Job Description

The Nurse Extern provides direct, hands-on patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse preceptor. Responsibilities include assisting with patient assessments, supporting the implementation of the plan of care, providing patient education, helping with discharge planning, and collaborating with ancillary departments to ensure coordinated care.

The Nurse Extern performs only those clinical tasks for which competency, education, and academic clearance have been verified, and must complete all required hospital-based competencies while working under direct RN supervision. This position reports to the nurse leader or designee.

Patient Care (25%)

• Assists the RN in conducting focused assessments.
• Participates in implementing the nursing plan of care, performing delegated clinical tasks appropriate to the extern’s educational preparation.
• Recognizes and promptly reports changes in patient condition to the RN preceptor or charge RN.
• Reinforces RN-led patient and family education.
• Provides and documents patient care utilizing clear communication.

Communication & Collaboration (25%)

• Collaborates with the RN preceptor in prioritizing patient needs and planning daily care.
• Coordinates care with ancillary departments.

Quality (25%)

• Participates and documents patient safety initiatives.
• Maintains departmental and hospital standards while working within the scope of training.

Professional Development (25%)

• Completes all required hospital and unit-based competencies.
• Performs verified clinical tasks only after receiving required education and academic clearance.

Experience: No Experience Necessary

Education

Louisiana Nursing Students: Must be enrolled in an accredited registered nursing program and have a projected graduation date within twelve (12) months for a 4-year program or within nine (9) months for a 2-year program. The student must be in good academic standing and agree to comply with all state board of nursing requirements.

Mississippi Nursing Students: Must be enrolled in an accredited school of nursing program within the United States preparing candidates for registered nursing licensure and have successfully completed one academic year or two clinical semesters of clinical courses in nursing.

Licensure/Certification: BLS