INTERMEDIATE NEUROSCIENCE /Nursing Student PCA Flex Role / PER DIEM

Nursing Student PCA Flex Role:

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Functioning under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN) and as a member of the unit-based patient care team, the  Student Nurse Patient Care Assistant (PCA) performs duties of direct and indirect patient care. The PCA is responsible for supporting the RN with clinical tasks, including, but not limited to glucometry, EKGs, and vital signs. In addition, the PCA is responsible for responding to the needs of patients and family members and takes a proactive role in the efficient operation of the unit.

CLINICAL DUTIES-The following duties will be performed under the general direction of a Staff Nurse.

         Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including but not limited to: bathing, feeding, toileting, dressing, and grooming. Will prepare/set-up patients for meals and snacks and will assist patient during meals, when necessary.

         Anticipates the individual needs of patients regarding ADLs, within the plan of care established by the registered nurse.

         Adapts standard ADL care to the unique needs of each patient, within the plan of care established by the nurse.

         Maintains familiarity with expected patient outcomes of all tasks performed, recognizes situations requiring RN notification.

         Maintains thorough understanding of activity and equipment within working environment, including the application of precautions.

         Measures and records non-invasive vital signs and patient weights.

         Performs EKGs in accordance with Hospital/Departmental standards.

         Collects and records patient data, including intake/output, glucometry, and guaic check.

         Assists patients with physical therapy (range of motion and exercises ordered by Physical Therapy), deep breathing, coughing, and ambulation.

         Completes procedure setup and clean up, and assists during procedures.

         Performs simple dressing changes on patients.

         Functions as a patient observer under the direction of the registered nurse.

         Performs unit-specific clinical duties, including, but not limited to, chest physical therapy, placing patients on telemetry.

NON-CLINICAL DUTIES

         Responsible for escorting patients/families upon being discharged from unit.  Ensures that patient has full instructions of home care or needs post-discharge.

         Transports patients and/or equipment to other areas of the hospital, when needed.

         Maintains patient rooms, including changing bed linens, etc. when needed.

         Orders and maintains non-perishable supplies in unit nourishment station and food cabinets.

         All other duties, as assigned.

TO QUALIFY YOU MUST HAVE:

         Nursing student currently enrolled in a BSN or direct-entry Masters' program who has completed her/his fundamentals in nursing and two clinical rotations

         Must be in good academic standing in current program, and one letter of reference must be from a Nursing Program Professor

         Bi-lingual skills preferred.

         Prior experience in a clinical setting preferred.

         Knowledge of medical terminology.

         May not currently hold a valid nursing license.

         EPIC experience preferred.

         Candidates must be able to meet scheduling requirements outlined below

SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS:

         Ability to complete a minimum of 250 hours within 12 months with the expectation that 50% will be considered "off-shift" (nights/weekends)

TO QUALIFY YOU MUST HAVE:

         Nursing student currently enrolled in a BSN or direct-entry Masters' program who has completed her/his fundamentals in nursing and two clinical rotations

         Must be in good academic standing in current program, and one letter of reference must be from a Nursing Program Professor

         Bi-lingual skills preferred.

         Prior experience in a clinical setting preferred.

         Knowledge of medical terminology.

         May not currently hold a valid nursing license.

         EPIC experience preferred.

         Candidates must be able to meet scheduling requirements outlined below

SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS:

         Ability to complete a minimum of 250 hours within 12 months with the expectation that 50% will be considered "off-shift" (nights/weekends)

         Expectation to work one winter and one summer holiday/year