Student Nurse Extern at Regional One Health – Memphis, Tennessee

Brief Overview
Responsible for assisting nursing staff in the care of patients as determined by skills training and validation in accordance with established policies and procedures; maintaining equipment and supplies. Performs all activities under direct supervision of Registered Nurse.

What you will do

• Participates and performs selected activities and nursing care as assigned and according to established policies and procedures. • Performs duties applicable to assigned unit or area, except invasive procedures, administration of medications, IV’s and blood/blood products. • Assists in developing and revising Nursing Care Plans. • Performs clerical duties in a patient unit as related to admissions, discharges, and the maintenance of patient and unit records, and supplies. • Performs diagnostic measurements as determined by skills training and validation. • Performs skills as outlined on Skill Checklist for Nurse Extern including knowledge and behaviors, to meet age-specific patient needs.
• Provides patient care by performing assigned tasks for patient care plan implementation by: • Contributing information in day to day management of patient care. • Carrying out routine nursing care measures as delegated. • Work performed evidences completion of tasks as shown in patient outcomes, documentation and/or completed work. ◦ Takes and records patient’s vital signs. Taking and recording temperature, pulse, blood pressure and respiration. ◦ Collects, prepares, forwards and transports specimens (urine, stool and sputum). ◦ Delivers activities of daily living such as hygiene, nutrition, elimination and progressive activity. ◦ Maintains records of fluid intake and output. ◦ Provides measures of comfort and convenience (i.e., water, blankets, etc.). ◦ Observes and reports patient’s response to interventions/treatment. Completes all documentation requirements in a timely manner. ◦ Provides one-on-one to patients requiring close observation and monitoring (sitter) to ensure their safety and prevention of injury. ◦ Obtains medical and lab records. ◦ Communicates unit activities, needs and problems to appropriate staff regarding patient care. Follows-up with patients as required. ◦ Performs other procedures specific to clinical area. ◦ Demonstrates knowledge and skills to provide care, maintains clinical competency and meets age-specific patient needs in a caring, compassionate, and sensitive manner.
• Participates and performs selective and technical patient care activities and related services necessary in caring for assigned patient in accordance with established policies and procedures. • Prepares patient, environment and supplies for care/treatment. • Works within isolation precautions. • Performs pre/post procedural care as delegated. • Assists with wound care and applying dressings and bandages. • Assists with transferring, ambulating and transportation of patients. • Assists with the removal and application of dressings and topical agents.
• Reports and records all activities performed along with the patients' responses. • Reports unusual changes in the patients' condition, patient response to delivery of care, results of diagnostic measurements as well as medical and surgical emergencies, (i.e., respiratory distress, bleeding and shock). • Responds appropriately to emergency situations.
• Performs clerical duties such as answering telephone, responding to call signal, filing/assembling charts, completing tab sets, transcribing orders and scheduling tests.
• Prepares and maintains required records, reports and files for administrative and compliance purposes. Maintains patient medical records; documents patient status and care given; performs charting duties; records activities and observations. Utilizes patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data.
• Maintains confidentiality in matters relating to patient/family, department and hospital information. Adheres to established department and organization policies (i.e. HIPAA, Confidentiality, and Compliance Policies).
• Works effectively as a team member within department and with customers to provide quality service to hospital units through communication, cooperation and collaboration.
• Monitors and maintains supplies and equipment.
• Assists with cardio-pulmonary resuscitation by bringing needed supplies to area immediately or as needed.
• Maintains a clean, orderly, safe environment. Adheres to established policies, compliance/quality improvement with consideration given to risk management, infection control and patient safety practices.
• Complete required continuous training and education, including department specific requirements.
• Collaborates with forensic team and law enforcement officials as it relates to the care of inmates and arrestees in order to maintain a safe and secure environment at all times.
• Provides coverage for relief and absences as required.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in an approved nursing program (diploma, associate or bachelor's degree in nursing) and have successfully completed fundamentals of nursing. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 upon hire. A letter grade of C or above must be maintained in all coursework for the duration of enrollment in a nursing program. Required
• Qualified by education, training or experience to work with the neonate, infant, toddler, pre-schooler, school-age, adolescent, adult and/or geriatric patient population as specialty assignment dictates Required
• Must provide proof of continuous enrollment in an approved nursing program to maintain employment Required
• Current CPR/BLS certification Required
• Experience in patient care or equivalent on-the-job training as obtained through participation in an approved nursing program Required

Physical Demands

• Standing - Constantly
• Walking - Constantly
• Sitting - Rarely
• Lifting - Frequently
• Carrying - Frequently
• Pushing - Occasionally
• Pulling - Occasionally
• Climbing - Occasionally
• Balancing - Occasionally
• Stooping - Frequently
• Kneeling - Frequently
• Crouching - Frequently
• Crawling - Occasionally
• Reaching - Frequently
• Handling - Frequently
• Grasping - Frequently
• Feeling - Constantly
• Talking - Constantly
• Hearing - Constantly
• Repetitive Motions - Constantly
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Constantly

Regional One Health is an equal opportunity employer.