Nurse Extern - Surgery

SSM Health • Lake Saint Louis, MO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Student Nurse Externship at SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - Lake Saint Louis offers real-world, hands-on clinical training across various units, guided by a dedicated preceptor. This program provides opportunities for 1:1 clinical training with experienced nurses, applying classroom knowledge to a clinical setting, expanding knowledge of hospital practice, exploring various specialties, and building a professional network. It is a transitional role for nursing students enrolled in an accredited school of nursing who are interested in pursuing an RN position with SSM upon completion of their RN program. Candidates must be currently enrolled in an accredited school of nursing, have completed their fundamentals of nursing class and first clinical rotation, and have a graduation date within 18 months to qualify. Student nurse externs commit to a minimum of 24 hours over four weeks, with flexible scheduling available to accommodate school schedules. The externship concludes upon graduation from nursing school, with the goal of transitioning into a graduate nurse position and joining the Graduate Nurse Residency program.

Requirements

• Current enrollment in an accredited school of nursing.
• Completion of fundamentals of nursing class and first clinical rotation.
• Graduation date must be within 18 months to qualify.
• No experience required.
• Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) certification.

Responsibilities

• Completes patient care tasks based on skills deemed competent in nursing school under direction of RN.
• Contributes to overall quality and safe care for patients by answering patients’ calls for help, taking their vital signs, and monitoring their behavior and physical condition for progress or deterioration as measured by patient satisfaction, quality audits, direct observation.
• Creates a positive patient experience by assisting patients with their activities of daily living including assisting with baths, ambulating, feeding, skin care, personal and oral hygiene and making occupied and unoccupied beds as measured by patient satisfaction quality audits and direct observation.
• Contributes to quality care and safety by assisting and performing procedures such as performing dressing changes, enemas, ostomy care, toileting, turning, cough and deep breathing, catheter care, collection of biological specimens, measuring and recording intake and output of fluids.
• Contributes to exceptional patient satisfaction by establishing a compassionate environment, timely responses to patients' needs, open communication and providing emotional and psychological support.
• Contributes to safety and quality care by relaying information via charting and communicating to team members.
• Contributes to achievement of exceptional health care by functioning as a member of the team as measured by active participation in department initiatives, unit meetings, committees and special projects.
• Informs licensed nurse of any changes in patient condition/needs, of patient complaints, and of patient/significant other educational needs.
• Prepares patients for discharge and accompanies them upon dismissal as indicated.
• Stocks and maintains supplies and equipment in keeping with patient care needs and cost containment.
• Utilizes time and supplies economically and conscientiously.
• Orients new patients and significant others to the nursing unit.
• Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.
• Paid Parental Leave: one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE).
• Flexible Payment Options: voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.
• Upfront Tuition Coverage: upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree