Nurse Extern Medical Surg Per Diem Nights BMC

Nurse Extern Medical Surg Per Diem Nights BMC

Tenet Health

San Antonio, San Antonio, TX N/A, US

USD 25 per MONTH

PART_TIME

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Job Description

The Nurse Extern Medical Surg Per Diem Nights BMC position is a critical stepping stone for nursing students nearing the completion of their degree. It provides a structured, supervised environment for externs to apply theoretical knowledge, develop essential clinical competencies, and gain confidence in a hospital setting. Working on a medical-surgical unit, externs will care for a diverse patient population with various medical and surgical conditions. The “Per Diem” aspect signifies a flexible, as-needed schedule, which is ideal for students balancing academic commitments, while “Nights” refers to working evening and overnight shifts. This particular role at Baptist Medical Center (BMC), part of Tenet Health in San Antonio, TX, is tailored to foster growth, provide mentorship, and prepare future registered nurses for the demands of the profession. It’s an immersive experience that allows externs to truly understand the complexities of patient care delivery in a high-acuity setting.

Qualifications

To be considered for the Nurse Extern Medical Surg Per Diem Nights BMC role, candidates must meet specific academic and professional criteria. These qualifications ensure that externs possess a foundational understanding of nursing principles and are prepared to contribute effectively under the guidance of experienced registered nurses.

• Current Enrollment in an Accredited Nursing Program: Applicants must be actively enrolled in an accredited School of Nursing (ADN or BSN program). Typically, externships are offered to students who have successfully completed their final year or at least their junior year, demonstrating a solid grasp of fundamental nursing concepts.
• Successful Completion of Core Clinical Rotations: Candidates should have successfully completed medical-surgical clinical rotations, ensuring they are familiar with the care of adult patients with various medical and surgical conditions. This practical experience is vital for the medical-surgical unit.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification: A valid BLS certification from the American Heart Association is mandatory. This ensures externs are equipped to respond to emergency situations.
• Good Academic Standing: Maintaining good academic standing within their nursing program is essential, reflecting dedication and aptitude for nursing.
• Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills: The ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members is crucial for patient safety and team collaboration, especially during the demanding night shifts.
• Physical Stamina and Adaptability: The role requires physical stamina, including standing for long periods, lifting, and assisting patients. The “Per Diem Nights” aspect also demands adaptability to varying schedules and patient loads.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a Nurse Extern Medical Surg Per Diem Nights BMC are designed to provide comprehensive, hands-on experience under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). This guided practice is invaluable for skill development and critical thinking.

Direct Patient Care

• Assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Externs will assist patients with essential daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, feeding, ambulation, and personal hygiene, maintaining patient dignity and comfort.
• Monitoring and Documentation: Taking and recording vital signs, measuring intake and output, and accurately documenting observations within the scope of practice in the electronic health record system.
• Patient Mobility and Safety: Assisting patients with transfers, repositioning, and ensuring a safe environment to prevent falls and injuries.
• Specimen Collection: Assisting RNs with the collection of various specimens (e.g., urine, stool) for laboratory analysis.
• Basic Wound Care: Providing basic wound care under the direct supervision of an RN, following established protocols.

Collaborative Support

• Team Collaboration: Working closely with RNs, Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and efficient patient care.
• Reporting Changes in Patient Condition: Observing patients for any changes in their condition and promptly reporting these observations to the primary RN. This sharpens assessment skills.
• Maintaining Unit Organization: Assisting with maintaining a clean, organized, and adequately stocked patient care environment.
• Patient Education Support: Reinforcing patient education provided by the RN, ensuring patients and their families understand care instructions and health goals.
• Responding to Patient Needs: Answering call lights promptly and addressing patient needs or relaying requests to the appropriate team member.

Benefits

The Nurse Extern Medical Surg Per Diem Nights BMC position at Tenet Health offers a wealth of benefits that extend far beyond a typical student job. It’s a strategic career move for any aspiring nurse.

• Invaluable Clinical Experience: Gaining hands-on experience in a real-world medical-surgical setting is the most significant benefit. Externs learn to navigate a busy hospital environment, understand patient flow, and manage multiple tasks under pressure.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Working directly with experienced RNs provides a unique mentorship opportunity. Externs receive personalized feedback, learn best practices, and gain insights from seasoned professionals.
• Application of Classroom Knowledge: This role allows externs to apply theoretical knowledge learned in nursing school to actual patient scenarios, solidifying their understanding and developing critical thinking skills.
• Networking Opportunities: Externs build professional relationships with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare staff, which can be crucial for future job prospects and career advancement within Tenet Health.
• Enhanced Job Readiness: The experience gained makes externs highly competitive candidates for Registered Nurse positions upon graduation, often leading to full-time employment within the Tenet Health system, including at BMC San Antonio.
• Flexible Schedule (Per Diem Nights): The per diem nature offers flexibility, allowing students to balance their academic commitments with valuable work experience. Night shifts can also provide a unique learning environment with different challenges and patient needs.
• Early Exposure to Hospital Culture: Understanding the operational aspects, policies, and procedures of a major hospital system like Tenet Health provides a significant advantage for new graduates.
• Financial Compensation: While primarily an educational role, externs receive competitive pay for their contributions, helping to offset educational expenses.

About the Company

Tenet Health is one of the largest and most diversified healthcare services companies in the United States, operating numerous hospitals, outpatient centers, surgical facilities, and other healthcare entities. Committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care, Tenet Health prides itself on its patient-centric approach and dedication to supporting its healthcare professionals. The company fosters an environment of continuous learning and professional growth, making it an ideal place for a nursing student to begin their career journey.

Baptist Medical Center (BMC) in San Antonio, TX, is a flagship facility within the Tenet Health system in the South Texas region. With a rich history of serving the community, BMC is a comprehensive medical center known for its advanced medical technologies, a broad spectrum of specialty services, and a deep commitment to clinical excellence. The medical-surgical units at BMC are dynamic environments where nurses care for a wide range of patients recovering from surgery, managing chronic illnesses, or undergoing various medical treatments. The hospital’s focus on patient safety, quality outcomes, and staff development makes it a premier location for a Nurse Extern Medical Surg Per Diem Nights BMC to gain invaluable experience. Working at BMC means becoming part of a supportive team that values collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication to patient well-being, especially during the crucial night shifts.

Conclusion

The Nurse Extern Medical Surg Per Diem Nights BMC position at Tenet Health’s Baptist Medical Center in San Antonio, TX, represents a significant opportunity for nursing students to jumpstart their professional development. This role is more than just a job; it’s an immersive learning experience that provides direct patient care exposure, fosters critical thinking, and builds confidence in a real-world hospital setting. By working flexible night shifts on a busy medical-surgical unit, externs gain hands-on skills, receive invaluable mentorship, and contribute meaningfully to patient care.

For aspiring nurses seeking to transform their academic knowledge into practical expertise, this externship offers a robust foundation for a successful and fulfilling career. It is a chance to grow within a leading healthcare organization like Tenet Health and make a tangible difference in the lives of patients in San Antonio. Embracing the challenges and rewards of being a Nurse Extern Medical Surg Per Diem Nights BMC will undoubtedly prepare you for the vital role you will play as a future Registered Nurse. This is an unparalleled pathway to refine your skills, expand your network, and solidify your passion for nursing.