Summary of Primary Function/General Purpose of Position
The Nurse Extern provides direct patient care under the guidance of the Registered Nurse or designated healthcare professional in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and within the policies, procedures, and guidelines of the organization. The Nurse Extern program is a temporary program that enhances working clinical experience.
Essential Job Functions
Under direction of the RN, supports the nurse in the application of the nursing process.
• Works to develop critical thinking skills through collaboration with the RN to ensure quality patient care delivery
• Seeks out educational opportunities related to nursing practice and critical thinking
Provides basic patient care to include, but not limited to, care and comfort, record vital signs, personal care and hygiene, and mobility, including unit based specialty duties in accordance with pertinent school of nursing, facility, and state board of nursing.
• Acts as liaison between patient and nurse to report changes or concerns to nurse
• Provides high level customer service to all patients, patient's family, visitors and all employees
• Provides accurate, precise, timely documentation when applicable for patient care
• Participates in hand-off/report of pertinent information regarding patient and departmental needs upon arrival and when leaving
• Performs delegated tasks once competency has been validated
• Ability to clearly communicate to other members of the healthcare team
• Ability to understand and follow directions of healthcare team
• Knowledge of patient and healthcare safety standards and regulations (i.e. falls, skin breakdown, suicide prevention, environment of care)
• Infection prevention and transmission-based precautions
• Understanding of clerical duties and office-based technology
• Team dynamics
• Patient data collection and documentation (i.e. vital signs, intake/output, change in patient condition)
• Basic hygiene and activities of daily living care
• Assists with feeding, hydration, and nutrition
• Assists with bowel and bladder elimination
• Ambulation and patient mobility
• Use of clinical technology
• Compassionate, relationship-based approach in care activities
• Accountability for completion of assigned tasks
• Escalation of concerns via chain of command
• Critical thinking
• Advanced problem solving
• Understanding of nursing process
• Professionalism
Education
Currently enrolled in a (RN) nursing program and has successfully completed program specific educational requirements (required)
Certifications
BLS (preferred)
Training
Qualifications may vary per facility, please refer to program specific requirements
EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR) training (preferred)
Working Conditions
*Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur
*May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse
*May be required to use physical restraints
May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.
*May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights
*May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids
*May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials
*May have periods of constant interruptions
General office environment
Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions
Long-distance or air travel as needed- not to exceed 10% travel
*Prolonged periods of working alone
Patient Population
Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.
Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.
*Neonates (0-4 weeks)
*Infant (1-12 months)
*Pediatrics (1-12 years)
*Adolescents (13-17 years)
*Adults (18-64 years)
*Geriatrics (65 years and older)
Physical Requirements
Lifting/Carrying (0-50 lbs.) 34-66%
Lifting/Carrying (50-100 lbs.) 67-100%
Push/Pull (0-50 lbs.) 34-66%
Push/Pull (50-100 lbs.) 34-66%
Stoop/Kneel 34-66%
Crawling 1-33%
Climbing 1-33%
Balance 34-66%
Bending 67-100%
Sitting 34-66%
Walking 67-100%
Standing 67-100%
Additional Physical Requirements
*Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)
*Perform shift work
*Maneuver weight of patients
*Hear alarms/telephone/audio recorder
*Reach above shoulder
*Repetitive arm/hand movements
*Finger Dexterity
*Color Vision
*Acuity - far
*Acuity - near
*Depth perception
*Use of latex products
*Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents
*Exposure to moving mechanical parts
*Exposure to dust/fumes
*Exposure to potential electrical shock
*Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy
*Exposure to high pitched noises
*Gaseous risk exposure
Other:
Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental and vision plans
Prescription drug coverage
Flexible spending accounts
Life insurance w/AD&D
Employer contributions to retirement savings plan when eligible
Paid time off
Educational Assistance
And much more
*Benefits offerings vary according to employment status
All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com