Nurse Extern LPN/RN

LPN/RN Nurse Extern Are you a recent nursing school graduate ready to take the next step in your nursing career? Our Nursing Externship Program offers a valuable opportunity for graduates of state-approved nursing programs to gain hands-on experience, develop essential clinical skills, and receive mentorship from experienced licensed nursing professionals in a skilled nursing facility. As a Nursing Extern, you will work alongside our experienced nursing team to learn daily nursing operations, support resident care, and gain practical knowledge of assessments, care planning, documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This temporary position is designed to help prepare you for nursing licensure while contributing to a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment for our residents. Essential Job Functions Under the supervision and guidance of licensed nursing staff, the Nursing Extern will: Shadow and assist licensed nursing staff in providing quality resident care while adhering to the applicable scope of practice. Communicate and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to support individualized resident care plans. Develop an understanding of the care needs of residents under their supervision and recognize changes in resident condition, promptly notifying the appropriate licensed nurse. Conduct resident rounds and help ensure established care plans are followed to promote resident safety, dignity, and quality of care. Assist with preparing and updating resident assessments and care plans while gaining knowledge of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) process and Quality Indicators. Observe, document, and communicate physician orders, whether verbal or written, in accordance with facility policies and applicable regulations. Notify the Unit Clerk of physician orders requiring appointments or other scheduling arrangements. Complete accurate, timely, and thorough documentation, including nursing notes, scheduled charting, charting by exception, MDS assessments, Medicare-related documentation, and laboratory and diagnostic results, as assigned and permitted within the extern's scope of practice. Provide a thorough and accurate handoff report to the oncoming nurse to support continuity of care. Ensure accuracy and accountability in assigned duties, including scanning central supply items for each resident in accordance with facility procedures. Immediately report errors, concerns, or discrepancies to the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) or Director of Nursing (DON) for timely follow-up and correction. Immediately report any witnessed or suspected abuse, neglect, or other concerns affecting resident safety to the DON, ADON, or Administrator. Maintain resident confidentiality, protect resident rights, and comply with facility policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of: Medical terminology and basic nursing principles. Resident care practices, safety procedures, and infection prevention and control protocols. Emergency response, disaster preparedness, and evacuation procedures. Resident rights and the identification and reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Documentation practices and applicable nursing regulations. Skills in: Using equipment, tools, and supplies associated with resident care. Following established safety procedures and infection prevention protocols. Communicating effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing. Using computers and specialized software for resident documentation and care management. Operating diagnostic equipment as trained, authorized, and permitted within the extern's scope of practice. Ability to: Recognize changes in a resident's condition and promptly notify the appropriate licensed nurse. Recognize situations beyond personal knowledge, training, or authorized scope of practice and seek guidance when needed. Demonstrate compassion, sensitivity, patience, and professionalism when interacting with residents, families, and colleagues. Follow the Arizona State Board of Nursing Rules and the Arizona Nurse Practice Act, including all applicable requirements related to scope of practice and supervision. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with residents, families, coworkers, and members of the interdisciplinary team. Read, write, understand, and follow instructions accurately and efficiently. Maintain confidentiality and professionalism while managing stress and adapting to changing work environments. Demonstrate sound judgment, attention to detail, accountability, and a commitment to resident safety. Comply with all facility policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements. Required Minimum Education, Experience, and Training Graduation from a state-approved nursing education program. Must pass the applicable National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) within 30 days of hire. Must obtain a current Arizona State Board of Nursing license within 60 days of hire, consistent with the applicable licensure requirements for the position. Must demonstrate a commitment to pursuing and obtaining the appropriate nursing license and developing professional nursing competencies. Special Job Requirements Attend mandatory nursing meetings, training sessions, and continuing education activities as required. Obtain and maintain an Arizona Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card at the employee's expense, as applicable. Obtain and maintain current CPR certification. Complete annual tuberculosis testing. Complete 12 hours of required annual in-service training. Comply with applicable federal, state, and local communicable disease testing requirements. Maintain compliance with facility policies, applicable licensing requirements, and all other job-related regulatory obligations. Equal Employment Opportunity Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). LPN $19.35/hour RN $26.85/hour