Nurse Extern Patient Care Technician

Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center; Loma Linda (MO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center invites nursing students to join the Nurse Extern – Patient Care Technician program. This paid, hands‑on development opportunity allows pre‑licensure RN students to gain practical experience under RN supervision, building skills early in their nursing career.

Externs perform activities of daily living, monitor vital signs, and assist with documentation. As competencies are completed, training may expand to Foley/IV removal, EKGs, phlebotomy, and other

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited pre‑licensure nursing program.
• BLS certification within 7 days of hire.
• CNA or CPCT preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with activities of daily living and ensure a clean, safe care environment.
• Record and report vital signs and patient data to RN/LPN.
• Support feeding, hygiene, mobility, and comfort for patients.
• Maintain infection control and PPE protocols and contribute to safety reporting.

Job description

Nurse Extern – Patient Care Technician | PRN

Build your nursing career while you are still in school. The PBRMC Nurse Extern Program is a paid, hands‑on development opportunity for pre‑licensure RN students enrolled in an accredited nursing program.

Under the direction of an RN, Nurse Externs assist with activities of daily living, vital signs, intake and output, blood glucose testing, specimen collection, hygiene, mobility, patient safety, and timely documentation and reporting. As competencies are completed, externs may receive training in skills such as Foley and peripheral IV removal or placement, EKGs, cardiac rhythm interpretation, bladder scanning, phlebotomy, and selected specialty support roles.

Minimum Qualifications and Expectations

• Currently enrolled and in good standing in an accredited pre‑licensure RN program.
• Nursing Foundations coursework must be completed or in progress.
• Expected graduation date must meet the requirements of the current cohort.
• BLS certification must be obtained within seven days of hire.
• Attend required orientation and ongoing education.
• Work at least one shift per pay period during the semester and two 12‑hour shifts per pay period during school breaks.
• Work one major holiday and one night shift during the approximately 18‑month program.
• Demonstrate professionalism, dependable attendance, teamwork, communication, and a commitment to patient safety.
• Participate in one‑on‑one preceptor training during the initial competency period.

Job Summary

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) provides high‑quality, patient‑centered care by performing delegated tasks in alignment with the PCT's training and the department's needs. Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (LVN at Texas facilities), the PCT supports patient care by assisting with activities of daily living, maintaining a safe and organized care environment, and ensuring effective communication within the healthcare team.

Essential Functions

• Assists nursing staff in delivering care, performing delegated basic patient care services, and ensuring a clean, safe, and well‑organized environment.
• Collects and records patient data, including vital signs, height, weight, oxygen saturation, intake/output, and calorie counts, reporting findings to the RN/LPN/LVN.
• Supports patients with meals, feeding, bathing, oral care, grooming, linen changes, skin care, elimination assistance, and urinary catheter care.
• Assists with patient positioning, repositioning, dangling, ambulating, and using mobility aids such as walkers, crutches, canes, and wheelchairs.
• Collects urine and stool samples and performs blood glucose monitoring via finger sticks, documenting and reporting results to the RN/LPN/LVN.
• Communicates patient information effectively to the care team, adapts to change, and maintains professionalism in all interactions.
• Maintains a clean, neat, and safe environment for patients and staff, adhering to infection control and safety protocols, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives, risk management reporting, and compliance with National Patient Safety Goals and Core Measures.
• May be required to maintain continuous visual observation of the patient and remains with them at all times unless relieved by appropriate personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in an acute care setting or currently enrolled in a Nursing program preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of patient care practices and equipment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask in a fast‑paced environment.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and work collaboratively within a team.
• Commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to safety protocols.

Licenses and Certifications

• BCLS - Basic Life Support within 90 days of hire required
• CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant preferred or
• Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) preferred