Summer Nurse Extern Intensive Care

OVERVIEW:

CHI Saint Joseph Health is offering senior nursing students a paid, summer 8-week externship. An 8-week summer work experience that will allow you to gain in-depth understanding of the role of the Registered Nurse in clinical practice at one of our facilities.

At CHI Saint Joseph Health, our Nurse Extern Program will give you the opportunity to apply the knowledge you have gained in your academic program to the hands-on clinical setting. You will benefit from the expertise of specialized nursing staff and work with diverse patient populations. We have many exciting clinical opportunities that will give you a "head start" on your senior year and as you begin your career in nursing.

How the Program Works

* Your externship will include an assignment at a CHI Saint Joseph Health facility in your area

* Program Dates: May 17, 2021 - July 9, 2021

* The program is for 8 weeks with the expectation that you work the full 8 weeks.

* At the completion of the program, we will have a celebration in honor of your success!

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Our Nurse Extern Program strives to help participants:

* Increase patient care management, organizational and time management skills

* Demonstrate greater proficiency with clinical skills

* Experience professional growth and increased self-confidence in caring for patients

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicant must be:

* Enrolled in an accredited school of nursing and participate in the program the summer before graduation

* Must be actively enrolled in either BSN or ADN programs, in good academic standing, with a projected graduation date thru June 2021

* Able to meet CHI Saint Joseph Health job-related requirements

* Certified in Basic Life Support

* Must submit two letters of recommendation from academic faculty

* Cannot be contracted to a non-CHI Saint Joseph Health facility after graduation

* Must be able to work 40-hour orientation during week one of the program

* Will work 36 hours a week for remainder of the program

The CHI Saint Joseph Health Nurse Extern Program pairs the nurse extern with an experienced RN preceptor to work side-byside caring for a specific patient population while having the opportunity to shadow other care specialties.

Additional clinical education and professional development activities will be provided. There is also the possibility of continued work opportunities in parttime or relief positions at the end of the program.

BENEFITS

Summer Externs have the opportunity to:

* Work one-on-one with an RN completing assessments, performing treatments and procedures, and learning about medication administration and charting standards.

* Choose a nursing area of interest, including Medical/Surgical, Critical Care, Emergency, or Telemetry

* Opportunity for PRIORITY job placement upon RN graduation

RESPONSIBILITIESJOB SUMMARY / PURPOSE

The nurse extern will gain experience in a realistic professional nursing work environment by assisting in the delivery of both direct and indirect nursing care under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse within the scope of practice of unlicensed, assistive personnel.

ESSENTIAL KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

SKILLS AND PROCEDURES

* Performs clinical procedures in a competent manner, following appropriate policies and procedures, under the direction of a Registered Nurse.

* Obtains vital signs, intake and output, accuchecks and documents per unit protocol.

* Obtains blood and blood products from the blood bank. May assist in identifying blood before administration.

* Assists with trach care, suctioning, G-tube and feeding tube insertions and maintenance, and simple/complex dressing changes.

* Assists physician before, during, and after procedures within facility and unit guidelines.

* Demonstrates knowledge related to age appropriate behavior of children, adolescents, adults, and seniors to assess the growth and development of the patient.

* Provides routine and procedural hygiene needs.

* Assists in meeting patient's activity needs.

* Obtains specimens as directed.

* Assists/Performs post-mortem care. Provides emotional support patients and assists with monitoring recovery from any procedures.

COMMUNICATION

* Communicates effectively with all members of the health care team.

* Maintains complete patient confidentiality.

* Reports changes in patient's condition or other pertinent data to RN immediately.

* Assists with patient and family education, as appropriate.

QUALITY AND SAFETY

* Attends shift huddles and in-services, as appropriate.

* Demonstrates safe and proper use of equipment.

* Uses personal protective equipment and complies with all universal precautions and blood-borne pathogens regulations.

* Cleans and checks for malfunctioning of stretchers, wheelchairs, bedside commodes, and I.V. poles according to unit protocol.

* Identifies and immediately reports any actual or potential hazard observed in the hospital environment.

* Demonstrates knowledge of all safety and emergency codes

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

* Dresses professionally and wears name badge at all times.

* Performs AIDET before any patient and family interactions.

* Actively participates in all Nurse Extern activities

QUALIFICATIONSREQUIRED EDUCATION

Currently enrolled (3.0 GPA or higher) and has completed at least one year in an accredited School of Nursing and has completed at least one medical surgical clinical rotation.

REQUIRED LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS

Current BLS certification

REQUIRED MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Demonstrated career path which demonstrates progressive leadership responsibilities and project management

Able to work collaboratively to achieve desired department, facility and regional results

Skilled and articulate in both verbal and written communication

Demonstrated abilities in clinical reasoning and problem solving

Proficient in Microsoft office and Outlook

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