Graduate Nurse Extern

About the Role

Under direct supervision of a professional nurse, responsible for providing nursing care to patients (excluding medication administration, IV's and blood/blood products) within an assigned clinical unit, utilizing the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides nursing care according to the medical regime and the nursing plan, appropriate for the patients' conditions and established standards, policies, and procedures.
• Assesses, plans, and implements care for assigned patients consistent with patient care policies and procedures, demonstrated competencies, and with consideration for risk management, infection control practices, and patient safety.
• Performs duties specific to the clinical area, excluding administration of medications, IV's, and blood/blood products.
• Implements patient teaching outlines, including objectives, content, teaching strategies, and evaluation of patient progress.
• Documents assessments and other clinical judgments.
• Performs continual clinical assessment and monitors patient clinical status and responses to treatment. Records and reports unusual findings to the Patient Care Coordinator/Registered Nurse/Physician or other applicable healthcare team member.
• Demonstrates ability to manage the care of patients with conditions common to the unit.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills to provide care and meet age-specific patient needs.
• Transports patient charts, specimens, equipment, and supplies.
• Interacts and communicates in a customer-responsive and courteous manner in compliance with iRESPECT standards, promoting patient/customer satisfaction.
• Works collaboratively with medical/hospital staff and patients to coordinate and implement patient care.
• Prepares and maintains required records, reports, and files for administrative and compliance purposes.
• Maintains patient medical records; documents patient status and care given; performs charting duties; records activities and observations.
• Utilizes patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data.
• Responds appropriately to emergency situations and notifies appropriate personnel.
• Initiates and/or assists with basic CPR procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality in matters relating to patient/family, department, and hospital information.
• Adheres to established department and organization policies (e.g., HIPAA, Confidentiality, and Compliance Policies).
• Completes required continuous training and education, including department-specific requirements.
• Attends staff meetings, all mandatory in-service, and additional continuing education as required.
• Responds to problems/opportunities to improve care.
• Supports and participates in the organization’s Performance Improvement initiatives.
• Maintains a clean, orderly, safe environment for patients and personnel.
• Adheres to established policies, compliance/quality improvement, patient safety, environment, and infection control standards.
• Provides coverage for relief and absences as required.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Experience in patient care as obtained through completion of an approved nursing program.
• BCLS - Basic Life Support (Upon Hire)
• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure (Must obtain licensure to work in the State of TN as an RN within 90 Days)
• All Graduate Nurse Externs are required to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX); If 2nd attempt is unsuccessful, may work in an ancillary role (within 90 Days)

Qualifications

• Completion of the course requirements for graduation from an Associate’s Degree, Diploma or Bachelor of Science program in nursing (Required).
• Qualified by education, training, or experience to work with the neonate, infant, toddler, pre-schooler, school-age, adolescent, adult and/or geriatric patient population as specialty assignment dictates (Required).

Physical Demands

• Standing - Constantly
• Walking - Constantly
• Sitting - Rarely
• Lifting - Frequently
• Carrying - Frequently
• Pushing - Occasionally
• Pulling - Occasionally
• Climbing - Occasionally
• Balancing - Occasionally
• Stooping - Frequently
• Kneeling - Frequently
• Crouching - Frequently
• Crawling - Occasionally
• Reaching - Frequently
• Handling - Frequently
• Grasping - Frequently
• Feeling - Constantly
• Talking - Constantly
• Hearing - Constantly
• Repetitive Motions - Constantly
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Constantly