Nurse Extern - Psychiatric Inpatient - Days / Evenings

About the position

The Nurse Extern position at WellSpan Philhaven is designed for senior nursing students and offers a comprehensive experience in psychiatric inpatient care. The program runs from June 2, 2025, to July 26, 2025, and includes a 1:1 experienced RN preceptor. The extern will work 36 to 40 hours per week with varied shifts, including weekends and holidays, based on the preceptor's schedule. The extern will rotate through all inpatient units, including Adult Inpatient, Extended Acute Inpatient, and Child Adolescent Inpatient. Upon completion of the program, students may have the opportunity to continue employment in a Behavioral Health Technician or Extended Nurse Extern capacity by working a minimum of 16 hours per month.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct care to patients by performing a variety of duties, including assisting with data collection, provision of care, completion of selected therapeutic interventions, and documentation of care provided for a specified group of patients.
• Provides information needed by the registered nurse to coordinate the care and discharge planning for the patient and family.
• Provides general nursing care and personal care assistance to patients, including bathing, dressing, eating, changing bed linens and bed pans, and positioning.
• Assists in the preparation and transportation of patients for tests, procedures, etc.
• Monitors patient condition levels; reports changes to the appropriate individuals.
• Obtains and documents patient vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, weight, respiration, pulse, pain, and department-specific requirements.
• Performs selected procedures if demonstrated competency during formal Nurse Extern Program.
• Sets up and removes equipment and supplies; ensures equipment is functioning properly and stored appropriately.
• Performs EKGs and Point-of-Care testing which may include blood glucose, hemoccult, and specific gravity testing.
• Runs special errands as required. Responds to light calls.
• Ensures patient rooms, nursing areas, supply carts, etc. are stocked with appropriate items at required levels.
• Maintains par levels of supplies and equipment on assigned unit(s). Notifies supervisor when reorder points are reached.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Currently enrolled in an approved Nursing program with completion of two clinical semesters.
• Basic Life Support certification upon hire.

Nice-to-haves

• Enrollment in an accredited BSN program.

Benefits

• Opportunity to continue employment after the externship.
• Hands-on experience in a psychiatric inpatient setting.