NURSE EXTERN

THIS JOB REQUIRES THAT APPLICANT BE CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN A NURSING PROGRAM.

Arbuckle Memorial Hospital has determined this is a safety-sensitive position. The tasks or duties assigned to this job could affect the safety and health of the employee or others.

BASIC PURPOSE
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Performs various patient care tasks and uses nonprofessional skills to assist the nurse in providing personal care and comfort measures. This position provides care to patient ranging in age from newborn to geriatric. Performs all work according to the mission, vision, values of Arbuckle Memorial Hospital.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES
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• 1. Adheres to the standards of nursing practice/policy/procedures of the hospital and nursing department.
• 1.1 Utilizes the nursing process to establish priorities of care, responds to patient needs and implements patient care.
• 1.2 Take assignment from charge nurse clinical preceptor.
• 1.3 Answers patient’s call lights in a timely manner to determine needs and responds appropriately by fulfilling needs within the scope of job description or reports patient needs to the nurse.
• 1.4 Provides patient with privacy.
• 1.5 Maintains confidentiality of patients, staff and hospital information (written, verbal, and electronic sources).
• 1.6 Administers treatments and procedures within the realm of training using skills check sheet from nursing program and orientation skills check list.
• 1.7 Documents nursing tasks and activities as well as assessment on medical records.
• 2. Perform routine tasks and simple treatments under the direction of registered nurse.
• 2.1 Assists the nurse with the admission and discharge process.
• 2.1.a Tasks and documents vital signs/height/weight upon admission.
• 2.1.b Accurately completes admission history including proper spelling of drugs, and documents on medical record.
• 2.1.c Orients patient and family to environment.
• 2.2 Takes and records temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure on all assigned patients at the beginning of each shift and every four hours for twenty four hours after surgery. Takes vital signs more frequently as assigned. Reports and significant findings to the nurse.
• 2.3 Obtains weight on patients as ordered.
• 2.4 Performs fingerstick blood sugar as ordered, documents results in computerized nurse’s notes and reports abnormal results (less than 80 or greater than 120).
• 2.5 Empties wound suction/drainage devices at 0600, 1400, 2200 and prn; records amounts on Intake/Output in computerized record.
• 2.6 Applies and refills ice packs, refills K-pad units and humidifiers, and may measure for and supply TED hose.
• 2.7 Prepares and assists patients with sitz baths as ordered and documents on patient care record.
• 2.8 Collects specimens, labels them correctly and delivers them to other departments for analysis, i.e.;
• 2.8.a Urine - routine
• 2.8.b Urine - sterile from Foley
• 2.8.c Sputum
• 2.8.d Stool
• 2.9 Pulse oximetry placement/readings and reports Sa02 less than 92% to nurse immediately.
• 2.10 Telemetry placement and changes electrodes as needed.
• 2.12 Turn, cough, and deep breathe postoperative patients every 2 hours or as ordered.
• 2.13 Records simple teaching in the patient record; TED hose, body mechanics, equipment, etc.
• 2.14 Maintains patients, proper body alignment and activity by turning nonambulatory patients every two hours and documenting position in computerized record.
• 2.15 Assists patient to chair or ambulate as ordered.
• 2.16 Prime IV tubing, change peripheral IV dressing, and discontinue peripheral IVs.
• 2.18 Pick up blood products in blood bank.
• 2.19 Documents appropriate information in medical record.
• 3. Provides personal hygiene and comfort measures to patient as directed.
• 3.1 Provides complete/partial baths or showers, including oral care.
• 3.2 Provides fresh ice water at least once per shift.
• 3.3 Provide haircare, nail care, and back rubs as needed.
• 3.4 Documents hygiene and comfort measures on the patient care record.
• 3.5 Assists with bedpan/urinal, beside commode, or up to bathroom as needed.
• 3.6 Performs perineal/catheter care and ostomy care as needed.
• 3.7 Accurately records intake and output. Reports information to assigned nurse.
• 4. Demonstrates ability to provide care to the following…