Nurse Extern Program

Tenet Healthcare Corporation•Rock Hill, SC

About The Position

The Nurse Extern Program provides expanded clinical experience for nursing students pursuing a professional nursing degree and supports Registered Nursing staff through direct patient care activities. Under the supervision and direction of a Registered Nurse, the Nurse Extern participates in patient care planning, implementation, observation, and evaluation while developing clinical knowledge and skills in a healthcare setting. The Nurse Extern reports significant patient observations and changes in condition to the supervising Registered Nurse and works within the scope of the Nurse Extern role. Nurse Extern I is intended for students enrolled in an accredited ADN, BSN, or MSN program who have completed Nursing Fundamentals and their first clinical rotation and demonstrated basic nursing knowledge and clinical competency. Extern I team members provide fundamental patient care and gain exposure to a variety of clinical situations under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. Nurse Extern II is intended for students enrolled in an accredited ADN, BSN, or MSN nursing program who are within six months of graduation. Extern II team members demonstrate advanced clinical knowledge and increased independence in patient care activities appropriate to their educational preparation while continuing to work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Requirements

Current enrollment in an accredited ADN, BSN, or MSN nursing program.
High school diploma or equivalent.
American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; certification must be obtained within seven days of hire.
Basic knowledge of nursing principles and patient care practices.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of a healthcare team.
Ability to recognize and report changes in patient condition.
Demonstrated commitment to patient-centered care and safety.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
For Nurse Extern I: successful completion of a Nursing Fundamentals course and first clinical rotation, and demonstrated basic nursing knowledge and clinical competency.
For Nurse Extern II: currently enrolled in an accredited ADN, BSN, or MSN nursing program and within six months of graduation.

Responsibilities

Accurately checks patient blood glucose levels and documents results as ordered; immediately reports abnormal values to the assigned nurse.
Obtains and documents vital signs appropriate to the patient's age, condition, and plan of care.
Reports abnormal findings promptly to the attending nurse or charge nurse.
Participates in patient care planning and implementation under the direction of the Registered Nurse.
Observes, reports, and documents changes in patient condition.
Assists with activities of daily living and other patient care needs as assigned.
Coordinates care activities with members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Responds appropriately during emergency situations, including codes, patient falls, and rapid response events, according to organizational policy and level of training.
Maintains patient safety, confidentiality, and quality standards.
Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.