Clinical Extern (2025)

Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to North America’s largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. SHN is the recipient of the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, for our work led by the Organizational Development and Diversity Department on our Leading edge Communities of Inclusion, Inclusion Calendar and our innovative Health Equity Certificate programs. We are also proud to be named Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2023! Learn more at shn.ca

Job Description:

Position Overview:
SHN is hiring Clinical Nursing Externs to work as part of our Clinical Teams. Clinical nurse externs will be working in the capacity of unregulated healthcare providers under the supervision of registered nursing staff. Nursing students are eligible to work as clinical externs if they are currently in their third or final year of formal nursing education. This is a temporary contract position during which the extern will work part-time hours, which may include days, evenings, nights, and weekends.

The aim of the clinical extern role is to provide students with relevant on-the-job experience with patient care while working in a collaborative team environment.

The primary role of the Clinical Extern will be to provide direct and indirect patient care and collaborate with the clinical teams to enhance the quality of patient care. Externs will be assigned to a specific care area and expected to work a minimum of 1-3 shifts in a two-week pay period.

Requirements:

• Nursing Students in Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs in year three or final year of study from a CNO-approved program.
• Provides evidence of excellent academic standing
• Current certificate in Basic Cardiac Life Support

• Evidence of successful learning experiences in recent clinical placements in a hospital setting, acute care hospital setting preferred
• Willingness to work with a mixed aggregation of patients
• Demonstrates assessment skills within the appropriate Regulatory scope of practice
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Demonstrates excellent problem-solving, decision making and critical-thinking skills
• Demonstrates excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Flexible and adaptable regarding assignment locations
• Proven strong patient assessment and observation skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment
• Demonstrates excellent team-building skills
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and the willingness to work effectively in a team
• Demonstrates commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
• Demonstrates knowledge of infection control practices
• Demonstrates values consistent with The Scarborough Health Network (SHN) Code of Conduct and is committed to fostering a healthy and positive work environment in accordance with Health & Safety policy and legislation
• Utilize the protective equipment provided and identify and report hazards
• Work is moderately heavy, involving lifting, considerable walking, standing, bending, pushing and pulling of equipment

Roles and Responsibilities:
Skills required but not limited to, and completed in collaboration with the supervising regulated team leader:

• Practices under the supervision of the registered nurse assigned to them on the unit/department and in a manner consistent with SHN policies and standards while considering CNO guidance for unregulated care providers
• Works with the supervising nurse to ensure they have the knowledge, skill and judgment needed to perform all actions/duties under direct or indirect supervision, such as patient assessments, measuring vital signs, assisting with ambulation and activities of daily living (toileting, bathing, feeding), measuring height and weight, pain assessment, CAM assessment, MyChart activation education, falls risk assessment, completing documentation of care provided, and other care activities necessary in meeting the patient’s personal needs and comfort.
• Participate in patient functional and mobility assessments and contribute to care planning and evaluation,
• Provides patient assistance with lifting, turning, transferring, transporting and ambulating,
• Provide measures to ensure skin integrity and reduce pressure injuries, including documentation of the Braden Scale Assessment
• Assist with comfort measures and patient safety by ensuring the environment is clean and tidy and free of hazards,
• Communicate to other healthcare providers, patients and families using verbal and written communication skills,
• Other duties may include setting up patient rooms to receive patients, assisting with admissions, transfers and discharges, purposeful rounding, responding to call bells, and performing safety checks,
• Additional skills via delegation may include some delegated controlled acts as approved by professional practice and the program. This delegation would require supervision, training, and demonstration of competency, such as non-controlled oral medication administration, Point of Care Testing (POCT), glucose level testing, urinary catheterization, and oxygen therapy.

It is the responsibility of the Extern to:

• Requests assistance with assigned duties whenever in need
• Practices all procedures in keeping with infection control policies and the use of universal precautions
• Maintain the dignity and self-esteem of patients and families in the delivery of care
• Participates as a team member
• Demonstrates excellent problem-solving, decision making and critical-thinking skills
• Demonstrates excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Encourages patients and provides compassionate, person-centred care.

Accommodation and Diversity Statement:
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) embraces and celebrates our community’s unique multicultural heritage and diversity. SHN is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a culture of inclusiveness and diversity reflecting our diverse patients, staff and community alike.
We are committed to fostering an environment of equity and inclusivity where every person can work and receive care safely, openly and honestly. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nation of origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital or family status, belief system, or other factors related to one’s personal identity and/or values.
We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

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