Student Nurse Extern

Job Summary:

The Student Nurse Extern is a nursing student enrolled in a board-approved pre-licensure nursing program that is under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) and in accordance with the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) regulation (201 KAR 20:400, Section 5), the nursing extern is a nursing student who provides nursing assistance and selected tasks as delegated by the supervising RN. The extern does not assume the independent role or responsibility of licensed nursing staff. The student nurse extern will apply the knowledge and skills they have been taught in their nursing program in order to provide technically skilled care in their assigned department. The goal of the nurse extern experience is to provide undergraduate nursing students with an external clinical experience to enhance their foundational nursing education. The Student Nurse Extern is accountable for the leadership of self and will uphold the F.I.R.S.T. Values (Friendliness, Innovation, Respect, Service and Trust). The Nurse Extern program is designed to provide an opportunity for nursing students to enhance clinical skills, knowledge, organizational, and time management skills while working as part of the interdisciplinary care team. Student Nurse Externs may float between designated units, but this must be coordinated by unit leadership.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accepts assignments and delegated tasks by the RN Preceptor.
• Identifies and prioritizes nursing needs of the patient and families.
• Advocates for the patient and provides respectful interaction.
• Follows EMH Policy and Procedures to ensure patient safety.
• Provides education to the patient and family on medications, treatment, and disease process utilizing appropriate resources and teaching tools.
• Ensures education is understood by the patient/family by utilizing the teach-back method of instruction.
• Recognizes limits of knowledge/skill set and seeks assistance from RN preceptor to ensure safety.
• Performs basic patient care skills competently.
• Administers medications under the direct supervision of RN preceptor.
• Participates in the development of the nursing care plan and carries out nursing interventions under the direct supervision of the RN preceptor.
• Only performs those skills that are on the NE “can do” list attached to this document as long as the NE has been appropriately checked off on these skills by their nursing program

Student Nurse Externs must always perform all nursing skills under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN) Preceptor.

WORKING CONDITIONS, HAZARDS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Works in a well-lit, ventilated and air conditioned area. Schedule may consist of weekends, and holidays.  Shifts will be assigned consistent with the schedule of the RN Preceptor. Often exposed to unpleasant odors, sights and sounds. Long periods in a stationary position, traversing, and positioning oneself to move heavy objects are required. Risks exposure to disease, infection and physical strain and assault. Risks exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, radiation and antineoplastic agents. Must be able to move 50 lbs. independently.

CONTACTS WITH OTHERS:

Patient, family members and significant others, physicians and Associates, other healthcare providers, community resource personnel, administrative staff and Organizational support services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR EQUIVALENTS:

Education:  Current enrollment in an accredited school of nursing ASN or BSN program with successful completion of at least two (2) clinical rotations and be in the final year of study (senior year for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program or final year of an Associate Degree in Nursing program). Must have and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Must have one (1) letter of recommendation from a clinical instructor.

Experience:  Preferred experience working in a patient care role i.e. patient care tech/medical assistant.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR REGISTRATIONS: Current American Heart Association BLS certification.

NOTE:  The above description of job responsibilities and standards is intended to reflect the major responsibilities and duties of the job, but is not intended to describe minor duties or other responsibilities, which may be assigned from time to time.

The above job description describes only the essential duties and responsibilities; some of these and other duties may be assigned to others.