Student Nurse

Position Summary

The Student Nurse acts as a patient advocate. Provides support, information and direct care. Utilizes equipment and technology skillfully and is technically competent in nursing procedures as determined by the level of education completed prior to hire. Educates patients and families on significant self-care issues. The distribution/delivery of medications may be required.

Position Requirements

Education

• Minimum requirements – successful completion of Fundamentals or Foundations of Nursing course(s) including completion of a first clinical experience
• Desired requirements – as above under minimum requirements plus; successful completion of Basic and Intermediate Medical-Surgical nursing courses including lab skills and clinical experiences AND/OR current enrollment in and earning a passing grade for the final nursing curriculum courses with expectation of graduation at the end of the semester for entry into practice as a registered nurse

Experience

• Clinical educational experiences as noted under education

Mental Demands

• Demonstrates organizational ability by using time and equipment effectively.
• Works under pressure of time and accuracy, often in stressful situations.
• Works with patients and families in crisis situations and emotional/mental alterations.
• Demonstrates skill and accuracy in written and oral communications.
• Frequently works with grieved, despondent, angry and mentally disturbed patients.
• Takes necessary immediate action when handling personnel problems.

Responsibilities for Assets

• Works with numerous expensive and complex instruments which may include IV controllers, hypothermia units, vacuum regulators, computers, portable and bedside cardiac/pressure monitors and other specialized equipment.
• Has thorough understanding of proper working order of equipment and reports maintenance needs promptly.
• Is conscious of and participates in cost containment efforts.

Contact with others

• Communicates in a courteous, accurate, and timely manner with the patient, family, significant others, physicians, visitors and other health care team members.
• Keeps private life and personal biases that may have negative impact on unit function separate from work issues.

Work Schedule

• May be assigned to day, evening, or night shifts or a combination per departmental policy.
• Holiday and weekend schedules per departmental policy
• Overtime work may be considered based on the needs of the unit