About the role#
The Nurse Extern role in the Cardiac Stepdown Unit offers nursing students hands-on clinical training under the guidance of a dedicated preceptor. This position is designed to help students apply classroom knowledge to a clinical setting while exploring hospital practice and specialty areas. The program aims to transition students into a graduate nurse position and the Graduate Nurse Residency program upon graduation. Externs must commit to a minimum of 24 hours over four weeks, with flexible scheduling available to accommodate academic requirements.
What you'll do#
- Complete patient care tasks based on skills deemed competent in nursing school.
- Contribute to patient safety and quality care by monitoring patient conditions, taking vital signs, and answering calls for help.
- Assist patients with activities of daily living, including ambulation, hygiene, feeding, and skin care.
- Perform clinical procedures such as dressing changes, catheter care, and specimen collection.
- Inform licensed nurses of any changes in patient condition or needs.
- Maintain and stock supplies and equipment to ensure unit readiness.
- Orient new patients to the nursing unit and assist with discharge preparation.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an accredited school of nursing.
- Completion of a fundamentals of nursing class and the first clinical rotation.
- Graduation date must be within 18 months.
- Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) certification from the American Heart Association.
Location & details#
- Location: Mount Vernon, Illinois.
- Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: $18.00 per hour.
- Status: Full-time.
About SSM Health
SSM Health is a nonprofit, integrated health system founded in 1872. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, the organization operates hospitals, physician offices, and outpatient centers across Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. It employs over 20,000 people and provides a range of services including home care, hospice, pharmacy benefits, and health insurance. The system maintains a presence as a major employer in the communities it serves.
How to get in at SSM Health
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