About the role#
The Nurse Extern program offers a paid, hands-on opportunity for students currently enrolled in an accredited pre-licensure RN program. This 18-month program allows you to build your nursing career while you are still in school. You will work alongside experienced nurses, preceptors, and clinical educators, progressing through four self-paced competency levels. The role combines direct patient care, skill development, and specialty shadowing to strengthen your clinical judgment and prepare you for graduate nurse practice.
What you'll do#
Under the direction of an RN, you will perform delegated basic patient care services and assist with daily operations. Your responsibilities include:
- Assisting with activities of daily living, including feeding, bathing, oral care, grooming, and skin care.
- Collecting and recording patient data such as vital signs, height, weight, oxygen saturation, and intake/output.
- Performing blood glucose testing and collecting urine or stool samples.
- Assisting with patient mobility, positioning, and the use of mobility aids.
- Maintaining a clean, safe, and organized environment for patients.
- Providing continuous visual observation of patients when required.
- Participating in performance improvement initiatives and safety protocol compliance.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in good standing in an accredited pre-licensure RN program.
- Nursing Foundations coursework completed or in progress.
- Expected graduation date that meets the requirements of the current cohort.
- BLS certification, which must be obtained within seven days of hire.
- Ability to work at least one shift per pay period during the semester and two 12-hour shifts per pay period during school breaks.
- Commitment to work one major holiday and one night shift during the 18-month program.
- Strong communication skills, professionalism, and a focus on patient safety.
- Participation in one-on-one preceptor training during the initial competency period.
Location & details#
- Location: Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Employment Type: Part-time, rolling term.
About Community Health Systems
Community Health Systems operates as a public healthcare provider in the United States. The organization manages 60 affiliated hospitals and over 800 additional sites of care. These locations include urgent care centers, physician practices, and imaging facilities. The company maintains a presence in 32 markets across 12 states. Its headquarters are located in Franklin, Tennessee.
How to get in at Community Health Systems
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