Nurse Extern - Bronson Healthcare (All Locations) - PRN

Bronson Healthcare•Kalamazoo, MI

84d•Onsite

About The Position

Thank you for your interest in Bronson's Nurse Externship! Applications will be reviewed starting 08/31/2026. We strive to match you with your top preferred areas based on availability and compatibility. Student Extern Rotations are available. Please note that students are unable to transfer units/rotations until the completion of the externship. You will be prompted in the application to specify your top five areas of interest. Ensure you indicate the hospital(s) and specific unit(s) of interest. Please include at least 1 med/surg area of interest. Current Bronson employees should submit their application through Workday, accessible from the Bronson Home Page. For more information on our units, please utilize the following link: Departments at Bronson. This is a paid, year-round position working 12-hour variable shifts (7a to 7p or 7p to 7a). A minimum of four shifts per month is required (two of the four shifts will be weekend shifts) typically equating to one 12-hour shift per week. The position is PRN and not eligible for benefits. Nurse Externs selected for a position will undergo a two-week, full-time (day shift) orientation program to ensure preparedness for working on the unit. Under general supervision and in accordance with the policies, procedures, and guidelines established within the organization, unit, and the Nurse Practice Act, the Nurse Extern works with an RN to implement patient care based on the patient’s age and maintain and upgrade his/her skills based on the patient population served, the type and nature of care provided, and advances in health care technology. The Nurse Extern is responsible for communicating learning needs to the nurse preceptor. The Nurse Extern will seek out a variety of learning experiences and is accountable, under the direction of an RN, for setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and promoting the achievement of patient outcomes as defined in the nursing care plan, as follows: utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation; coordinating the care provided by other professionals and unlicensed staff, including delegation and coaching in selected situations; providing selected aspects of physical care within the scope of professional nursing practice as appropriate given the patient’s level of acuity and complexity of care required; and documenting and communicating during each tour of duty the patient’s response to care provided, consumption of resources and anticipated needs. Employees providing direct patient care must demonstrate competencies specific to the population served. The Nurse Extern must complete the individual unit requirements for orientation which includes Hospital, Core, and Department specific orientation based upon the unit and experience level (the Nurse Extern is considered to be in orientation during the full time of employment as a Nurse Extern).

Requirements

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited school of nursing and be within one year of graduation, with an expected graduation date in Spring 2027 or Winter 2027.
BLS Certification
Ability to read, interpret, and analyze data from various computer systems and equipment in order to set an appropriate plan of action.
Satisfactory completion of a pharmacology course or satisfactory performance on a pharmacology medication test.
Must be able to constantly communicate in a clear and caring manner, both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

Documents nursing history and physical/emotional needs/strengths for assigned patients.
Develops a plan of care for assigned patients, based upon assessment.
Manages care plan for assigned patients by organizing and delegating therapeutic patient care interventions to be implemented and evaluating effectiveness of care given by self and others.
Takes temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs to assess condition of patient and detect deviations from normal.
Observes patient, records significant conditions and reactions, implements appropriate interventions and/or notifies supervisor or Physician of patient’s condition and reaction to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents.
Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques and policies.
Explains procedures and treatments to patient to gain cooperation, understanding, and allay apprehension.
Prepares equipment and aids physician during treatment and examination of patient.
Maintains awareness of comfort and safety needs of patient.
Initiates a patient education plan according to the individualized needs of the patient, as prescribed by Physician, and/or hospital policy and nursing care plan, including patient and family instruction.
Responds to life saving situations based upon nursing standards, policies, procedures, and protocol.
Manages discharge planning and preparation for assigned patients.
Manages personal, unit, and hospital resources effectively.
Rotates among clinical services of institution within cluster (i.e., obstetrics, surgery, orthopedics, outpatient and admitting, pediatrics, etc.).
Prepares rooms, appropriate instruments, equipment, and supplies for procedures of surgery (as assignment indicates).
Participates in department or unit performance improvement activities.
Assumes responsibility for professional development.
Develops and provides a positive work climate and the overall team effort of the department.
May act as a clinical resource and role model to Unit Clerk, USAs, PCAs, and LPNs.