Clinical Externs

Description:

Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) is inviting applications for its Clinical Extern – Winter Intake Program, a valuable opportunity for nursing students and internationally educated nurses (IENs) to gain hands-on hospital experience. Clinical Externs function as unregulated health care providers under the supervision of regulated professionals and are supported by a dedicated Clinical Extern Mentor Coordinator. They contribute to patient care while developing their clinical skills and knowledge in a dynamic hospital environment.

Externs are integrated into the healthcare team, working collaboratively with nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. The role involves assisting patients with personal care such as hygiene, mobility, meals, and comfort measures, while also supporting clinical staff with documentation, purposeful rounding, stocking supplies, and maintaining a safe and clean environment.

This program offers flexible scheduling with 8 or 12-hour shifts (day, evening, night, or weekend) designed to accommodate students’ academic commitments. Externs must commit to at least one shift every two weeks. The initial appointment is for a four-month term, renewable based on performance and organizational needs. Once externs obtain professional licensure, they are no longer eligible for the program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist patients with hygiene, mobility, positioning, and comfort measures

• Provide meal setup and feeding support

• Perform purposeful rounding and promptly report changes in patient conditions

• Support patient safety by maintaining a hazard-free environment

• Stock supplies and equipment such as isolation carts

• Document within scope in the Clinical Information System

• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to deliver high-quality care

• Uphold patient dignity, privacy, and confidentiality in all care interactions

Qualifications:

• Current nursing student (any year, preference for year 3 or 4) in a CNO-approved BScN/BN or PN program, OR internationally educated nurses (IENs) pursuing CNO registration.

• Evidence of academic excellence and successful recent clinical learning experiences.

• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, think critically, and solve problems in a fast-paced clinical environment.

• Knowledge of infection prevention and control practices.

• Proven attendance and reliability record.

Working Conditions:

• Must be physically able to lift, support, and mobilize patients with assistance.

• Requires standing for extended periods, repetitive bending, and working in a fast-paced environment with multiple demands.

• Must adhere to workplace health, safety, and scent-free policies.

Additional Requirements:

• Satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal reference check (within one year).

• Completion of the Health Care Worker Health Review, including immunization compliance with OHA protocols, within 30 days of hire.

• Compliance with NHH’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy.