Job Description

Mission Health, a leading healthcare provider based in Asheville, NC, is seeking a compassionate and motivated Nurse Extern for our Behavioral Health unit within the Healthcare & Medical Services department. This role is designed for nursing students who are passionate about mental health and eager to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world clinical setting under the close guidance of experienced Registered Nurses. As a Nurse Extern in Behavioral Health, you will support safe, therapeutic, and recovery-focused care for adult and/or adolescent patients experiencing a wide range of psychiatric and behavioral conditions. In this position, you will work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary care team—Registered Nurses, psychiatrists, social workers, therapists, and mental health technicians—to assist with direct and indirect patient care. Under RN supervision, you will help with admission and discharge processes, obtain vital signs, document observations, assist with daily living activities, and support the implementation of individualized plans of care. You will actively contribute to maintaining a structured, safe milieu by monitoring patients, assisting with group activities, and promptly reporting changes in behavior or condition. You will play a key role in promoting dignity and respect for patients while employing trauma-informed, patient-centered communication. Duties include assisting with de-escalation using approved techniques, participating in safety checks and environmental rounds, and supporting interventions during psychiatric crises. You will learn to recognize early warning signs of agitation, collaborate with the RN and provider team on appropriate interventions, and provide clear, objective documentation in the electronic health record. This Nurse Extern role offers a valuable opportunity to build clinical competence and confidence in behavioral health nursing. You will deepen your understanding of psychiatric diagnoses, psychopharmacology basics, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral and recovery-oriented care models. You will also strengthen essential nursing skills including assessment, prioritization, communication, and time management in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Mission Health fosters a collaborative culture that emphasizes teamwork, respect, and professional growth. As part of our commitment to your development, you will receive mentorship from experienced Behavioral Health nurses and leaders, exposure to interdisciplinary treatment planning, and opportunities to participate in unit-based education, safety initiatives, and quality improvement efforts. You will be encouraged to ask questions, seek feedback, and explore your interests within psychiatric and mental health nursing. This position is ideal for nursing students who are considering a future career in Behavioral Health or other complex care settings and who value a patient-centered, compassionate approach. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong communication skills, emotional resilience, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain professionalism in challenging situations. Flexibility to work a combination of day, evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts may be required to meet patient and unit needs. By joining Mission Health as a Nurse Extern in Behavioral Health, you will gain meaningful hands-on experience, contribute to improving the lives of patients and families in our community, and position yourself for potential employment as a Registered Nurse upon graduation, with clear pathways for advancement within our organization.

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