Full-time Nursing Externship

Lexington Regional Health Center•Lexington, NE

About The Position

The Nursing Externship is a nursing department role at Lexington Regional Health Center. The extern supports general patient care under the direction of licensed nursing staff, communicates with nurses and the multidisciplinary team, documents care, maintains patient-care supplies and safety, and follows infection-control and biohazard procedures. The position requires regular attendance at the assigned work location and completion of other duties as assigned. The role involves substantial physical patient-care work, including walking, squatting or kneeling, patient transfers, and moving equipment. It also includes exposure to chemicals, body substances, contaminated surfaces, and other hazards associated with patient care. Appropriate safety precautions must be used. The position has no management responsibilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, typically acquired to support basic reading, writing, computer, and office-equipment skills.
Currently enrolled in an accredited registered nursing program, with expected graduation in the following calendar year.
Basic Life Support certification through the American Heart Association.
Current Certified Nursing Assistant license.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding protected and sensitive information.
Ability to complete reports and correspondence at a professional level.
Ability to promptly respond to common inquiries and complaints from patients, employees, and regulatory agencies.
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Successful completion of required training and knowledge in standard precautions and transmission protocols, including when to apply them.

Nice To Haves

Enrollment in the University of Nebraska Medical Center Registered Nurse program is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with activities of daily living, monitor vital signs as ordered by a provider, and perform other duties delegated by licensed nursing staff.
Communicate with nurses about patient needs and assigned duties.
Document care accurately, completely, concisely, and promptly in medical records using the appropriate format and forms.
Ensure patient-care areas are adequately stocked with supplies.
Promote patient and staff safety using patient safety tools, including TeamSTEPPS and Just Culture.
Provide an accurate, detailed bedside shift report to oncoming staff to support continuity of care.
Communicate with the multidisciplinary team to support patient-centered, holistic care.
Participate in patient-care activities that may involve blood exposure and bloodborne-pathogen risks.
Safely bag and dispose of biohazardous waste.
Properly collect, store, and label biological specimens.
Help ensure the environment meets applicable governing-body standards.
Ensure patients and visitors follow current infection-control guidelines.
Maintain regular attendance at the assigned work location.
Perform other duties as assigned.