Student Nurse Extern - Medicine Acute

REGIONAL ONE HEALTH • Memphis, TN

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Student Nurse Extern assists nursing staff with patient care according to validated skills, training, established policies, and procedures. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and includes maintaining equipment and supplies. The extern provides assigned routine and technical care, supports patient safety and comfort, documents care and observations, and performs related clerical and unit duties. The role does not include invasive procedures or administration of medications, IVs, or blood and blood products.

The position serves the Medicine Acute unit in Memphis, Tennessee, and may include providing one-on-one observation for patients who require close monitoring, as well as collaboration with forensic and law-enforcement teams regarding the care of inmates and arrestees. The extern must maintain clinical competency, meet age-specific patient needs, complete required training, and maintain continuous enrollment in an approved nursing program.

Requirements

• Must be enrolled in an approved nursing program leading to a diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree in nursing.
• Must have successfully completed fundamentals of nursing.
• Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 upon hire.
• Must maintain a letter grade of C or above in all coursework for the duration of enrollment in the nursing program.
• Must provide proof of continuous enrollment in an approved nursing program to maintain employment.
• Current CPR/BLS certification is required.
• Experience in patient care or equivalent on-the-job training obtained through participation in an approved nursing program is required.
• Must be qualified by education, training, or experience to work with the patient populations applicable to the specialty assignment, from neonates through geriatric patients.

Responsibilities

• Perform assigned patient-care activities and routine nursing care under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Assist in developing and revising nursing care plans and contribute information to the day-to-day management of patient care.
• Take and record vital signs, including temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration; perform other diagnostic measurements for which skills have been validated.
• Collect, prepare, forward, and transport urine, stool, and sputum specimens.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living, including hygiene, nutrition, elimination, and progressive activity; record fluid intake and output and provide comfort measures.
• Observe and report patient responses to interventions and treatment, unusual changes in condition, diagnostic measurement results, and medical or surgical emergencies; respond appropriately to emergencies.
• Provide one-on-one observation and monitoring for patients requiring a sitter to support safety and prevent injury.
• Prepare patients, environments, and supplies for care or treatment; work within isolation precautions; perform delegated pre- and post-procedure care; assist with wound care and dressings; and assist with patient transfers, ambulation, and transportation.
• Complete required documentation in a timely manner, including records of activities performed and patient responses; maintain patient records and use patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data.
• Perform unit clerical duties, including answering telephones, responding to call signals, filing and assembling charts, completing tab sets, transcribing orders, scheduling tests, and obtaining medical and laboratory records.
• Communicate unit activities, needs, and problems to appropriate staff, follow up with patients as required, and work collaboratively with department members and customers.
• Monitor and maintain supplies and equipment; assist with cardiopulmonary resuscitation by promptly bringing needed supplies; and maintain a clean, orderly, and safe environment.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow department and organizational policies, including HIPAA, compliance, infection-control, quality-improvement, risk-management, and patient-safety practices.
• Collaborate with forensic teams and law-enforcement officials in caring for inmates and arrestees to help maintain a safe and secure environment.
• Complete required continuous training and education, provide coverage for relief and absences as required, and perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

What This Job Offers

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