The Nurse Extern is accountable for providing nursing assistance and performing basic nursing procedures to groups of patients within an assigned nursing department, under the supervision, guidance and direction of a Registered Nurse. In addition, the Nurse Extern can gain additional clinical practice to enhance their preparation as future licensed nurses.
• Under the continuous direct on-site supervision of a Registered Nurse, interprets the plan of medical care and provides input on the nursing care plan.
• Assists with nursing care activities after being deemed clinically competent by the nursing instructor.
• Completes nursing assessment forms with oversight and approval of a Registered Nurse.
• Provides personal care including bathing, shampooing, shaving, back rubs, position changes, bed making, meal preparation, feeding patients, and providing ice water.
• Answers call lights and bells promptly to determine and meet patient needs.
• Collects specimens including stool, urine, sputum, and other samples.
• Collects intake and output information and records appropriately.
• Collects and records vital signs and obtains pertinent patient information according to hospital policy.
• Assists and/or feeds patients, including enteral feedings.
• Provides between-meal nourishments, fresh drinking water, and encourages fluid intake when indicated.
• Assists in progressive ambulation of patients by wheelchair, stretcher, and bed.
• Administers enemas, douches, and inserts rectal tubes and documents appropriately.
• Applies ace bandages, elastic stockings, and sequential compression devices.
• Inserts catheters and feeding tubes.
• Applies restraints and side rails to ensure patient safety.
• Observes isolation techniques and provides direct care to patients in isolation.
• Assists with ostomy care and patient education.
• Sets up orthopedic appliances.
• Performs nursing functions requiring skill and judgment under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Maintains records and reports necessary patient care information.
• Confers periodically with the Registered Nurse regarding nursing activities and patient care matters.
• Assists in patient and family education as directed by the Registered Nurse.
• Serves as a liaison between the patient and other members of the healthcare team.
• Prepares patients for surgery and other therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
• Maintains a safe environment for patient care.
• Places IV infusion devices under the direct supervision and immediate bedside presence of the supervising Registered Nurse.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Enrollment in a Board of Nursing approved Registered Nurse Program required.
• Completion of Nursing Fundamentals and/or a basic Medical/Surgical clinical rotation required (may vary by school).
• Successful completion of at least one Medical/Surgical clinical rotation in an acute care setting required.
• Program duration typically ranges from six (6) to twelve (12) months.
• Current transcripts required.
• Copy of skills evaluation demonstrating competency in basic procedures, including: • Taking vital signs. • Providing bed baths. • Feeding patients. • Positioning and turning patients. • Other basic patient care skills.
• Two (2) recommendation letters from nursing instructors required.
• Ability to provide patient care under the supervision of licensed nursing personnel.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, instructors, and healthcare team members.
• Candidate must be enrolled in an accredited Registered Nurse Program.
• Must pass a background check.
• Candidates will be scheduled for interviews after completion of all program requirements.
• Following acceptance into the program, candidates must successfully complete post-offer screenings, physical examinations, and all organizational requirements for new hires.
Job details are sourced from the employer's original posting.
Open job postingAbout the company
Appalachian Regional Healthcare is a not-for-profit integrated health system serving eastern Kentucky and West Virginia.