Graduate Nurse Associate

Covenant Health•Knoxville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Graduate Nurse Associate position is designed to facilitate the transition of upcoming graduates from an accredited nursing program into the workforce. This role involves performing a wide variety of patient care activities and supportive services under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). The 2 Montvue unit is Parkwest’s Medical Step-Down Unit, serving patients with higher acuity conditions requiring increased monitoring. Patient diagnoses include respiratory failure, sepsis, gastrointestinal bleed, arrhythmias, hypertensive urgency, electrolyte imbalance, NSTEMI, pulmonary embolus, altered mental status, seizures, substance withdrawal, and strokes, among others. The unit manages patients on various intravenous drips requiring titrations and frequent vital sign monitoring, as well as tracheostomy ventilator patients. Nursing care, medical monitoring, and diagnostic/therapeutic procedures are provided. Bedside report and daily multidisciplinary team rounding ensure excellent patient care. The team is energetic, team-oriented, and welcoming, consisting of Registered Nurses, Patient Care Assistants, and Health Unit Coordinators. The unit utilizes a modified six-week self-scheduling model with an every-other-weekend requirement. This is an ideal opportunity for those seeking a higher acuity unit and a fun team environment.

Requirements

Must have graduated from an accredited registered nursing education program.
None required but able to perform as nursing assistant; previous hospital experience preferred.
Must be able to operate computer and possess excellent interpersonal skills.
CPR required.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates competence in performing critical skills (appropriate delegation grid competency checklist) to include appropriate delivery of care according to age-specific needs of the population served.
Takes and records temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, weight, height and intake-output measurements.
Documents oxygen saturation if patient is connected to continuous pulse oximetry.
Employs all established infection control policies including standard precautions, transmission-based isolation precautions, OSHA standards, safety measures and proper body mechanic in performance of job.
Completes designated patient care activities and provides for patient comfort and privacy.
Identifies and assists patients that need assistance with nutrition and/or hydration.
If trained and competency demonstrated, empties drains, canisters, urine bags, bedpans and emesis basins and records intake and output.
Helps to maintain clean and orderly patient and work environment.
Assists RN in obtaining a thorough nursing history on assigned patients.
Demonstrates effective therapeutic communication skills.
Documents/maintains patient record as appropriate (Basic charting, admission history, basic observations under guidance of RN).
Observes and reports significant changes in patient condition to RN.
Obtains RN signature on all entries.
Completes assigned tasks with minimal supervision but seeks guidance when uncertain how to perform procedure.
Communicates suggestions and/or complaints through appropriate channels.
Displays cooperation, flexibility and positive behavior to patients and other staff members.
Demonstrates ability to effectively perform under stress.
Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards.
Completes required education assignments annually.
Works toward achieving goals and objectives and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
Performs other duties as assigned.