GENERAL SUMMARY

The Senior Nurse Intern position is for nursing students that have graduated from an accredited BSN or MSN nursing program. In the clinical setting, the senior nurse intern assists the patient care team in provision of basic daily care to patients and support of significant others. Performs various service duties such as assisting patients with basic hygiene and daily living activities, and routine technical tasks such as wound and respiratory. Maintains patient care areas in a clean and orderly condition. Provides nursing care, which is appropriate for the age and development of the patient and other tasks under the direction of the Registered Nurse.

The Senior Nurse Intern will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Senior Nurse Intern will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

THE NURSE INTERN WILL:

1. Performs, assists and/or supervises the patient in personal care activities such as hygiene and grooming, skin care, ingestion of food and fluids, elimination of body wastes, mobilization and dressing/undressing in compliance with the Nursing Care Plan. Demonstrates competency in applying the principles of the growth and development of infant, child, adolescent, young adult, middle-aged adult and geriatric patients as measured by specific performance standards and as described by SRAlab policies and procedures. Demonstrates the ability to provide care-using principles of growth and development-related information to assure patient needs are met.
2. Performs and records basic/ technical skills tasks as authorized, such as collecting routine specimens, taking T-P-R and BP, collecting and recording intake and output and blood glucose, giving enemas, performing intermittent catheterization, bladder volume instrument measurements; and hanging gastric feedings to gravity and with pumps. Performs advanced technical skills such as insertion of a foley catheter, tracheostomy care, tracheal suction via a tracheostomy, ostomy care, wound vacs, and sterile dressing changes not requiring involving application of medicated ointments or creams.
3. Assists the nurse with collecting and report pertinent physiological, psychological functional data based on patient’s function skills or needs.
4. Observes patients and reports reactions or changes in condition immediately to the Nurse.
5. Provides comprehensive nursing care for assigned patients by maintaining and following a current care plan and adjusting as delegated by the Registered Nurse.
6. Maintains patient care areas in a clean and orderly fashion.
7. Assists in transferring patients and patient care equipment to other specified areas adhering to necessary safety precautions.
8. Assists in monitoring supply needs to ensure adequate inventory at bedside.
9. Assists in improving the patient/family environment by utilizing appropriate cognitive/perceptual techniques, independence and facilitating positive self-image and communication skills.
10. Documents functional care, intake and output, vital signs and other measures in SRAlab IS or utilizes downtime procedures.
11. Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

1. Reports directly to assigned Nurse Manager/Clinical/Administrative Director or designee.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Must have completed an accredited BSN/MSN nursing program.
2. Must take and pass NCLEX. Employee will be allowed a second attempt but must be no greater than 60 days from first attempt. If unsuccessful second attempt employee will no longer qualify for a Senior Nurse Intern role.
3. Analytical ability to make decisions concerning a change in patient's status, when to reorder supplies and equipment and to determine if equipment is functioning properly.
4. Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, family and hospital personnel.
5. Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 35 lbs.
6. Computer skills required to document in SRAlab electronic medical record.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.
2. Exposure to moderately adverse working conditions in performing certain patient care activities.
3. Occasional exposure to infectious diseases when working with patients.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Required Skills Required Experience