Student Nurse Extern - Burn Unit

JOB SUMMARY AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  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.

1. 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.

1. Provides patient care by performing assigned tasks for patient care plan implementation by:

1. Contributing information in day to day management of patient care.
2. Carrying out routine nursing care measures as delegated.
3. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Performs clerical duties such as answering telephone, responding to call signal, filing/assembling charts, completing tab sets, transcribing orders and scheduling tests.

1. 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.

1. 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).

1. Works effectively as a team member within department and with customers to provide quality service to hospital units through communication, cooperation and collaboration.

1. Monitors and maintains supplies and equipment. 

1. Assists with cardio-pulmonary resuscitation by bringing needed supplies to area immediately or as needed.

1. 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.
2.  
3. Complete required continuous training and education, including department specific requirements.

1. 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.

1. Provides coverage for relief and absences as required.

1. Performs other duties and responsibilities as required.

MACHINES OR EQUIPMENT OPERATED:  Nursing and patient care equipment.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:  Must be enrolled in an approved nursing program (diploma, associate or bachelor degree in nursing) and have completed fundamentals of nursing.  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.

EXPERIENCE:  Experience in patient care or equivalent on-the-job training as obtained through participation in an approved nursing program.  Demonstrated nursing process, physical assessment and hygiene care skills required.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION:  Must provide proof of continuous enrollment in an approved nursing program to maintain employment.  Current CPR/BLS certification required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time while on duty; ability to lift, pull, push and turn patients, stretchers, wheelchairs and emergency equipment; hearing and visual acuity to perform tasks and receive/interpret instructions.  Heavy Work - Exerting up to 150 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 75 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 30 pounds of force constantly to move objects.  (May be further defined as "with or without assistance.")