Extern Student Nurse

CommonSpirit Health • Lexington, KY

1d

About The Position

The Extern Student Nurse participates in a four-week Winter Nurse Extern Program at CHI Saint Joseph Health, beginning in December. The program provides nursing students with supervised clinical experience, mentorship, and opportunities to develop skills and confidence before graduation. Externs work full-time hours for the program duration, typically three shifts per week depending on the department, and may continue with the organization on a PRN basis after the program until graduation.

Externs are paired with RN preceptors for one-on-one guidance and may rotate through different units or remain in an area of focus, depending on availability and interest. They take part in patient care under supervision, receive feedback from nursing leaders and educators, and participate in the organization's evidence-based residency activities. The role involves individualized, patient-centered care in collaboration with physicians and multidisciplinary teams.

The position includes performing clinical procedures under the direction of a Registered Nurse; obtaining and documenting vital signs, intake and output, accuchecks, and specimens; assisting with patient care, procedures, hygiene, mobility, and emotional support; and communicating patient status to the RN. Externs are expected to follow facility safety and infection-control practices, protect patient confidentiality, participate in professional development activities, and perform other duties as assigned.

Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited ADN or BSN program, have completed Nursing Fundamentals 101, hold current American Heart Association BLS certification, and have completed a skills competency assessment. The program is for students graduating between May and December 2027, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A high school diploma or GED is also required.

Requirements

• High school diploma and/or GED.
• Current enrollment in an accredited nursing program and successful completion of the Nursing Fundamentals 101 course.
• Graduating between May and December 2027 from an accredited ADN or BSN program.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association.
• Completed Skills Competency Assessment.
• Demonstrated career path showing progressive leadership responsibilities and project management.
• Ability to work collaboratively to achieve department, facility, and regional results.
• Skilled verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrated clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Perform clinical procedures competently under the direction of a Registered Nurse and according to applicable policies and procedures.
• Obtain and document vital signs, intake and output, accuchecks, and specimens according to unit protocol or direction.
• Obtain blood and blood products from the blood bank and assist with identifying blood before administration when needed.
• Assist with tracheostomy care, suctioning, G-tube and feeding tube insertion and maintenance, and dressing changes.
• Assist physicians before, during, and after procedures within facility and unit guidelines.
• Apply knowledge of age-appropriate behavior and growth and development when caring for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.
• Provide routine and procedural hygiene, assist with patients' activity needs, and assist with post-mortem care.
• Provide emotional support and help monitor patients' recovery from procedures.
• Communicate effectively with the healthcare team, maintain patient confidentiality, and immediately report changes in patient condition or other pertinent information to the RN.
• Assist with patient and family education as appropriate.
• Attend shift huddles and in-services as appropriate; use equipment safely and follow PPE, universal precautions, and blood-borne pathogen regulations.
• Clean and check stretchers, wheelchairs, bedside commodes, and IV poles according to unit protocol, and immediately report actual or potential hazards.
• Dress professionally, wear a name badge, perform AIDET before patient and family interactions, and actively participate in Nurse Extern activities.
• Participate in supervised patient care, preceptor guidance, mentorship, and the program's clinical learning activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Opportunity to continue with the organization on a PRN basis after the program until graduation.
• Opportunity to explore future RN opportunities, including the New Graduate Nurse Residency Program.
• One-on-one guidance from RN preceptors, mentorship, and feedback from nursing leaders and educators.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED