Under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN), the Nurse Extern is responsible for demonstrating competency in foundational and progressively developing patient care skills, performing only those delegated tasks that align with their education, validated competencies, and organizational policy. The extern supports the RN in delivering safe, high-quality, age-appropriate care and contributes to patient throughput by assisting with transport, admissions, discharges, and other workflow activities as assigned.

Eligibility:
- Must be a rising or current senior nursing student
- Open to any nursing student, but priority is given to students who live in Northwest Georgia.
- Must have a 3.0 GPA
- Must have 1 letter of recommendation from a clinical instructor
Purpose:
- The 7-week summer Nurse Extern program is primarily for nursing students who live in Northwest Georgia and are interested in working at Atrium Health upon graduation.
- This program gives these students the opportunity to gain experience at Atrium Health Floyd while home for the summer and during other school breaks.
Job Summary

-  Shadowing Opportunity only but will see all of Critical Care, Med Surg, ER (Emergency Room), FBH (Floyd Behavioral Health), and OPS (Outpatient Surgery)

- The summer nurse extern program will also include weekly Professional Development Workshops, will be required to participate in a group project which will be presented at the end of the extern program.
- The 7-week program will run from June 1st until July 17th, and the summer nurse externs must be available to work the entirety of the program.
- Summer Nurse Externs will have the opportunity to stay on as a year-round Nurse Tech.

This role requires effective communication, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within the interdisciplinary team while maintaining organization, prioritization, and attention to detail. The extern is accountable for the proper use and care of designated equipment and supplies and must remain flexible and adaptable to changing assignments, evolving patient needs, and ongoing skill development. Throughout their practice, the Nurse Extern is expected to apply the knowledge and abilities appropriate to the specific patient population served on the unit, while continuing to refine clinical skills under the guidance and direction of the RN.

Major Responsibilities:

Supports patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) — assists with bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, and other essential personal care needs while maintaining dignity, comfort, and safety. Assists patients with mobility and hygiene needs — repositions, transfers, ambulates, and utilizes assistive devices in accordance with established procedures and RN direction. Supports patient nutrition and hydration — assists with feeding, meal setup, and monitoring diet tolerance in alignment with prescribed diet orders, safety precautions, and RN guidance. Maintains a clean and safe patient environment — ensures patient rooms, equipment, and common areas meet infection prevention standards and remain free from hazards. Observes and communicates changes in patient condition — identifies physical, emotional, or behavioral variations and provides timely, factual reports to the RN to support clinical decision-making. Reinforces patient and family education and orientation — reviews safety measures, explains unit routines, and assists in preparing patients for tests or procedures as directed by the RN. Performs clerical and administrative support functions — answers phones, enters basic information into the electronic medical record, retrieves supplies, and supports communication flow on the unit. Manages patient-care supplies and equipment — stocks inventory, ensures materials are available, and maintains cleanliness and proper functioning of designated equipment. 

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

No additional certifications, registrations, or licenses required beyond enrollment and good standing in an accredited nursing program. 

Education Required:

High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) required. The individual must be actively enrolled in a Recognized Accredited Nursing Program and remain in good academic standing. Must maintain a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA), calculated on a weighted 4.0 scale.  This requirement applies to all coursework and includes consideration for advanced classes (e.g., Honors, AP, IB) where additional weight is assigned. Equivalent academic performance under other recognized grading systems (such as percentage-based or quality point systems) will also be accepted, provided it meets the same standard prior to application and throughout employment.  The individual must have successfully completed the foundational nursing coursework required to participate safely in supervised clinical practice and perform the responsibilities of the Nurse Extern role. Examples of such coursework may include but are not limited to a curriculum-based instructional component delivered by the School of Nursing that provides instruction in basic patient care procedures, safety and infection control standards, therapeutic communication, documentation fundamentals, and the core principles of professional nursing practice. Foundational coursework is expected to include but is not limited to: Foundations of Professional Nursing, Physical Assessment and Health, Fundamental Principles and Skills, and Pathophysiology/Pharmacology, or equivalent courses as defined by the accredited nursing program and verified during the organizational onboarding process. Verification of completion or anticipated completion of required foundational nursing coursework prior to the onboarding date must be confirmed through acceptable documentation.  Acceptable verification may include but is not limited to: official or unofficial academic transcripts, written confirmation from the School of Nursing, progression letters, or other formal academic documentation, such as program enrollment verification or competency summaries.  If official transcripts cannot be provided, acceptable alternative documentation may be approved by any of the following: the Nurse Director, the Nursing Education Department, or the Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP). Defining Criteria for Recognized Accredited Nursing Programs: Associate-level nursing degree variations may include, but are not limited to: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN or AAS-N), Associate of Arts in Nursing (AAN), or an equivalent credential as defined by the accredited nursing program. 

OR  Bachelor-level nursing degree variations may include, but are not limited to: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), RN-to-BSN programs, Bachelor of Nursing (BN), or Bachelor of Science with a Major in Nursing, or an equivalent credential as defined by the accredited nursing program. 

     

Experience Required:

Ability to complete all required orientation, training, and competency validation programs upon hire, including any Registered Nurse (RN)-supported instruction for designated skills and procedures. 

     

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

 Demonstrated competency in the basic fundamentals of nursing as acquired through accredited nursing coursework. Ability to perform approved clinical skills and procedures following RN-precepted training and documented competency validation. Ability to maintain academic performance standards required for continued good standing in the nursing program. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

This role requires the ability to perform the essential physical functions associated with direct patient care. The individual must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods and frequently bend, reach, squat, kneel, and move between positions efficiently to meet clinical workflow demands. The position requires sufficient strength and mobility to assist with patient transfers, repositioning, and the movement of equipment or supplies while maintaining proper body mechanics. Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling tasks may range from light to moderately heavy as defined by the organizational job class evaluation, and reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable law.  The individual must possess adequate near and far visual acuity, hearing, fine motor coordination, and tactile sensitivity necessary to safely observe patients, recognize alarms and call signals, handle equipment, and perform assigned clinical support activities. The role requires the ability to respond promptly and appropriately to changes in patient condition, prioritize multiple tasks, and remain composed and effective in high-stress or emergency situations. Extended use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, and gowns, may be required to ensure safety in the performance of job duties. Work is performed in a clinical environment where the individual may be exposed to blood, bodily fluids, communicable diseases, noxious odors, high noise levels, and frequent interruptions. The individual must be able to function safely and effectively under these conditions while maintaining professional behavior. Organizational requirements may include successful completion of role-specific physical evaluations—such as POPE assessments or cardiac recovery testing—if applicable to the designated job class where such evaluations are job-related and consistent with business necessity. Flexibility in work hours, including the ability to work weekends, holidays, or varied shifts, may be required to support patient care operations. All duties must be performed in a manner consistent with organizational policy, safety standards, and applicable regulatory guidelines. 

Preferred Job Requirements

Preferred Certification/License/Registration

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association preferred. 

Preferred Education

Completion of additional nursing coursework beyond foundational requirements.

Preferred Experience

Previous experience in a healthcare, patient care, or customer service setting preferred. 

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Familiarity with electronic medical record (EMR) systems. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Demonstrated interest in developing clinical skills within a hospital or acute care setting. 

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.