The nurse extern works closely with our professional healthcare team to deliver compassionate patient-centered care to those in need. Under the direct supervision of a registered nurse preceptor, the nurse extern has the opportunity to develop confidence in critical thinking and prioritization while sharpening clinical skills needed to launch a successful nursing career in a manageable timeframe. The Nurse Extern will be able to develop clinical judgement and problem solving techniques based on current established Standards of Care, the Nurse Practice Act, and Methodist Hospitals mission, vision, and values.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Functions)
Perform basic patient care related tasks such as measuring and recording vital signs including height and weight, accurate measurement of all Intake and output, mobility, nutrition, hygiene, comfort and environment interventions, infection prevention measures, and patient safety interventions.
Assist in performing various therapeutic procedures.
Makes contributions to patient’s interdisciplinary plan of care under the direct supervision of a registered nurse preceptor.
Provide pertinent education to patient and family members regarding patient care.
Accurately document all patient care activities in the Electronic Medical Record per Methodist policy.
Job Specific (Minimum Qualifications)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Education
Currently enrolled student in good academic standing or a Nurse Graduate who has successfully completed an accredited School of Nursing and preparing for National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
If currently enrolled in accredited School of Nursing, must also have successfully completed Fundamentals/Foundations of Nursing (or its equivalent) didactic and lab.
Current school registration or proof of graduation required.
Experience
Certifications and Licensures
Current Basic Life Support credentials (BLS) is Required
Nurse Graduates must secure Indiana licensing within 60 days from their graduation date.
Model of Care and Conduct
Methodist Hospitals strives for excellence and insists on high standards of conduct and performance in everything we do. Our Model of Care and Conduct is designed to create a positive work environment which Methodist desires for all employees. This is foundational to the high level of patient, family and physician satisfaction we strive for each day. As part of all position’s duties at Methodist Hospitals, all employees are responsible to conduct themselves in accordance with the Model of Care and Conduct and will be evaluated according to these standards of behavior.
Methodist Hospital has been Healing Northwest Indiana for over 100 years.
For an entire century, our doctors, nurses, and staff have worked tirelessly to keep their neighbors well. And while we remember our past contributions to our community, Methodist Hospitals is looking to the future.
We have invested more than $14 million in the last 10 years, and nearly $3 million in the last two years to ensure that we are on the leading edge of diagnostic imaging technologies. And while we continue to invest to better treat the injured and sick, we’re also taking the lead in meeting the overall health needs of the communities we serve. For example, Methodist is confronting food insecurity with our Nutrition Station and addressing sexual violence and exploitation at our new STAR Center.
Methodist Hospitals doctors, nurses and staff are enthusiastically embracing these initiatives and are actively participating in efforts to improve hospital care that enable us to better serve Northwest Indiana as a truly independent health system. Recent initiatives include:
• A new interventional radiology suite at our Southlake campus
• New cardiac catheter labs at our Northlake and Southlake campuses
• The addition of advanced PET-CT technology to the CareFirst Imaging Center
• Strategic partnerships with UChicago Medicine in key services lines, such as neonatal intensive care
• A new outpatient pharmacy at our Southlake campus
• A partnership with IU Northwest to establish a family practice residency program
Methodist Hospitals is improving quality, safety, employee engagement and patient experience while expanding into more Northwest Indiana communities and strengthening key service lines by attracting high quality providers and acquiring advanced technologies.
Methodist Hospitals is fully committed to achieving our stated goal: To embark on our second century of service as a successful, independent healthcare system.
