About the role#
The Professional Nursing Assistant (PNA) Externship is a 10-week, paid program for nursing students. You will work one-on-one with an RN clinical partner each shift to grow your clinical skills and critical thinking. The program includes a mix of on-unit and off-unit learning to help you understand the nursing scope of practice while providing direct patient care.
What you'll do#
- Provide direct patient care and assist with unit coordination under the supervision of an RN.
- Perform personal care tasks including feeding, bathing, grooming, and ambulation assistance.
- Assist with patient admissions, discharges, and transportation.
- Document patient care in the electronic health record and communicate updates to the care team.
- Prepare patients and equipment for procedures and assist providers with physical examinations.
- Take and record vital signs, intake and output, and perform finger sticks for blood glucose testing.
- Maintain the patient environment, stock supplies, and perform general unit upkeep.
- Reinforce patient teaching provided by nurses or doctors.
- Follow standard precautions and use personal protective equipment.
- Collect and deliver patient specimens for routine testing.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an accredited nursing program (NLN, CCNE, or ACNE).
- Completion of a Nursing Fundamentals course or at least one semester of nursing school.
- A high school diploma or equivalent.
- Eligibility to obtain North Carolina Nurse Aide I (CNA) certification before the program starts.
- Evidence of current listing with the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry by May 10, 2027, with no findings of abuse or neglect.
- American Heart Association BCLS certification, to be completed or maintained by the end of orientation.
- Ability to commit to 36-40 hours per week for the full 10-week program.
Location & details#
- Location: Durham, North Carolina.
- Program Dates: May 17, 2027, to July 25, 2027.
- Modality: On-site, full-time.
About Duke University Health System
Duke University Health System operates as a nonprofit academic health care provider based in Durham, North Carolina. It employs 16,975 people across its clinical and research operations. The organization focuses on medical research, clinical education, and patient care. It works to improve community health through evidence-based medicine and scientific study.
How to get in at Duke University Health System
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