Neuro Acute Care, Student Nurse - University of Maryland Medical System

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The Neuro Acute Care Unit is a 20- bed medical/surgical floor that specializes in care of Neurology and Neurosurgery patients.  

Under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, participates in the nursing process in delivering care to patients and their families. Duties and responsibilities include direct care activities required in daily practice on the assigned unit. Fulfillment of the job duties requires the employee to have access to medication storage areas and transport medications to/from medication storage and delivery areas.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

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

This role performs various routine support functions as listed below. Functions may vary based upon the unit assigned.

1. Assists the registered nurse assigned to the patient with the assessment of the patient by monitoring parameters outlined by the registered nurse in accordance with the Nursing Standards of Practice.
2. Assists the registered nurse assigned to the patient in planning of nursing care by providing input to the nurse related to the observed effects of previous treatments or nursing care.
3. Assists the registered nurse assigned to the patient with the implementation of nursing care by performing nursing care activities as delegated and supervised by the registered nurse such as:
   • Assists with nasogastric irrigations and nasogastric or gastrostomy feedings.
   • Assists with indwelling and intermittent urinary bladder catheterization and performs catheter care and removal.
   • Performs procedures or skills that are routinely done on the specific unit such as dressing changes, calculating intake and output and shift totals.
   • Provides direct patient care, such as personal hygiene care, positioning, ambulating, transporting, nutritional intake/feeding and bed making.
   • Assists with patient admission and discharge and setting up special equipment.
   • Assists with device care: braces (Miami J collar, splints, Bledsoe, TCO, Yale), compression wraps/stockings, etc
4.  Assists the registered nurse assigned to the patient in the evaluation of nursing care by reporting patient response to nursing actions such as pain management, vital signs and elimination.
5. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on the assigned unit.  Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the unit’s/area’s/department’s policies and procedures. 
6. Documents appropriate information such as vital signs, intake and output in accordance with the Nursing Documentation Policy.
7. Performs CPR as needed.
8. Follows institutional infection control guidelines.
9. Follows/implements established institutional/unit policies and procedures to ensure patient safety.
10. Performs general support services to the unit and patient which may include unit errands, procuring equipment and taking and relaying messages.
11. Communicates effectively with patients, families, visitors and other members of the healthcare team demonstrating positive guest relations and treating patient information confidentially.
12. Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent required.
2. Currently enrolled in good academic standing in an accredited pre-licensure MSN, BSN or ADN program.
3. Passing grade (“C” or better) in Fundamentals/Foundations of Nursing (transcript required).
4. Current BLS card (AHA or American Red Cross) required.
5. Previous experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrates knowledge of universal blood and body fluid precautions and aseptic technique.
2. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on the assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the unit’s/area’s/department’s policies and procedures.
3. Effective communication and interpersonal relationship skills are required to effectively interact with patients, families, nurses and other staff.

Working Conditions

1. Weekend, shift work, holiday, on-call, and overtime may be required.
2. There is potential for regular exposure to patients possessing infectious diseases requiring observance of universal precautions which requires wearing protective clothing, gloves and mask as appropriate and observance of safe work practices.

Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

1. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
2. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
3. Implements policies, procedure, and standards consistently in the performance of assigned duties.
4. Develops effective working relationships and maintains good communication with other team members.
5. Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.