Nurse Extern | Progressive Care Unit

Department Status: Benefits Eligible (No)

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.

Responsibilities

• Supports patients with activities of daily living (ADLs); assists with bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, and other essential personal care needs while maintaining dignity, comfort, and safety.
• Assists patients with mobility and hygiene needs—repositions, transfers, ambulates, and utilizes assistive devices in accordance with established procedures and RN direction.
• Obtains and documents routine clinical measurements—records vital signs, height, weight, and intake/output accurately, and promptly reports abnormalities or notable changes to the RN.
• Supports patient nutrition and hydration—assists with feeding, meal setup, and monitoring diet tolerance in alignment with prescribed diet orders, safety precautions, and RN guidance.
• Maintains a clean and safe patient environment—ensures patient rooms, equipment, and common areas meet infection prevention standards and remain free from hazards.
• Observes and communicates changes in patient condition—identifies physical, emotional, or behavioral variations and provides timely, factual reports to the RN to support clinical decision-making.
• Reinforces patient and family education and orientation—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—answers phones, enters basic information into the electronic medical record, retrieves supplies, and supports communication flow on the unit.
• Manages patient-care supplies and equipment—stocks inventory, ensures materials are available, and maintains cleanliness and proper functioning of designated equipment.
• Performs competency-validated technical skills—conducts tasks such as 12-lead electrocardiograms, routine venipuncture, and specimen collection, as permitted by organizational policy and Georgia practice guidelines, strictly under RN supervision and only after documented competency validation.

Requirements

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) required.
• Actively enrolled in a recognized accredited nursing program and remain in good academic standing.
• Must maintain a minimum 2.5 Grade Point Average (GPA), calculated on a weighted 4.0 scale. This requirement applies to all coursework and includes consideration for advanced classes (e.g., Honors, AP, IB).
• Successfully completed foundational nursing coursework required to participate safely in supervised clinical practice, such as:
  • Foundations of Professional Nursing
  • Physical Assessment and Health
  • Fundamental Principles and Skills
  • Pathophysiology/Pharmacology
• Completion of first semester that includes basic fundamentals of nursing course in an accredited School of Nursing.
• Verification of completion or anticipated completion of required foundational nursing coursework prior to the onboarding date through acceptable documentation (e.g., official or unofficial academic transcripts, written confirmation from the School of Nursing).
• Proof of HS education.
• Satisfactory Reference Form (completed by clinical instructor or preceptor).
• Completed Nurse Extern Program letter (only needs to be filled out once, even if applying for multiple positions).

Preferred Qualifications

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

Skills

• Demonstrated competency in the basic fundamentals of nursing as acquired through accredited nursing coursework.
• Ability to perform approved clinical skills and procedures following RN-precepted training and documented competency validation.
• Ability to maintain academic performance standards required for continued good standing in the nursing program.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods and frequently bend, reach, squat, kneel, and move between positions efficiently to meet clinical workflow demands.
• Sufficient strength and mobility to assist with patient transfers, repositioning, and the movement of equipment or supplies while maintaining proper body mechanics.
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling tasks may range from light to moderately heavy.
• Adequate near and far visual acuity, hearing, fine motor coordination, and tactile sensitivity necessary to safely observe patients, recognize alarms and call signals, handle equipment, and perform assigned clinical support activities.
• Ability to respond promptly and appropriately to changes in patient condition, prioritize multiple tasks, and remain composed and effective in high-stress or emergency situations.
• Extended use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, and gowns.
• Work is performed in a clinical environment where exposure to blood, bodily fluids, communicable diseases, noxious odors, high noise levels, and frequent interruptions may occur.
• Flexibility in work hours, including the ability to work weekends, holidays, or varied shifts, may be required to support patient care operations.

Pay

Pay Range: $19.00 - $19.00 per hour

Schedule

Orientation date begins December 14, 2026 (must attend the whole week). Flexibility in work hours, including weekends, holidays, or varied shifts, may be required.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off programs.
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.
• Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call pay, and more based on the role.
• Incentive pay for select positions.
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.