Nurse Extern Coordinator

Community Health Systems•Poplar Bluff, MO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nurse Extern Coordinator (LPN or RN) is responsible for coordinating the scheduling and placement of nurse externs (RN students) across various acute care departments. This role acts as a liaison between the education team, department managers/directors, and local nursing school partners. The coordinator will mentor and support nurse externs throughout their clinical experience, while also managing office-based tasks such as scheduling, tracking, and communication, preferably using Google Docs/Sheets/Calendar. A key aspect of this role is ensuring appropriate student placement based on specialty needs and professionalism standards.

Requirements

LPN or RN license required
Minimum of 1 year acute care experience
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Organized, professional, and comfortable in an office-focused role
0-2 years of experience in a clinical nursing role or student clinical rotations in an acute care setting required
Strong knowledge of the nursing process and clinical nursing practices.
Ability to perform thorough patient assessments and communicate findings effectively.
Proficient in administering medications and monitoring for side effects.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documenting patient care.
Knowledge of safety standards, infection control, and quality improvement initiatives.
RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required
BCLS - Basic Life Support required

Nice To Haves

ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred
PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support preferred
NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation preferred

Responsibilities

Coordinate scheduling and placement for nurse externs (RN students) across acute care departments
Serve as liaison between education team, managers/directors, and local nursing school partners
Mentor and support nurse externs throughout their clinical experience
Complete office-based tasks including scheduling, tracking, and communication (Google Docs/Sheets/Calendar preferred)
Ensure appropriate student placement based on specialty needs and professionalism standards
Provide patient-centered care through the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Coordinate and deliver high-quality care based on established clinical protocols and physician/provider orders.
Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective patient care and desired outcomes.
Maintain a supportive and compassionate environment for patients and their families.
Conducts thorough patient assessments and documents findings accurately, reporting changes in condition to the appropriate care team members.
Utilizes knowledge of human growth and development to provide age-appropriate care and education.
Administers prescribed medications, monitors for side effects, and documents administration in accordance with standards of practice.
Assists physicians during procedures within the scope of documented competency and skill level.
Collaborates with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans based on patient assessments and needs.
Responds to medical emergencies and participates in life-saving interventions, such as CPR and code team activities, as appropriate.
Advocates for the rights and needs of patients, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in care planning and delivery.
Provides patient and family education on medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care, ensuring understanding and adherence to instructions.
Implements and adheres to infection control protocols to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections.
Monitors and operates medical equipment (e.g., IV pumps, monitors, ventilators) as needed for patient care and safety.
Promotes patient safety by adhering to National Patient Safety Goals and maintaining a clean, safe environment for patients and staff.
Participates in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks to ensure adherence to standards of practice and regulatory requirements.
Demonstrates responsible decision-making in planning, delegating, and providing care based on patient needs and organizational policies.
Documents patient care and education thoroughly and promptly in the medical record.
Engages in professional development to maintain clinical competency and understanding of current nursing standards and regulations.
Participates in performance improvement initiatives, including data collection and process development, to enhance patient outcomes and care delivery.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
Complies with all policies and standards.