Nurse Extern I - Nursing Float Pool - Alexandria, LA

Summary

The Nurse Extern is qualified to attend to the needs of the Patient area, performing duties as indicated by the responsibilities outlined in this job description under the direct supervision of the unit charge person. The Nurse Extern is trained in the delivery of age appropriate care by hospital policy. He or she performs assigned tasks in accordance with the hospital’s philosophy, values, standards, policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

ASSISTS NURSING IN CARRYING OUT THE NURSING PLAN OF CARE.

• Vital signs are completed and reported to nursing within 1 hour of scheduled time.
• I/O’s are collected and reported to nursing 30 minutes prior to end of shift.
• All assigned baths are completed within the shift assigned.
• Notifies nurse of any significant changes in patient condition promptly.
• Ambulates and assists patient with ADLs within assigned time frame.
• Monitors for signs of skin breakdown and communicates to nursing staff when indicated.
• Obtain and record patient weight and height as indicated.
• Keep patient bed low, locked and side rails up when patient is in bed.
• Check patient food trays for accuracy.
• Prepare patient’s environment for eating.
• Assists the patient in preparation to eat their meal, ie. Sitting up in bed or chair, washing the patient’s hands, cleaning the bedside table.
• Reports patient’s intake to nurse. Assists patient with feeding as necessary.

HELPS TO PROMOTE STEWARDSHIP OF RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT OF CARE.

• Returns all equipment to SPD ASAP and at least by the end of the shift.
• Assist with the monitoring of refrigerator / freezer logs.
• Cleans refrigerator, microwave and other areas when indicated.
• Maintains the integrity of the PYXIS Machine and inventory through pushing the “take” button.
• Is respectful of linen supplies and mindful of appropriate usage of pads, etc.
• Protects the environment of the patient care area as well as the hospital campus from vandalism and liter.

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

• Consistently uses appropriate “scripting” as instructed when communicating with patients and their families.
• Models service excellence in caring for patients providing “above and beyond” service consistently exceeding patients and families expectations.
• Strives to anticipate the needs of patients and takes initiative to meet / exceed the patient’s needs or wishes.
• Responds to call light promptly.
• Acts as a “team player” assisting co-workers regularly when time permits.

PERFORMS CLERICAL DUTIES RELATED TO PROCEDURES, AS IT RELATES TO A PATIENT CARE UNIT.

• Checks food trays within 10 minutes of arrival to floor. (If appropriate for unit.)
• Ensures that all charts are supplied with appropriate forms for documentation.
• Relays messages to appropriate caregiver within 5-10 minutes of receiving message.
• Prioritizes orders in the order entry system in a timely and accurate manner.
• All reports are posted in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ensures that diet/tube feeding changes are completed and credited every shift.

ASSISTS NURSING IN CARRYING OUT THE NURSING PLAN OF CARE

• Assist the nurse with patient assessment rounds.
• Collect and label voided urine, sputum and stool specimens.
• Remove urinary catheters and cleanse catheter site.
• Assist the nurse with wound care and dressing changes.
• Perform glucose checks utilizing unit glucose monitors.
• Perform secretarial duties such as taking off orders and answering call lights.
• Document I/O’s and vital signs using the computer charting system.

Requirements

Education/Skills

• Must have Completed fundamentals in nursing

Licenses, Registrations or Certifications

• Current BLS
• CPI

Work Schedule:

PRN

Work Type:

Per Diem As Needed