Nursing Externship

Description

­Lexington Regional Health Center

Title: Nursing Externship

Effective Date: February 24, 2025

Supervisor: Director of Nursing

Department: Nursing

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

1. Participates in general patient care providing activities of daily living (ADLS), vital sign monitoring as ordered by provider, and other duties as delegated by licensed nursing staff.
2. Communicates with nurses in regard to patients' needs and completing assigned duties.
3. Maintains medical record documentation. Records all care information concisely, accurately and completely in a timely manner in the appropriate format and on the appropriate forms. 
4. Ensures patient care areas are adequately stocked with supplies.
5. Maintains patient and staff safety through the use of patient safety tools (TeamSTEPPS, Just Culture, etc).
6. Provides accurate and detailed bedside shift report to oncoming staff to ensure consistency and continuity of care.
7. Communicates with multidisciplinary team to ensure patient centered holistic care.
8. Participates in patient care activities that could include blood exposure and risk to bloodborne pathogens (eg: lacerations, handling of blood-contaminated specimens, etc.)  
9. Responsible for safe bagging and disposal of biohazardous waste. 
10. Responsible for proper collection, storage and labeling of biological specimens.
11. Responsible for ensuring the environment meets appropriate governing body standards. 
12. Ensure patients and visitors follow current infection control guidelines.
13. Regular attendance at the assigned work location is required.
14. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities

1. Ability to read, write and use basic computer and office equipment skills to carry out duties as assigned as is typically acquired through the completion of a high school diploma or equivalent. 
2. Currently enrolled in an accredited registered nursing program with expected graduation the following calendar year. Enrollment at University of Nebraska Medical Center Registered Nurse program preferred. 
3. Basic Life Support certification via American Heart Association required.
4. Current Certified Nursing Assistant License required. 
5. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with regard to protected and sensitive information.
6. Ability to complete reports and correspondence at a professional level.
7. Ability to immediately respond to common inquires and complaints from patients, employees, and regulatory agencies.
8. Ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
9. Successful completion of required knowledge and training of standard precaution and transmission protocols and when to apply during principle duties and responsibilities. 

Working conditions

1. May spend up to 75% of shift completing patient care activities, requiring ambulating and an appropriate body position to complete a task such as squatting or kneeling to help assist patient with dressing. Rest of shift may be spent sitting for appropriate work completion. Transferring patients frequently, depending on case load, requires lift of 35 pounds to assist in transfers. A hoyer lift, sit-to-stand lift, or extra assistance may be needed on patients that require extra assist in transfers or if transferring above the 35 pounds. 17 pound commodes are carried to patient specific rooms up to 200 feet. Wheelchairs require up to 40 horizontal force pounds to transport patients up to 300 feet. Hospital beds require 60 horizontal force pounds to move bed 2 feet or to initiate movement and require 40 horizontal force pounds up to 200 feet to transport patient from room to room, many times completing with 2 person assist. Getting onto floor or crawling may be required to assist in cleaning up messes made in patient rooms.
   
2. Exposure to chemicals and other hazards related to patient care. Appropriate safety precautions, such as safety glasses, gloves, etc. must be used to minimize risk of injury.
   
3. Direct exposure to body substances during patient care activities and on contaminated surfaces such as patient equipment.

Management responsibilities

1. None

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.