DCH Health System

Saludos Hispanos; Montgomery (AL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Montgomery, Alabama, is seeking a Nurse Extern II to shadow registered nurses and assist with patient care tasks while developing essential nursing skills. This role requires current enrollment in a nursing program with successful completion of key courses. The candidate must possess Basic Life Support training and strong communication skills. The position provides valuable experience in a supportive healthcare environment focused on patient safety and quality care.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Registered Nursing program with relevant coursework completed.
• Possess current AHA Basic Life Support Provider training.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal care services under direction of the RN.
• Assist with patient measurements, including vital signs.
• Document care provided accurately according to policies.
• Participate in safety principles and proper body mechanics.
• Ensure patients are monitored and report alarms to the RN.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management techniques

Patient care

Basic Life Support

Education

Enrollment in Registered Nursing program

Completion of pharmacology coursework

Job description

Overview

The Nurse Extern II provides a continuation of role development for the upcoming registered nurse. Now shadowing the Registered Nurse, the Extern II will begin to develop assessment skills, time management techniques, medication administration, and tasks/skills as delegated by the nurse

Responsibilities

• Provides all personal care services in accordance with the plan of treatment assigned by the REGISTERED NURSE to include but not limited to:
  • measure and record intake and output
  • measure and record vital signs, 02 saturation, weight, and height
  • positioning patients; lifting and turning patients
  • apply/utilizing special equipment
  • assisting in use of bedpan, urinal or commode
  • ambulating the patient
  • pre-operative and post-operative care
  • application/removal of anti-embolism stocking and SCD devices
  • perineal care; vaginal irrigations (non-sterile); sitz baths
  • non-medicated enemas
  • application of heat and cold
  • care of the incontinent patient
  • skin care to the immobilized patient
  • removal of saline lock
  • emptying of colostomy bags
  • obtaining blood sugars
  • placing patients on cardiac monitors
  • feeding patients
  • collecting, labeling, and transporting of lab specimens
  • applies cardiac monitor
• Performs the following tasks when delegated to do so by a REGISTERED NURSE:
  • Dressing changes – simple bandaging (e.g. steri-strips), wet-to-dry, and/or sterile dressing change
  • Maintenance of ostomies (e.g. colostomy and urostomy) to include measuring and application of wafer board
  • Peripheral venous phlebotomy for laboratory analysis
  • Application of oxygen via nasal cannula
  • Insertion/removal of Foley catheter, to exclude suprapubic catheterization
  • Initiation and discontinuation of nebulizer treatments to exclude racemic epinephrine administration
  • Administration of routine screening tests/immunizations (e.g. flu and TB)
  • Administration of routine medications and related documentation in the patient’s electronic health record. Routine medications may NOT be administered through the following routes of administration:
    • Gastric
    • Nasogastric
    • Intravenous
• The Nurse Extern II shall NOT be delegated the following nursing activities:
  • Administration of PRN medications
  • Suction of and/or replacement of tracheostomy
  • Accessing feeding tubes (G or J-tubes)
  • Placement of any form of intravenous catheters
  • Accessing of any intravenous catheter for initiation or therapies
  • Administration of blood or blood products
• Accurately documents care provided according to policies and procedures.
• Performs initial and annual competency per job class. Specific ages: adolescent, adult and geriatric as defined by scope of service.
• Applies safety principles and proper body mechanics in the performance of specific techniques of personal and supportive care, such as ambulation of patients, transferring patients, assisting with normal range of motion and positioning.
• Participates in economical utilization of supplies and ensures that equipment and nursing units are maintained in a clean, safe manner.
• Ensures that patients are placed on cardiac monitors as soon as possible. Reports alarms immediately to the nurse caring for the patient.
• DCH Standards: Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation. Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook. Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self. Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet. Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures. All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must currently be enrolled in a Registered Nursing program and must have successfully completed coursework in pharmacology, medication administration and fundamentals or has successfully completed a licensed practical nursing program OR has graduated from an accredited RN program but failed the NCLEX exam and is committed to re-taking it within a 3-month timeframe.
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider training required.
• Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English