Nurse Extern

HIGHLAND-CLARKSBURG HOSPITAL INC•Clarksburg, WV

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nurse Extern works under direct supervision and instruction in a hospital setting as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team. The role monitors and reports patient behaviors, follows scheduled patient activities, supports basic behavior management and intervention, assists with daily care, and responds to crisis situations and medical emergencies as needed. The position reports to the Nurse Manager. The Nurse Extern maintains patient supervision and safety, supports therapeutic and recreational activities, preserves confidentiality, models appropriate behavior and communication, and reports safety concerns or policy violations. Under a Registered Nurse’s direction, the Extern may provide psychoeducational groups and complete mental status assessments. The role also documents care, obtains and records vital signs, contributes to patient assessments and care plans, assists with activities of daily living and unit operations, and participates in staff development, quality assurance, infection control, and other assigned duties.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in an accredited Associate or Bachelor degree-level Registered Nurse program.
Provide proof of enrollment each semester.
Ability to read and interpret instructions and documents and follow procedures.
Ability to write routine reports and communicate effectively with patients, their families, employees, and the public.
Ability to solve practical problems and handle a variety of variables as needed.
Ability to interpret instructions provided in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to work flexible hours.
Ability to work with children, adolescents, or adults experiencing mental health disturbances or dual diagnoses.

Nice To Haves

Valid West Virginia driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Maintain constant awareness and supervision of patients, including during gym or yard activities, therapies, and assigned outings.
Remain alert to potential safety issues and address them when appropriate or notify others for assistance.
Follow hospital personnel, nursing, administrative, and other applicable policies and procedures.
Maintain patient confidentiality.
Model appropriate behavior, effective communication, and conflict resolution for patients and peers.
Encourage open and honest communication to facilitate problem solving on the unit.
Report unprofessional conduct, patient-care concerns, and violations of unit or hospital policies to the Nurse Manager or designated administrator.
Under a Registered Nurse’s direct supervision and instruction, provide psychoeducational therapeutic groups based on multidisciplinary treatment-team recommendations.
Under a Registered Nurse’s direction, complete patient mental status assessments as assigned.
Chart daily in patient records and document care as required by company policy and applicable state and federal regulations.
Assist with unit cleaning, organization of new-admission charts, filing, and other unit tasks.
Initiate patient or employee incident reports.
Provide a verbal report or briefing to the oncoming shift.
Lead educational or skills-based groups with patients.
Assist patients with activities of daily living.
Obtain and record vital signs.
Contribute to patient assessments and care plans.
Participate in quality assurance activities and staff development or training programs as assigned.
Attend in-services and staff meetings regularly.
Seek opportunities for professional growth and request attendance through the Nurse Manager.
Complete nursing student competencies.
Participate actively in unit therapeutic activities according to program schedules.
Assist with peer training as assigned.
Follow infection control policies and assist with infection control rounds as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.