Nurse Apprentice

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Responsible for serving on the patient care team for an assigned area including direct patient care as an unlicensed professional and under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. Incorporates the primary job functions of a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and other duties related to the care of patients, dependent upon the work area and/or patient populations to which they are assigned. Reports to Nurse Manager, Assistant Nurse Manager, Charge Nurse, Administrative Manager or licensed nurses (LPN/RN). Must have active Nebraska CNA and be listed on the DHHS Medication Aide Registry.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.
• Recognizes and reacts to emergency procedures per role and policies/procedures.
• Administers medications according to policy under the supervision and direction of the licensed nurse.
• Provides additional patient care under the direction of the licensed nurse once competencies are completed (ie: remove IV, foley, etc.).
• Answers telephones and assigned communication devices as appropriate and relays information as necessary. Refers all physician telephone orders to a licensed professional.
• Assists in collecting specific information from patients and contributes to admission, transfer and dismissal processes when delegated by a licensed nurse, and with responsibility for patient assessment being performed by a licensed nurse; ensures timely reporting and recording of patient's Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Assists with patient care that is consistent with standards of care and clinical priorities determined by the licensed nurse with the nature of the area/unit, patient care division policies and procedures, demonstrated competencies, and with consideration given to risk management and infection control practices.
• Performs and documents routine direct nursing care tasks according to identified age-specific needs.
• Obtains and records vitals, height, weight and bedside glucose results; reports results to appropriate personnel.
• Performs Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) for assigned patients and documents in the EMR.
• Responsible for labeling and securing patient care belongings and ensuring that the patient room is safe and uncluttered.
• Distributes patient’s meals/water and assists with feeding of patients as needed.
• Assists with ambulation, lifting and positioning according to procedure, including the appropriate use of patient lift devices and use of good body mechanics.
• Assists with transporting patients, including at time of transfer and/or dismissal.
• Assists patients with elimination needs and measures/records bodily elimination in medical record.
• Bathes patients as directed by the licensed nurse.
• Participates as a member of the team in Hourly Patient Rounds to proactively address patient needs
•  Provides close observation or one-to-one care, as directed by the licensed nurse, to prevent patients from wandering or potential injury.
•  Collects, accurately labels and transports specimens to lab as required.
• Assists with dressing changes, applying splints, setting up suturing and procedures, and wound care on closed wounds as directed by licensed nurse.
• Cleans, stocks and cares for supplies and equipment in assigned work area.
•  Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.
•  Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Active Nebraska Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential required. Current listing on DHHS Medication Aide Registry required. Current enrollment and in good standing in a Nursing Program such as an accredited Baccalaureate Nursing Program or RN Associate Degree program required.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required. Bryan Health recognizes American Heart Association (for healthcare professionals), American Red Cross (for healthcare professionals) and the Military Training Network.