Summer Nurse Externship - Bronson Healthcare - Full-time

Bronson Healthcare•Kalamazoo, MI

About The Position

About the Program The Bronson Summer Nurse Extern Program offers an immersive, 12-week minimum, full-time clinical experience. The program begins in May after spring semester ends and concludes before the start of the fall semester. Participants complete a two-week orientation. This temporary PRN role includes a competitive hourly wage, requires 36 hours per week across three 12-hour shifts, and may include nights and weekends. Clinical Experience Students work under the direct supervision of registered nurse preceptors in various inpatient clinical units. Orientation and ongoing clinical support help students develop real-world nursing skills, confidence, and readiness for practice. Compensation This is a temporary, hourly-paid position requiring a 36-hour work week. The position is not eligible for benefits. Under general supervision and in accordance with the policies, procedures, and guidelines established within the organization, unit, and the Nurse Practice Act, the Nurse Extern works with an RN to implement patient care based on the patient’s age, and maintain and upgrade his/her skills based on the patient population served, the type and nature of care provided, and advances in health care technology. The Nurse Extern is responsible for communicating learning needs to the nurse preceptor. The Nurse Extern will seek out a variety of learning experiences and is accountable, under the direction of an RN, for setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and promoting the achievement of patient outcomes as defined in the nursing care plan, as follows: utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation; coordinating the care provided by other professionals and unlicensed staff, including delegation and coaching in selected situations; providing selected aspects of physical care within the scope of professional nursing practice as appropriate given the patient’s level of acuity and complexity of care required; and documenting and communicating during each tour of duty the patient’s response to care provided, consumption of resources and anticipated needs. Employees providing direct patient care must demonstrate competencies specific to the population served.

Requirements

Enrollment as a full-time nursing student in good academic standing.
Residency in Southwest Michigan for the duration of the program.
Must be within one year of graduation, with an expected graduation date in Winter 2026 or Spring 2027.
Ability to work 36 hours per week, minimum of 12 weeks.
Attendance at all required orientation shifts.
Not enrolled in full-time nursing coursework during the summer semester.
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
Must be enrolled in an accredited school of nursing and must be within a year of graduation.
The Nurse Extern must complete the individual unit requirements for orientation which includes Hospital, Core, and Department specific orientation based upon the unit and experience level (the Nurse Extern is considered to be in orientation during the full time of employment as a Nurse Extern).
BLS Certification
Ability to read, interpret, and analyze data from various computer systems and equipment in order to set an appropriate plan of action.
Satisfactory completion of a pharmacology course or satisfactory performance on a pharmacology medication test.
Must be able to constantly communicate in a clear and caring manner, both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

Documents nursing history and physical/emotional needs/strengths for assigned patients.
Develops a plan of care for assigned patients, based upon assessment.
Manages care plan for assigned patients by organizing and delegating therapeutic patient care interventions to be implemented and evaluating effectiveness of care given by self and others.
Takes temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs to assess condition of patient and detect deviations from normal.
Observes patient, records significant conditions and reactions, implements appropriate interventions and/or notifies supervisor or Physician of patient’s condition and reaction to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents.
Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques and policies.
Explains procedures and treatments to patient to gain cooperation, understanding, and allay apprehension.
Prepares equipment and aids physician during treatment and examination of patient.
Maintains awareness of comfort and safety needs of patient.
Initiates a patient education plan according to the individualized needs of the patient, as prescribed by Physician, and/or hospital policy and nursing care plan, including patient and family instruction.
Responds to life saving situations based upon nursing standards, policies, procedures, and protocol.
Manages discharge planning and preparation for assigned patients.
Manages personal, unit, and hospital resources effectively.
Rotates among clinical services of institution within cluster (i.e., obstetrics, surgery, orthopedics, outpatient and admitting, pediatrics, etc.).
Prepares rooms, appropriate instruments, equipment, and supplies for procedures of surgery (as assignment indicates).
Participates in department or unit performance improvement activities.
Assumes responsibility for professional development.
Develops and provides a positive work climate and the overall team effort of the department.
May act as a clinical resource and role model to Unit Clerk, USAs, PCAs, and LPNs.