Unity Health Toronto is seeking interested nursing students to join their Nursing Extern Program at all 3 sites of our integrated network comprised of Providence Healthcare, St. Joseph’s Health Centre and St. Michael’s Hospital. This is an exciting employment opportunity for RN nursing students seeking to contribute their skills to the communities we serve. Successful candidates will gain valuable patient care experience and build connections with a team of passionate Interprofessional care providers in a hospital setting. As part of our ongoing commitment to professional growth and development, Clinical Externs may be considered for nursing opportunities upon graduation and licensure.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Clinical Leader Manager, the Clinical Extern is an unregulated health care provider working within a changing environment and the nursing and Interprofessional team to advocate for and promote wellness while ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and ethical nursing care. The Clinical Extern works in collaboration with the team under the direct supervision of a Regulated Health Care Provider (Registered Nurse) and Extern Mentor while contributing to the advancement of nursing practice excellence. The Clinical Extern will develop his/her competencies through learning, education, experience and reflective practice. As part of our ongoing commitment to professional growth and development, Clinical Externs may be considered for nursing opportunities upon graduation and licensure.

Duties include (but are not limited to):

• Practices under the direct and/or indirect supervision of a nurse to ensure that they have the knowledge, skills and judgment needed to perform all actions/duties;
• Follows organizational policies and professional standards while taking into account the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) guidance for unregulated care providers;
• Participates in pre and post procedural care in the Cardiac Investigation Unit (CIU);
• Requests assistance with assigned duties whenever necessary;
• Contributes to discharge and transition planning;
• Provides assistance with lifting, turning, transferring, transporting and ambulating
• Assists with comfort measures and patient safety by ensuring the environment is clean and tidy and free of hazards;
• Engages in additional skills as approved;
• Requests assistance with assigned duties whenever in need;
• Engages in providing transfer of accountability (ToA) at shift report and when going on break;
• Provides health education ot patients and their families using effective teaching strategies;
• Contributes to and supports positive team functioning.

Qualifications:

• Nursing students in 4th year of a CNO approved Baccalaureate Nursing (BScN or BN) Program.
• Evidence of excellent academic standing and successful learning
• Successful completion of the academic year prior to the last year in a recognized Program
• Current certificate in Basic Cardiac Life Support required
• Completion of mandatory/required certifications provided by corporate orientation/unit orientation, including extern orientation (e.g., Fit Test, WHIMS, AODA, IP&C)
• Demonstrated infection prevention and control practices
• Demonstrated excellent problem solving, decision making and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated excellent organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills
• Successful completion of a recent clinical placement in an acute care area preferred