Summer 2023 Nurse Student Externship Program
The George Washington University Hospital is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Summer Nurse Student Externship (Extern) Program.
Program Dates:
DATES: May 22, 2023- August 25, 2023
Our highly competitive, 10 week-long, paid externship program, runs from late May through early August and is designed to enhance your academic and professional experience. Throughout the summer, the Student Nurse Extern will have hands on experience providing direct patient care under nursing supervision. Positions are offered in all specialty areas depending on availability.
Nurse Externs will collaborate with experienced RNs, who will function as a mentor, helping you develop your critical thinking skills you need to increase your confidence as a nursing professional. In addition, you will meet your learning needs and gain the best possible clinical experiences, a Nurse Educator will also provide support.
You will work a 36-40 hours per week and will have educational opportunities and shadow days incorporated into your schedule. Positive evaluations from the externship may also lead to an offer for a Graduate Nurse/Clinical Nurse position, will align with successful competition of your nursing program.
Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program.
- Have at least a 3.0 (out of 4.0) current, cumulative GPA.
- Be available for full-time summer employment and rotating shifts (weekend/nights/holidays).
- BSN student who has completed their junior year clinicals (previous experience as a nursing assistant desired)
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assists with implementing the patient’s plan of care as directed by the Registered Nurse
- Assists the Registered Nursing with implementation of the health teaching plan through the performance of routine health teaching
- Assists with transport of patients, specimens, equipment and supplies as appropriate
- Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality
- Collects and documents pertinent patient information following hospital policy guidelines to include, but not limited to: reinforcement of patient teaching, completion of patient tasks delegated by the Registered Nurse, vital signs, height and weight, intake and output and patient care activities
- Confers with the Registered Nurse in identifying patient needs, supporting and preparing transfer and discharge needs
- Complies with established hospital personnel policies to include, but not limited to: attending orientation, mandatory training sessions and staff meetings
- Contributes to the achievement of established department and hospital goals and objectives and adheres to department and hospital policies, procedures, quality standards and safety standards; complies with governmental and accreditation regulations
- Demonstrates behavior consistent with GWUH/UHS mission, vision, values, goals, objectives and patient care philosophy
- Demonstrates effective communication and works effectively with all members of the healthcare team
- Demonstrates the appropriate level of urgency during critical situations
- Participates in multi-disciplinary quality and service improvement teams
- Reports actual and potential problems concerning patients, visitors, employees and other departments to the Registered Nurse
- Responds to questions from patients, significant others and visitors in a prompt, courteous and positive manner referring them to appropriate personnel as necessary
- Reports information and findings to the nurse, and offering suggestions for revision of the plan of care as appropriate
- Provides direct bedside care to patients as assigned, inclusive of but not limited to:
- Performs/assists with activities of daily living
- Assisting with ambulation, mobilization and rehabilitation
- Performs basic procedures as per unit/hospital policy inclusive of but not limited to:
- ostomy care
- urinary catheter insertion, removal and care
- perform 12 lead EKG
- peripheral IV insertion/care and venipuncture
- collects specimens to include blood, urine, stool and sputum
- simple dressing changes and wound care
- measure urine and drain/tube output
- Point of Care testing
- safe storage of oxygen tanks and equipment
- assist with the application, maintenance and removal of traction, casts, splints and exercise equipment
- performs other duties as assigned