Nurse Extern - Gettysburg Hospital - Winter 2023-2024

Extended Nurse Extern Program

Our Extended Extern program offers opportunities for continuous development of clinical skills throughout the student nurse’s senior year. 

Senior Nursing student (must have completed medical surgical clinical rotation in an accredited nursing program) - must be graduating in May 2024 or December 2024

• Minimum:  1, 12-hour shift/ 2 weeks and additional hours can be picked up as schedule permits (up to three 12 hour shifts in 3 weeks)
  • Units available:  Med/Surg
• Orientation flexible with school schedule
• Work 1:1 with an experienced RN preceptor.
• Paid clinical experience
• PA Child Abuse & FBI fingerprint clearances required

• Must submit professional resume in addition to the online application
• Unofficial transcripts required prior to start of program
• Valid and active AHA or ARC BLS certification

Gettysburg Hospital Nursing supports the mission and vision through a centralized department of nursing. We strive to be the best in the eyes of our patients, family, staff, and community by providing safe, evidence based practice leading to exemplary outcomes. Each professional nurse accepts the accountability and responsibility for his/her professional practice by fostering an environment that supports leading change, responding to the healthcare needs of our community and advancing health. Nurses at Gettysburg are lifelong learners who value continued professional development and education. They are role models in honesty, responsibility, upholding human dignity, ease of human suffering and equality of all patients. Helping others in need and improving the quality of life for all is the act of behaving in a manner defined by the profession. Gettysburg nurses are active participants in decisions about patient care and nursing practice, and commit to upholding professional nursing standards at local, state and national levels.

Job Description:

Under supervision of the registered nurse, and as a fully functioning member of the patient care team, provides direct care to patients by performing a variety of duties, including assisting with data collection, provision of care, completion of selected therapeutic interventions, and documentation of care provided for a specified group of patients.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provides information needed by the registered nurse to coordinate the care and discharge planning for the patient and family.
2. Provides general nursing care and personal care assistance to patients, including bathing, dressing, eating, changing bed linens and bed pans and positioning.
3. Assists in the preparation and transportation of patients for tests, procedures, etc.
4. Monitors patient condition levels; reports changes to the appropriate individuals.
5. Obtains and documents patient vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, weight, respiration, pulse, pain, and department-specific requirements.
6. Performs selected procedures if demonstrated competency during formal Nurse Extern Program (If Nurse Extern Program completed at medical facility other than York Hospital, skills checklist/competency verification must be provided), such as catheterization, nasogastric tube insertion and care, wound care, administration of tube feedings, enema administration and ostomy care.
7. Sets up and removes equipment and supplies; ensures equipment is functioning properly and stored appropriately.
8. Performs EKGs and Point-of-Care testing which may include blood glucose, hemoccult and specific gravity testing.
9. Runs special errands as required. Responds to light calls.
10. Ensures patient rooms, nursing areas, supply carts, etc. are stocked with appropriate items at required levels.
11. Maintains par levels of supplies and equipment on assigned unit(s). Notifies supervisor when reorder points are reached.

Common Expectations:

1. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of the assigned patient
2. population. Assesses and interprets patient age specific data and provides appropriate, age specific treatment. Provides
3. direct patient care to assigned patient age group(s).
4. Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
5. Participates in educational programs and inservice meetings.
6. Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement
7. and innovation.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education:
  • Currently enrolled in an approved Nursing program with completion of two clinical semesters.
  • (Enrollment in an accredited BSN program is preferred.)
• Required Certification:
  • BLS certification
• Required Courses:
  • Requires completion of a formal Nurse Extern Program
• Physical Demands:
  • Prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking
  • Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients
  • Pushes/pulls or moves/lifts heavy equipment/supplies
  • Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching