Winter Nurse Extern - Behavioral Health Philhaven Inpatient

Nurse Extern Program Winter 2026 / 2027

Temporary

Program dates: December 2026 to January 2027

1:1 experienced RN preceptor.

Rotates on all inpatient units; Adult Inpatient, Extended Acute Inpatient and Child Adolescent Inpatient

PA Child Abuse & FBI fingerprint clearances required

Open to senior nursing students

At completion of program, students may have the ability to continue employment in a Behavioral Health Technician OR Extended Nurse Extern capacity by working a minimum of 16 hours per month

General Summary

Provides direct care to patients by performing a variety of duties, including assisting with data collection, provision of care, completion of selected therapeutic interventions, and documentation of care provided for a specified group of patients.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Provides information needed by the registered nurse to coordinate the care and discharge planning for the patient and family.
• Provides general nursing care and personal care assistance to patients, including bathing, dressing, eating, changing bed linens and bed pans and positioning.
• Assists in the preparation and transportation of patients for tests, procedures, etc.
• Monitors patient condition levels; reports changes to the appropriate individuals.
• Obtains and documents patient vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, weight, respiration, pulse, pain, and department-specific requirements.
• Performs selected procedures per Nurse Extern checklist.
• Sets up and removes equipment and supplies; ensures equipment is functioning properly and stored appropriately.
• Performs EKGs and Point-of-Care testing which may include blood glucose, hemoccult and specific gravity testing.
• Runs special errands as required. Responds to light calls.
• Ensures patient rooms, nursing areas, supply carts, etc. are stocked with appropriate items at required levels.
• Maintains par levels of supplies and equipment on assigned unit(s). Notifies supervisor when reorder points are reached.

Common Expectations:

• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of the assigned patient population. Assesses and interprets patient age specific data and provides appropriate, age specific treatment. Provides direct patient care to assigned patient age group(s).
• Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Participates in educational programs and inservice meetings.
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or GED Currently enrolled in an approved Nursing program with completion of two clinical semesters. Required and
• High School Diploma or GED Enrollment in an accredited BSN program Preferred

Licenses:

• Basic Life Support Upon Hire Required

Courses and Training:

• Completion of at least one medical-surgical clinical rotation Upon Hire Required
• Must be passing in an accredited program prior to Summer Externship Program Upon Hire Required

About Us

WellSpan Health's vision is to reimagine healthcare through the delivery of comprehensive, equitable health and wellness solutions throughout our continuum of care. As an integrated delivery system focused on leading in value-based care, we encompass more than 2,300 employed providers, 250 locations, nine award-winning hospitals, home care and a behavioral health organization serving central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. Our high-performing Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is the region's largest and one of the best in the nation. With a team 23,000 strong, WellSpan experts provide a range of services, from wellness and employer services solutions to advanced care for complex medical and behavioral conditions. Our clinically integrated network of 3,000 aligned physicians and advanced practice providers is dedicated to providing the highest quality and safety, inspiring our patients and communities to be their healthiest.

About the Team

WellSpan Philhaven Situated on more than 200 acres, WellSpan Philhaven's main campus in Mt. Gretna, PA, is a tranquil place with walking trails nestled within a picturesque forest and adjacent to an operating farm. The campus provides an atmosphere of peace and serenity for our clients. Our most comprehensive continuum of care, which includes more than 20 programs and services is located at this main campus. At WellSpan Philhaven, we help address mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder and more.