Nurse Extern, Cardiac Care Unit

Description:
The Nurse Extern, under the supervision of the Registered Nurse, provides direct patient care to patients from
birth through the lifecycle. This care includes utilizing treatments, procedures and equipment appropriate to
the pre-licensure nurse in the clinical setting per hospital policy.
Qualifications:
MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED:
Currently enrolled in and progressing through an accredited nursing program and successfully completed the
first Med/Surg rotation.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
None

MINIMUM LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY LAW:
None

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
BLS certification required
Certification from a Nursing Assistant or Patient Care Technician program preferred
Certification in phlebotomy preferred
Certification in ECG preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Provide direct patient care.
2. Assists with data collection to include collection of data regarding the patients physical, psychosocial
and health history.
3. Assists patients with ADL activities; functions independently with treatments, equipment and
procedures appropriate to the scope of pre-licensure clinical practice. Assists with mobility, feeding,
oral care, bath and range of motion.
4. Performs treatments timely, to include glucose checks, incentive spirometry, simple dressing changes,
wound/ostomy care, and setting up electronic education devices/services.
5. Performs skills as delegated by Registered Nurse to include: phlebotomy, ECG, intermittent urinary
catheterization, indwelling urinary catheter insertion and management, peripheral IV insertion and
removal.
6. Maintains and monitors skin integrity by turning patients every two hours, applies treatments and
barriers as ordered and monitors patient regularly.
7. Documents in the EMR in a timely manner all vital signs and treatments provided.
8. Effectively communicate between all care partners. Ensures primary nurse is aware of any changes in
patient condition or concerns.
9. Assists with admission and discharge process. Meets patient in the room when admitted whenever
possible to obtain vital signs and assist with patient intake.
10. Reinforces education provided by licensed staff.
11. Administers medications under direct supervision of registered nurse staff.
12. Controls patient care cost by ensuring accurate recording of patient charges.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
Effective Communication Skills
Initiative to promote self-learning and patient outcomes
Independent Judgment
Ability to handle stressful environments

Disclaimer
The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people
assigned to this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of
personnel so classified.