Nurse Extern | Rehab Hospital

Under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN), the Nurse Extern demonstrates 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.

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 with a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Successfully completed foundational nursing coursework, including but not limited to: Foundations of Professional Nursing, Physical Assessment and Health, Fundamental Principles and Skills, and Pathophysiology/Pharmacology, or equivalent courses as defined by the accredited nursing program.
• 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, or other formal academic documentation).
• Completion of the first semester that includes basic fundamentals of nursing course in an accredited School of Nursing.
• Satisfactory reference form completed by a clinical instructor or preceptor.
• Proof of high school education.
• Must attend the full orientation week beginning December 14, 2026.

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; reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable law.
• 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, may be required.
• Work is performed in a clinical environment with potential exposure to blood, bodily fluids, communicable diseases, noxious odors, high noise levels, and frequent interruptions.
• Flexibility in work hours, including the ability to work weekends, holidays, or varied shifts, may be required to support patient care operations.