Nurse Extern - Summer 2027

WVU Medicine

25d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a temporary position for nursing students to practice in all nursing areas. The Nurse Extern is co-assigned with a registered nurse and may provide direct and indirect patient care under RN supervision. The role supports patient comfort, daily living activities, diagnostic and treatment procedures, and a clean, sanitary, and safe care environment. The extern may act as a patient sitter when assigned by the charge RN and may have limited access to medication, including transporting non-controlled substances at the request of a licensed care provider.

Requirements

Must be entering the final semester or year of a Diploma Program, Associate or Baccalaureate RN program at an accredited School of Nursing.
Obtain Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of hire.
Be capable of prolonged periods of standing and walking.
Be able to lift up to 40 pounds and push or pull heavy loads.
Possess visual, auditory, and oral acuity, along with manual dexterity and technical ability.

Responsibilities

Assist the registered nurse by providing direct patient care to promote patient comfort and facilitate diagnostic and treatment procedures as outlined in the nursing care plan.
Assist the RN with patients’ activities of daily living in a timely manner and according to departmental procedure.
Perform designated procedures as needed and according to departmental procedure.
Observe, record, and promptly report patient concerns, symptoms, reactions, and progress to the RN.
Assist the RN with examinations and procedures according to departmental procedure.
Demonstrate competency in basic and intermediate care skills, as verified and validated by the nurse mentor, clinical preceptor, nurse manager, and/or nurse director; assist with procedures defined by the advanced skills inventory where applicable.
Demonstrate competency in skills identified on the skills inventory that may be performed independently or under direct RN supervision, where applicable.
Pursue educational opportunities to increase competence, educate oneself effectively, and assist with peer education.
Attend staff meetings and unit in-services as applicable.
Assist the RN with indirect care by maintaining a clean, sanitary, and safe environment to prevent or control infection and promote the safety of patients, visitors, and employees.
Thoroughly clean assigned patient care areas according to departmental procedure.
Clean assigned unit equipment according to schedule and/or need, and keep hallways and work areas free of equipment according to departmental procedure.
Act as a patient sitter when assigned by the charge RN.
Have limited access to medication when needed, including transporting non-controlled substances at the request of a licensed care provider.