About the role#
The Professional Nursing Assistant (PNA) Externship is a paid, 10-week summer program for nursing students. You will work in a one-on-one clinical partnership with an RN preceptor. This experience helps you build your clinical skills, improve your communication, and gain a better understanding of the nursing scope of practice through a mix of on-unit and off-unit learning.
What you'll do#
- Work 36-40 hours per week under the direct supervision of an RN.
- Assist with patient care procedures, including bathing, feeding, ambulation, and personal hygiene.
- Prepare patients and equipment for medical procedures.
- Record vital signs, intake and output, and blood glucose levels.
- Support patient admissions, discharges, and transportation.
- Document patient data in the electronic health record.
- Assist providers with physical examinations.
- Maintain a clean and stocked work environment.
- Reinforce patient education as directed by your RN partner.
- Report changes in a patient's condition to the nursing staff.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an accredited nursing program (NLN, CCNE, or ACNE).
- Successful completion of Nursing Fundamentals or at least one semester of nursing school.
- A high school diploma or equivalent.
- Current American Heart Association (AHA) BCLS certification.
- Eligibility to obtain North Carolina Nurse Aide I (CNA) certification before the program start date.
- Current listing on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry by May 10, 2027, with no substantiated findings.
Location & details#
- Location: Durham, North Carolina.
- Term: May 17, 2027, to July 25, 2027.
- Modality: On-site, full-time.
About Duke University
Duke University is an educational institution based in Durham, North Carolina. Founded in 1924, the university operates as a large organization with over 10,000 employees. It focuses on scholarship and academic research across various disciplines. The campus serves as a center for higher education.
How to get in at Duke University
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