Clinical Extern - Nursing

We deliver a wide range of healthcare services to the communities of northern York Region and southern Simcoe County. Our advanced regional programs include Cancer Care and Cardiac Care and serve a broader population across the northern GTA and into Simcoe-Muskoka.

Our team of nearly 6,000 staff, physicians, volunteers, students and Patient and Family Advisors are committed to creating an environment where the best experiences happen. As a recognition of our commitment to quality and patient safety, we have received the highest distinction of Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada.

Job Summary

The Nursing Extern Program is a Ministry of Health initiative operating until March 31, 2026

The Nursing Extern position is an opportunity for nursing students between second and fourth year of a College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) approved Baccalaureate Nursing (BScN or BN) program, or in their final year of a Practical Nursing (PN) program.

The Nursing Extern (Extern) will participate as a member of the health care team in supporting direct patient care and clinical unit support. The Extern is considered a valuable member of the healthcare team. As unregulated health care providers, the Nursing Extern will collaborate with members of the inter-professional teams within the hospital.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist patients with personal hygiene and activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, shaving and shampooing of hair.
• Provide assistance to staff with patient lifting, turning, transferring, transporting and ambulating as per the hospital policies.
• Provide measures to ensure the skin integrity of patients.
• Provide on-going comfort measures to the patient, including bed-making, foot soaks, and gentle back massage.
• Assist with patient safety and comfort by ensuring the environment is clean and tidy, belongings are within reach and safe from hazards.
• Practice all procedures in keeping with infection control policies and using universal precautions.
• General Nursing Extern duties include : Setting up patient rooms to receive admitted, transferred and post op patients, assist with admissions / transfers / discharges, performing pre-established range of motion exercises (active and passive), toileting, denture care, assist with meal setting and feeding patients, freshen bedside water containers, provide comfort measures, stocking supplies, assist with ambulating patients, assist with lifts / transfers.
• Stocking isolation gowns / mask supplies outside the room of isolated patients.
• Tidy patient possessions as requested by patient.
• Provide on-going support and enhance nurse-client therapeutic relationships, for the patient and the family members using effective communication skills.
• Participate as a conduit to enhance communication between family members and health care team
• Responsible for on-going communication with the assigned Registered Nurse / Registered Practical Nurse or Respiratory Therapist.
• Document care provided on the appropriate forms / electronic health record.
• Participate in the completion of relevant reports / forms as required by hospital policy.
• Participate as a member of the health care team and fosters relationships / partnerships with other departments within the hospital.
• Interact with patients.
• Maintain dignity and self-esteem of patients in delivery of care.
• Uphold patient privacy and confidentiality as per hospital policy.
• Practice behaviors consistent with Southlake’s Code of Conduct

Qualifications

Please be aware that the length of your contract will be determined by the remaining duration of your schooling.

Regular and reliable attendance is an expected requirement of this position.