN.
• Supports patients with meals, feeding, bathing, oral care, grooming, linen changes, skin care, elimination assistance, and urinary catheter care.
• Assists with patient positioning, repositioning, dangling, ambulating, and using mobility aids such as walkers, crutches, canes, and wheelchairs.
• Collects urine and stool samples and performs blood glucose monitoring via finger sticks, documenting and reporting results to the RN/LPN/LVN.
• Communicates patient information effectively to the care team, adapts to change, and maintains professionalism in all interactions.
• Maintains a clean, neat, and safe environment for patients and staff, adhering to infection control and safety protocols, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives, risk management reporting, and compliance with National Patient Safety Goals and Core Measures.
• May be required to maintain continuous visual observation of the patient and remains with them at all times unless relieved by appropriate personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled and in good standing in an accredited pre-licensure RN program.
• Nursing Foundations coursework must be completed or in progress.
• Expected graduation date must meet the requirements of the current cohort.
• BLS certification must be obtained within seven days of hire.
• Work at least one shift per pay period during the semester and two 12-hour shifts per pay period during school breaks.
• Work one major holiday and one night shift during the approximately 18-month program.
• Demonstrate professionalism, dependable attendance, teamwork, communication, and a commitment to patient safety.
• Participate in one-on-one preceptor training during the initial competency period.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in an acute care setting or currently enrolled in a Nursing program preferred.
• Basic knowledge of patient care practices and equipment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and work collaboratively within a team.
• Commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to safety protocols.

Licenses and Certifications

• BCLS - Basic Life Support within 90 days of hire required.
• CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant preferred.
• Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) preferred.