Nurse Extern Tier I

Appalachian Regional Healthcare • Paintsville, KY

1d

About The Position

The Nurse Extern Tier I provides nursing assistance and performs basic nursing procedures for groups of patients in an assigned nursing department under the supervision, guidance, and direction of a Registered Nurse. The position also provides additional clinical practice to help prepare the extern to become a licensed nurse. Nursing care beyond nursing-assistant tasks is performed under continuous direct, on-site RN supervision and only after the extern has been deemed competent for the relevant tasks.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Enrollment in a Board of Nursing-approved School of Nursing Registered Nurse Program.
• Completion of basic Nursing Fundamentals and/or a Certified Nursing Assistant course.
• Current transcripts and a copy of a skills evaluation on basic procedures.
• Recommendation letters from two instructors.
• Ability to function in and adapt appropriately to a fast-moving, cross-unit team environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Prior experience handling confidential matters with appropriate discretion.
• Ability to handle multiple simultaneous tasks in a timely manner.
• Collaborative attitude when working with different departments.
• Positive, professional communication skills when working with coworkers.
• Attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Interpret the medical care plan and provide input on the nursing care plan; assist with care activities when deemed clinically competent by the nursing instructor.
• Complete nursing assessment forms with RN oversight and approval.
• Provide personal care, including bathing, shampooing, shaving, back rubs, repositioning, bed-making, meal preparation, feeding, and passing ice water.
• Answer call lights and bells promptly to determine and meet patient needs.
• Collect stool, urine, sputum, and other specimens.
• Collect and appropriately record patient intake and output.
• Collect and record vital signs and obtain and record pertinent patient information according to hospital policy.
• Assist with and/or feed patients, including enteral feedings; provide between-meal nourishment and fresh drinking water, and encourage fluids when indicated.
• Assist patients with progressive ambulation using wheelchairs, stretchers, and beds.
• Administer enemas and douches, insert rectal tubes, and document these activities appropriately.
• Apply ace bandages, elastic stockings, and sequential compression devices.
• Insert catheters and feeding tubes.
• Apply restraints and side rails to ensure patient safety.
• Observe isolation techniques and provide direct care to patients in isolation.
• Assist with ostomy care and education.
• Set up orthopedic appliances.
• Perform nursing functions requiring skill and judgment under RN supervision.
• Maintain records and report necessary information regarding patient care.
• Confer periodically with the RN about nursing staff activities and matters related to nursing care.
• Assist with patient and family education as directed by the RN.
• Serve as a liaison between patients and other members of the health team.
• Prepare patients for surgery and other therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
• Maintain a safe environment for patient care.
• Place IV infusion devices under the direct supervision and immediate bedside presence of the supervising nurse.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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