Nurse Extern (BWC/Towson)

Under the close supervision of a licensed nurse, participates in the planning and evaluation of patient needs based on patient behaviors. Provides direct patient care services in accordance with the treatment plan and under the direction of a licensed nurse.  Communicates with patients based on an understanding of the developmental needs of adults. Assists in providing a safe and therapeutic environment according to established policies and procedures.

Responsibilities:

Customer Relations - Actively seeks to provide quality services that meet the needs of patients as well as other customers - families, payers, referrers, and staff.  Assists in orienting new patients, new staff members, volunteers, and others to the unit and the hospital.

Participation in Treatment Planning - Provides input into the treatment planning process.  Provides input into shift report. Utilizes observations to make recommendations for patient care. Collects patient data for initial patient assessment. Utilizes the licensed nurse as a resource for assistance and guidance.

Provision of Clinical Services 

• Assists in organizing therapeutic and recreational activities for assigned patients; participates in or co-leads activities and encourages patient participation. Assists patients with activities of daily living and personal hygiene, such as bathing, grooming, and bed-making when necessary.
• Demonstrates understanding of the special needs of the patient population(s) served in interactions and activities. Promotes patient comfort.
• Monitors vital signs as assigned.
• Guides and assists patients in maintaining rules and regulations of the unit.
• Follows unit/program protocols/guidelines in a manner which maintains patient privacy and dignity.
• Escorts patients on Hospital grounds and on trips outside the Hospital.

Patient Safety 

• Assists in providing a safe and therapeutic environment according to established policies and procedures.
• Recognizes early signs of escalating behavior. Utilizes triangle of choices for early intervention to de-escalate behavior.
• Intervenes in disruptive or destructive patient situations through utilization of aggression management techniques.
• As assigned, makes rounds according to protocol and documents findings.
• For positions in inpatient setting, demonstrates knowledge of critical patient observation policies and follows those policies when providing 1:1 patient supervision.

Documentation/Reporting -Completes written documentation and data entry into the electronic medical record (EMR) to record patient behaviors, vital signs, and observations in compliance with Hospital and program standards. Completes all documentation so that it is legible, accurate, complete, timely, and in accordance with Hospital & program standards.  Reports to the licensed nurse unusual patient behavior, physical symptoms or other pertinent observations.

Participation in Improving Program Effectiveness and Efficiency - Participates in the evaluation of program effectiveness and efficiency and works to ensure continuous improvements in the quality of services.  Participates in in-service programs and workshops and incorporates content into performance.  Demonstrates the ability to adapt to changes in work assignments and work environment.  Suggests ways in which the unit/program can maintain and improve safety.

Participation in Nurse Extern Clinical Experiences – Participates in educational experiences designed for nurse externs. Completes program evaluations in a timely manner and makes suggestions for program improvements.

Clinical RN Program Enrollment – Remains enrolled in good standing in an accredited RN program. Communicates changes in RN program enrollment with Unit Manager or Program Manager within 48 hours.  

Requirements:

1. Nurse Extern must be entering their final year or final semester of an Associate, BSN, or Graduate program of an accredited School of Nursing and be in good academic standing. Must be able to submit current transcript.  
2. Works requires possession of current BLS certification prior to orientation.
3. Work requires the ability to complete virtual and in-person hospital orientation sessions.
4. If the position is extended beyond the summer months, work requires the ability to work two 8-hour shift per month during fall and spring semester when classes are in session.
5. Work requires the ability to work full or part-time with rotating weekend shifts during summer months and winter breaks (if applicable).
6. Work requires the ability to read and follow up on documentation in the patient’s record, writing skills sufficient to complete required patient documentation, basic computer usage skills, and oral communication skills sufficient to communicate effectively - acquired through a high school education.
7. Work requires demonstrated competency in basic patient care methods, procedures, and techniques, as well as specialized skills, procedures, and techniques required for the specific patient population served - acquired through Hospital-provided training which is program-specific. Depending on assignment, position may require valid driver's license AND ability to meet Sheppard Pratt requirements to operate a hospital vehicle at time of appointment.