Nurse Extern RN

HIGHLAND CLARKSBURG HOSPITAL

JOB DESCRIPTION

NURSE EXTERN - RN

ALL UNITS

JOB SUMMARY:

The Nurse Extern works under the direct supervision of the Program Manager of the unit and is responsible for monitoring and reporting of patient behaviors, following daily scheduled patient activities, basic behavior management and intervention, assisting in daily care, crisis situations, and medical emergencies as needed as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team. Reports to the Nurse Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Maintains a constant awareness and supervision of patients including during attending gym/yard activities, crafts/art/group/recreation therapies and outing trips as assigned. Remains alert and aware of potential safety issues at all times.  Alleviates any safety issue discovered by self, if appropriate, or by notifying appropriate persons for assistance as necessary.
2. Follows Highland-Clarksburg Hospital policies and procedures including personnel, nursing, and administrative policies.  Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
3. Serves as a positive role model for patients and peers providing examples of appropriate behaviors, effective communication, and conflict resolution.  Encourages open, honest communication to facilitate problem solving on the unit.
4. Reports to the Nurse Manager or designated administrator any unprofessional conduct or behavior involving patient care or conduct in violation of unit or Hospital policies.
5. Under direct supervision and instruction of Registered Nurse, provided Psychoeducational therapeutic group based on multidisciplinary treatment team recommendations.
6. Under direction of registered Nurse, may complete patient mental status assessments.
7. Charts daily in patient records.  Individual is self-motivating and assists with unit cleaning, organization of new admits charts, filing, etc. Initiates patient/employee incident reports.
8. Provides a verbal report/briefing to the oncoming shift.
9. Individual will have a basic knowledge of stages of development throughout the life span.  Understanding of common psychiatric disorders and various treatment modalities of children, adolescents, adults, geriatrics and/or dually diagnosed patients according to area worked.
10. Leads educational and/or skills-based groups with patients.
11. Assists with activities of daily living.
12. Obtains and records vital signs and documents all care as required by company policy and in compliance with state and federal regulations.
13. Contributes to the patient assessment and care plan.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Participates in quality assurance activities and staff development/training programs as assigned.  Attend in services and staff meetings on a regular basis.  Seeks opportunities for self-growth from internal and/or external sources and initiates the process requesting attendance through the nurse manager.
2. Completes Nursing student competencies.
3. Actively participates in unit therapeutic activities according to program schedules.
4. Assists with training of peers as assigned. 
5. Follows infection control policies and assists with infection control rounds as assigned.
6. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited Associate of Bachelor degree level Registered Nurse program. Must show proof of enrollment each semester.

Language Skills:

Ability to read and interpret instructions, documents and follow procedures.

Ability to write routine reports and speak effectively with patients and their families, employees and public.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables as needed.

Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Certificates, Licenses, Registration:

Valid West Virginia driver’s license preferred.

Other Skills and Abilities:

Ability to work flexible hours,

Ability to work with children, adolescents or adults experiencing mental health

disturbances or dual diagnoses.