The nurse extern must assist in all aspects of patient care. This includes admitting, transferring and discharging patients. The extern would also assists in providing comfort and safety for the patient. She may be required to educate the patient and family on treatment and therapy measures. In her externship providing personal care for the patient is required. This would include oral and personal hygiene and general cleaning of the hospital room. The nurse extern could be directed to apply heat and cold compressions, give catheter care and change dressings.
In his externship the nurse would procure patient records like vital signs, height and weights. He must record and report any changes in the patient. In accord with HIPPA laws the nurse extern must maintain all confidentiality of patient information.
Since the nurse extern is performing duties that she will essentially perform on a weekly basis as a RN, she must adhere to some professional duties in her externship. The nurse extern must maintain positive interpersonal and working relationships with patients, visitors and hospital staff and doctors. She would follow all safety precautions for handling patients and hospital operations. It is also her duty to attend in-service meetings such as departmental and general hospital meetings.