Extern Student Nurse

Saint Joseph Hospital - Lexington•Lexington, KY

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, hands-on clinical experience, mentorship, and exposure to clinical practice in preparation for transition into professional nursing. Externs work full-time hours during the program, typically three shifts per week based on department needs, and may continue with the organization on a PRN basis until graduation. Externs receive one-on-one guidance from RN preceptors and participate in patient care under supervision. Depending on availability and interest, they may rotate through different units or focus in one area. They receive feedback and mentorship from nursing leaders and educators and participate in clinical orientation, practice, and other Nurse Extern activities. The role involves individualized patient care in collaboration with physicians and multidisciplinary teams. Duties include clinical procedures under Registered Nurse direction, vital-sign and intake/output monitoring, patient and family support and education, and adherence to facility policies, safety practices, and confidentiality requirements.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

Perform clinical procedures competently, following applicable policies and procedures under the direction of a Registered Nurse.
Obtain vital signs, intake and output, and accuchecks, and document according to unit protocol.
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 simple or complex dressing changes.
Assist physicians before, during, and after procedures within facility and unit guidelines.
Apply knowledge of age-appropriate behavior and patient growth and development across children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.
Provide routine and procedural hygiene and assist with patients’ activity needs.
Obtain specimens as directed.
Assist with or perform post-mortem care, provide emotional support to patients, and assist with monitoring recovery from procedures.
Communicate effectively with the health care team and maintain patient confidentiality.
Immediately report changes in a patient’s condition or other pertinent data to the RN.
Assist with patient and family education as appropriate.
Attend shift huddles and in-services as appropriate.
Use equipment safely and properly; clean and check stretchers, wheelchairs, bedside commodes, and IV poles according to unit protocol.
Use personal protective equipment and comply with universal precautions and blood-borne pathogen regulations.
Immediately identify and report actual or potential hazards in the hospital environment.
Demonstrate knowledge of safety and emergency codes.
Dress professionally and wear a name badge at all times.
Perform AIDET before patient and family interactions.
Actively participate in Nurse Extern activities and the evidence-based residency program.
Collaborate with physicians and multidisciplinary teams to provide individualized patient care, including administering treatments, monitoring vital signs, and educating patients and families.