16 Nurse Extern Skills for Your Career and Resume

Nurse externs are nursing students who are nearing the end of their nursing program and are interested in gaining clinical experience. Nurse externships are typically offered in hospitals and provide students with the opportunity to work with patients, learn from experienced nurses and develop their skills. If you’re a nursing student interested in a nurse externship, it’s important to understand the skills that will be most beneficial to you during your externship.

Vital Signs

Vital signs is a skill that nurses use to monitor their patients’ health. It’s important for nurse externs to know how to take vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature, so they can assess the status of their patients. Nurse externs should also be able to interpret these readings and determine if any action needs to be taken.

Charting

Charting is the process of recording patient information in a medical chart. Nurse externs should be able to read and interpret charts, as well as record new information when necessary. This skill can help you keep track of your patients’ health and ensure that they receive proper treatment. It also allows you to provide accurate information to other members of the healthcare team.

EKG

EKG, or electrocardiogram, is a test that measures the electrical activity of your heart. It’s used to detect abnormal rhythms and can help determine if you have any underlying conditions that may require treatment. Nurse externs should be familiar with how to read an EKG as well as how to perform the test on patients.

Medication Administration

Medication administration is a skill that can be learned through practice and observation. It’s important to know how to read medication labels, understand the dosages of different medications and administer them correctly. You may also need to keep track of which patients have been given what medications so you can monitor their progress.

Patient Assessment

Patient assessment is the ability to assess a patient’s condition and determine what treatment they need. This skill can help you provide the right care for your patients, which can make them feel better faster. You may also use this skill when taking medical histories from patients who are applying for insurance or other types of treatment.

Patience

A nurse extern needs patience to work with patients and their families. You may need to explain medical procedures or answer questions that you’re not fully knowledgeable about yet. It’s important to be honest, but also try to find the answers for them as quickly as possible. This can help build trust between you and your patients and make it easier for you to provide care when you become a full-fledged nurse.

Patient Education

Patient education is a crucial skill for nurse externs to have because it allows them to educate patients on their health conditions and treatment options. Nurse externs often work with registered nurses, who are the primary source of patient education in hospitals. However, nurse externs can also use this skill when they’re working independently or with another nurse.

Documentation

Documentation is the process of recording patient information. This includes taking notes about a patient’s condition, treatment and any other details that may be important for future reference. As an extern, you may work with more experienced nurses who can help guide you through this process. It’s also important to document your own observations so you can track a patient’s progress over time.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities. Nurse externs often have several duties, including taking care of patients, completing paperwork and observing other nurses. Having strong organizational skills can help them stay on top of their work and ensure they complete all necessary steps in a timely manner.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is a skill that can help you perform your duties as a nurse effectively. As an extern, you may be working with experienced nurses who expect you to follow protocol and complete tasks accurately. Being attentive to details can help you learn the necessary information quickly and ensure patient safety.

Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings. Nurse externs often work with patients who are experiencing a health crisis, so it’s important for them to be empathetic. This can help them build trust with their patients and make them feel more comfortable during treatment. It also allows nurse externs to provide better care because they’re aware of what their patients need.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Nurse externs often work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics and private homes. They may also rotate through different departments or shifts, so flexibility allows them to adjust quickly when their schedule changes or they need to change locations. Flexibility can help nurse externs learn new skills quickly and adapt to unexpected challenges.

IV Therapy

IV therapy is the process of administering intravenous fluids to patients. Nurse externs often work with registered nurses who have more experience and training than them, so it’s important for nurse externs to know how to administer IVs correctly. This skill can help you become a better nurse in the future because many medical professionals need to be able to perform this task.

Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy is the skill of drawing blood, which can be an important part of a nurse’s job. Nurse externs should have basic knowledge of how to use equipment and techniques for safely collecting samples. They may also practice on themselves or other students to gain experience in phlebotomy.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly. Nurse externs must be able to communicate with patients, doctors and other medical staff members in a way that ensures everyone understands one another. This skill can help you build rapport with your colleagues and patients alike, which can make your time as an extern more enjoyable and productive.

Nursing Process

The ability to follow a set of steps is an important skill for nurse externs to have. Nurse externs often work with registered nurses who are experienced in their field and know the proper process for treating patients. Being able to understand what your supervising nurse expects from you can help you learn faster and perform better as a nurse.

How Can I Learn These Nurse Extern Skills?

There are a few ways to learn the skills required for a nurse extern position. Many of these skills can be learned in nursing school, through on-the-job training, or through certification programs. Nursing school will provide you with the basic knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of a nurse extern. On-the-job training will give you the opportunity to learn these skills in a real-world setting. Certification programs can also give you the opportunity to learn these skills in a more formal setting.