Nurse Extern Orthopedics

Mission Hospital is hiring a part-time Nurse Extern in Orthopedics at its Lenoir Rhyne facility in Catawba County, North Carolina — an ideal opportunity for nursing students ready to build real-world clinical skills alongside an experienced orthopedic care team.

About the Role

As a Nurse Extern on the Orthopedics unit, you will work under the direct supervision of registered nurses to support patient care for individuals recovering from joint replacements, fractures, spinal procedures, and other orthopedic conditions. This part-time position bridges the gap between classroom learning and professional nursing practice, giving you hands-on exposure in an acute-care orthopedic environment at one of western North Carolina's leading hospitals.

What You'll Do

• Assist RNs in delivering direct patient care, including vital sign monitoring, intake and output tracking, and routine assessments
• Support patient mobility, ambulation, and positioning — critical tasks in orthopedic recovery
• Perform basic wound care and dressing changes under nursing supervision
• Help prepare patients for procedures and assist with post-operative monitoring
• Communicate patient status changes promptly to the supervising RN
• Contribute to a safe, clean, and organized care environment on the orthopedic unit
• Reinforce patient and family education provided by the RN care team
• Document care activities accurately in the electronic health record

What We're Looking For

• Current enrollment in an accredited Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ADN or BSN) program
• Successful completion of at least one semester of nursing clinical coursework
• Strong interpersonal skills and a genuine commitment to compassionate patient care
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, or willingness to obtain prior to starting
• Physical ability to assist with patient mobility and ambulation throughout the shift

About Mission Hospital

Mission Hospital serves the communities of Catawba County and the broader western North Carolina region as part of HCA Healthcare, one of the nation's largest and most respected health systems. At Mission Hospital, the focus is on delivering purpose-driven, patient-centered care — a culture that extends to every member of the team, including extern staff. The hospital is committed to supporting the growth of future nurses through meaningful clinical exposure and a supportive work environment.

How to Apply

If you are a nursing student looking for a part-time Nurse Extern opportunity in Orthopedics at Mission Hospital in Lenoir Rhyne, Catawba County, submit your application through this listing. Qualified candidates will be contacted by the Mission Hospital recruiting team to discuss next steps.