Nurse Extern/Per Diem at CHRISTUS Health

POSITION SUMMARY:  The Nurse Extern will apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their nursing program in order to provide direct patient care with compassion, excellence and efficiency. The Nurse Extern works under the guidance of the RN/ Nurse Leader with assigned patients, in accordance with CSV hospital guidelines for patient care. The Nurse Extern collaborates with other disciplines to achieve overall healthcare goals and is responsible for adhering to the patient plan of care in order to assist patient processes and outcomes. The Nurse Extern is responsible for competent care of patients in the hospital setting under the guidance of an assigned RN. The Nurse Extern functions as a member of the patient care team, experiencing the complexities of a nursing care delivery model while increasing their independence in taking a patient care assignment.

The Nurse Extern reports to the department Nurse leader and will work within a defined scope of under the direct supervision of an assigned RN. The RN assigned to the Nurse Extern will promote learning experiences that enable the Nurse Extern to competently perform nursing care activities in both complex and non-complex situations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:  Currently enrolled in an accredited Nursing program with completion of the program within 12 months from hire. Nurse Extern required to graduate from Nursing program and pass NCLEX within 3 months of graduation from accredited program.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSES:  Current BLS issued through American Heart Association is required. 

SKILLS:

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to read and interpret technical reports, charts, etc.
• Ability to write concise reports
• Ability to handle a high level of stress and to maintain composure under a variety of adverse conditions
• Computer skills required to enter data and generate reports.

HOSPITAL EXPANDED DUTIES TRAINING:

• Peripheral intravenous access and removal
• Recording of I&Os
• Foley Catheter insertion and removal
• NG insertion and removal
• Suture/Staple removal
• Unit appropriate POCT
• Bedside monitoring, CR,Telemetry, Telesitter, Capnography, Oximetry
• As appropriate:
  • Basic Dysrythmia Course
  • De-Escalation Training

EXPERIENCE:

NATURE OF SUPERVISION:

-Responsible to: Reports directly Nurse Manager or designee for essential job duties and day-to-day responsibilities.

ENVIRONMENT:

- Bloodborne pathogens - B

Works irregular hours. Multiple simultaneous activities around patient care. Exposure to x-rays and infectious diseases such as hepatitis-B and AIDS. In addition, may be subject to varying unpredictable situations such as violence from mentally unstable patients.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must be able to handle emergency/crisis situations, prolonged, extensive or considerable standing/walking, kneeling, bending, and heavy lifting. Has knowledge of and uses good body mechanics. Frequently lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients or equipment. Hearing and visual acuity must be within normal limits. Manual dexterity and fine motor coordination required. The work is not only physically strenuous but can be stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations and suffering patients.