Nurse Extern

Student Nurse Extern

How would you like to work in a place where your contributions and ideas are valued? A place where you can serve with compassion, pursue excellence and honor every voice? At Wellstar, our mission is simple, yet powerful: to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve. We are proud to have become a shining example of what's possible when the brightest professionals dedicate themselves to making a difference in the healthcare industry, and in people's lives.

The Student Nurse Extern (SNE) provides basic care under the direction of the registered professional nurse. The SNE role is designed to provide an experiential learning opportunity for students to evolve towards professional nursing practice through the acquisition of basic clinical skills and advancing their knowledge related to patient care. The Nurse Extern position reports directly to the Nurse Manager. Key responsibilities of the role include safe, age appropriate and culturally competent care by performing basic patient care functions, i.e. ambulation, vital signs, transporting supplies/equipment/patient medications and other duties deemed necessary. The SNE may perform approved advanced technical procedures consistent with their experience and training. Advanced technical procedures (phlebotomy, incentive spirometry teaching, oral suctioning, insertion, and removal of perwick and removal of foley catheter) may be provided as per facility education and training. The SNE must be able to work in a fast-paced environment which requires multi-tasking activities and ongoing communication with the registered nurse. Must be able to perform under stressful conditions with a compassionate, respectful, and helpful manner. Must be able to take direction from a variety of care providers. Must be organized with excellent communication skills. The SNE role promotes a positive patient experience by partnering with the patient, family and other health care providers to provide excellence in customer service and assistance with basic daily living activities and comfort measures.

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

Excellence in Customer Service and Patient Centered Care

• Provides patient care under the supervision of the Registered Professional Nurse.
• Provides basic patient care needs (ex. Hygiene, nutrition, elimination, physical comfort measures) as assigned.
• Protects rights, confidentiality, concerns, and dignity of patients.
• Provides a safe environment for the provision of patient care.
• Participates in hourly patient rounding.
• Answers telephone and call lights promptly and notifies appropriate individual of need for follow-up.
• Proactively helps and comfort measures to patients and families.
• Present self in positive and professional manner and show sensitivity to concerns and needs of others.
• Assist RN and other members of health care team with care delivery as assigned.
• Consistent use of appropriate hand hygiene.
• Maintain patient rooms and unit areas clean and free of clutter.
• Follows appropriate PPE/Infection control policies.
• Reinforces the importance of universal precautions with patient and patients family.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics and lift equipment.

Communication

• Uses effective written and oral communication skills with patients, staff, physicians, family, and visitors.
• Uses safety communication techniques.
• Communicates completion of assignment/duties to appropriate person.
• Communicates patient care concerns/problems/emergencies to the RN.
• Uses positive and respectful communication with all members of healthcare team, patients, and families.

Teamwork

• Supports initiatives of the health care team.
• Participates in unit performance improvement initiatives.
• Supports professional nursing practice through shared governance, evidenced-based practice, and ethical accountability.
• Transports unit supplies, patient care supplies, medications and equipment as assigned.
• Practices accountability.

Evolving Professional Practice

• Completes a minimum of three of the following professional development activities per year:
• Local monthly meeting attendance.
• Professional Enrichment sessions.
• Professional practice advancement activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all WellStar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.

Required Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma General
• Accredited Program Nursing

Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s):

• Basic Life Support or BLS - Instructor

Required Minimum Experience:

• One (1) semester clinical in a nationally accredited associate, baccalaureate or masters level pre-licensure nursing program
• Required at least one clinical rotation completed in an acute care setting

Required Minimum Skills:

Ability to read, write and speak the English language. Strong customer service and interpersonal skills. Ability to collaborate with other health care providers in the provision of patient care. Ability to multi-task essential. Ability to function in stressful and emergency situations essential. Strong detail orientation required. Computer skills required. Personal time management skills are required. Basic computer skills required. Ability to enter information into an electronic medical record required. Basic medical terminology required.

Join us and discover the support to do more meaningful work—and enjoy a more rewarding life. Connect with the most integrated health system in Georgia, and start a future that gives you more.