Nurse Extern- Various Departments- Position Closes on 11.30.2025

Join our Nurse Extern Program at Summit Healthcare! 

We are accepting applications for the following departments:

Telemetry/PCU, Acute Care Adults/Pediatrics, Acute Observation Unit, ICU, OB, and Emergency Department.

Positions can be part time or full time with a starting base rate of $19.58/hr with benefits. 

Day shift & night shift available 

 

The following information is designed to outline the functions and position requirements of this job. It does not identify all tasks that may be expected, nor address the performance standards that must be maintained. 

 

General Position Summary:

 

The Nurse Extern program provides students currently enrolled in an Arizona State Board of Nursing approved Registered Nurse curriculum, and up to 120 days following graduation, an opportunity to work under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse preceptor. Eligible candidates must have completed the first three semesters of the RN curriculum. Under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse, the Nurse Extern may perform nursing skills for which they have received didactic and clinical instruction. 

 

The goal of the extern program is to enhance education and facilitate transition into the RN role while supporting safe nursing care. Current Summit Healthcare employees are given priority acceptance into the extern program.

 

Essential Functions / Major Responsibilities:

 

·         Maintains an attitude of continuous learning in the work environment, asking questions, seeking learning opportunities and understanding of different perspectives, ideas and beliefs.

·         Works collaboratively with RN preceptor to gather and analyze data for the purpose of assessment, planning, implementing, evaluating and modifying individualized nursing care needs of assigned patients.

·         Analyzes, compares, and contrasts assessment findings through discussion, information sharing and resources with RN preceptor to build and develop critical thinking skills related to various patient presentations.

·         Accurately documents data collected, care provided, and assures documentation is validated.

• Participates in discussion with other disciplines in the planning, implementation, evaluation and modification of nursing care.
• Performs nursing procedures as outlined on the extern’s student nurse curriculum skills checklist for which competency has been established and signed off.  Each skill performed must have been observed and validated by the extern’s faulty Clinical Instructor.
• Only performs skills within the scope of practice of a Nurse Extern as defined by the Arizona State Board of Nursing advisory opinion: Supervision of Unlicensed Nurse Externs by RN’s and the Summit Healthcare Nurse Extern policy NU2009.
• Listens attentively to patients, visitors and colleagues to ensure understanding of their needs, and asks questions if something is not clear.
• Develops the ability to identify and prioritize tasks and patient needs with the RN preceptor.
• Maintains a safe and clean environment.
• Demonstrates patient-centered and customer focus by treating patient, visitors and colleges as top priority to meet or exceed expectations.
• Understands the necessity for maintaining confidentiality of all sensitive oral, paper-based, and electronic information and restricts the flow of such information to those who have a need to know; respecting the privacy and confidentiality of the people we serve, our physicians/healthcare providers, and our fellow employees.
• Practices listening skills when dealing with concerns, complaints, questions, demonstrating objectivity in emotional situations.

 

Secondary Functions:

• Demonstrates ability to evaluate suggestions and criticisms objectively and when necessary undertakes to change behavior or seeks further guidance.
• Demonstrates a commitment to quality by contributing ideas and suggestions for improvement and by participation in activities that improve systems, processes, and service to patients, visitors and colleagues.
• Demonstrates ability to adapt to change which directly or indirectly impacts on job responsibilities.
• Consistently conforms to department dress code and maintains appearance suited to position.
• Maintains punctual attendance for all assigned duties.
• Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling and accepting assignments.
• Demonstrates initiative and motivation in managing and utilizing time.
• Maintains own time card accurately.
• Identifies and pursues own educational needs; attending and participating in continuing education to maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills
• Attends staff meetings or reviews meeting minutes when absent.
• Satisfactorily completes all mandatory education annually.

• Displays proper etiquette and mannerisms that adhere to the SHINE Behavior standards.
• Promotes patient safety standards as a core value of the organization.
• Positively represents Summit Healthcare (Association) in the workplace and in the community.
• Participates in departmental and association wide informational meetings and in-services.
• Reviews department and association wide policies and procedures annually.
• All other duties as assigned.

 

Supervisory Responsibility:

 

• None

 

Specific Job Skills & Mental Activities:

 

This position requires basic entry level professional nursing exposure and skills expected of a first year nursing student.

 

Basic knowledge of general office equipment (including telephone system, fax machine, and copy machine) as well as excellent communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and interpersonal skills are needed.

 

Basic math skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment is necessary. This position also requires knowledge of commonly used hospital equipment, including all hospital information systems, the nurse call system, and department specific equipment.

 

This position requires time management and self-motivation. Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

 

 

Education and/or Experience:

 

·         High School diploma or equivalent (required).

·         Current CPR Certification (required within 30 days of hire date).

·         Current enrollment in an approved Arizona State Board of Nursing Registered Nurse curriculum and successful completion of the first three semesters of the nursing program.

 

 

Physical Demands & Job Conditions:

 

 

Exert up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. The worker is subject to on-call status, contact with chemicals, contact with infectious fluids, heavy lifting, constant standing, and encounters with upset/disturbed individuals.

 

Physical motions include finger dexterity, standing, walking, stooping, crawling, talking, reaching, feeling, sitting, bending, kneeling, climbing, grasping, listening/hearing, handling, lifting up to 50-100 pounds, and repetitive motions of the hands, wrists, and feet.

 

This is considered a safety sensitive position.

 

 

Requirements for this program are as follows:

 

·         No prescheduled paid time off will be allowed during nurse externship.

·         Must maintain employment in good standing.

 

 

OSHA Exposure Category:

           

Involves exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.