Clinical Extender at Jackson County Memorial Hospital Authority – Altus, Oklahoma

Job Summary: Provides direct and indirect patient care on units with potentially infectious patients and meets communication needs in the department setting. Assists nursing staff members/physicians with needs and with maintenance of a safe and clean environment under the direction and supervision of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) in charge of the team and/or unit.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:

· Assists nursing staff with any NOW or STAT orders immediately.

· Enters orders correctly into the computer.

· Communicates ideas for improvement to the unit manager/charge nurse.

· Assists with basic patient care and comfort measures under the direction of LPN/RN.

· Keep patient’s room and work area clean and tidy.

· Answers the telephone and call lights in a timely and polite manner.

· Demonstrates performance reflecting the initiative and responsibility expected as Clinical Extender.

· Transports specimens to lab in a timely manner.

· Communicates information from telemetry to the charge nurse or team leader.

· Communicates appropriately and clearly to team leader, co-workers, physicians, and other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.

· Demonstrates an ability to assist physicians with procedures and performs services requiring technical and manual skills under the direction of an RN.

· Demonstrates initiative and an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.

· Responds to patient in emergency or physically distressful situations.

· Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity; ensure patient confidentiality.

· Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.

· Meets current documentation standards and policies and completes within shift.

· Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.

· Stocks supplies as needed for patient care.

· Sit with patients to maintain constant visual observation and safety of the patient.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:

· Coordinates and supervises patient care under the direct supervision of an RN/LPN.

· Medical and surgical asepsis is carried out during treatments and special procedures.

· Demonstrates knowledge of computer system.

· Accepts additional assignments willingly.

· Performs tele check each shift.

Professional Requirements:

· Meets dress code standards; appearance is neat and clean.

· Completes annual educational and regulatory requirements.

· Maintains regulatory requirements.

· Reports to work on time, as scheduled and ready to receive assignments; completes work within designated time.

· Wears identification while on duty; uses computerized punch time system correctly.

· Attends at least 75% of staff meetings, reads and initials all monthly staff meeting minutes.

· Interacts professionally with other disciplines.

· Ensures confidentiality of patient’s records.

· Utilizes Standard Precautions and proper techniques in handling chemical agents. Reports environmental hazards.

· Exhibits the JCMH “Standards of Performance” at all times.

Education/Regulatory Requirements & Experience:

· Current BLS certification

· Previous work history that demonstrates steady attendance and punctuality is required.

· CPR (BLS) can be obtained during orientation.

· Previous work history in the healthcare profession such as CNA/LPN/RN/EMT; current licensure not required.

· Currently enrolled in LPN program or successfully completed first full year of an A.D.N program or junior level of a B.S.N. program highly desirable.

Language Skills:

· Ability to read and communicate effectively in English; additional languages preferred.

Skills:

· Basic math skills

· Basic computer knowledge

Physical Demands:

· For physical demands of position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion and environment, see following description. Near visual & hearing acuity required to perform essential duties of position.

· Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising client care.