Methodist Hospitals·Merrillville, Indiana
Coordinates comprehensive care for patients from initial diagnosis through survivorship, focusing on diagnostic and treatment planning. Provides essential education and support to patients and families while collaborating with physicians to develop individualized Survivorship Care Plans.
Overview Job Summary The nurse extern works closely with our professional healthcare team to deliver compassionate patient-centered care to those in need. Under the direct supervision of a registered nurse preceptor, the nurse extern has the opportunity to develop confidence in critical thinking and prioritization while sharpening clinical skills needed to launch a successful nursing career in a manageable timeframe. The Nurse Extern will be able to develop clinical judgement and problem solving techniques based on current established Standards of Care, the Nurse Practice Act, and Methodist Hospitals mission, vision, and values.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Functions) Perform basic patient care related tasks such as measuring and recording vital signs including height and weight, accurate measurement of all Intake and output, mobility, nutrition, hygiene, comfort and environment interventions, infection prevention measures, and patient safety interventions. Assist in performing various therapeutic procedures. Makes contributions to patient’s interdisciplinary plan of care under the direct supervision of a registered nurse preceptor. Provide pertinent education to patient and family members regarding patient care. Accurately document all patient care activities in the Electronic Medical Record per Methodist policy. Performs other duties as needed and/or assigned.
Job Specific (Minimum Qualifications) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Possess good interpersonal communication skills. Able to communicate effectively in writing and verbally. Able to work independently and in a team environment. Demonstrates diplomacy interacting with patients, family members, visitors, and staff. Demonstrates flexibility in meeting unanticipated demands and priorities. Able to maintain a calm demeanor in a crisis situation. Able to use the nursing process for approaching problems faced in role as a nurse extern. Education Currently enrolled student in good academic standing or a Nurse Graduate who has successfully completed an accredited School of Nursing and preparing for National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). If currently enrolled in accredited School of Nursing, must also have successfully completed Fundamentals/Foundations of Nursing (or its equivalent) didactic and lab. Current school registration or proof of graduation required. Experience Certifications and Licensures Current Basic Life Support credentials (BLS) is Required Nurse Graduates must secure Indiana licensing within 60 days from their graduation date. Model of Care and Conduct Methodist Hospitals strives for excellence and insists on high standards of conduct and performance in everything we do. Our Model of Care and Conduct is designed to create a positive work environment which Methodist desires for all employees. This is foundational to the high level of patient, family and physician satisfaction we strive for each day. As part of all position’s duties at Methodist Hospitals, all employees are responsible to conduct themselves in accordance with the Model of Care and Conduct and will be evaluated according to these standards of behavior.
Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and a valid Registered Nurse license with CPR certification. Candidates must have at least five years of progressively responsible clinical RN experience in an acute care setting.
Market context
Indiana physician openings in vascular surgery are typically driven by hospital and specialty practice coverage needs, so demand can be steady where procedural volume is high. These roles are competitive because employers look for an MD or DO, an active Indiana license, and board certification or eligibility, along with strong clinical and surgical skills. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm licensure status and recent vascular case experience before applying.