Nurse Intern- Ortho/Neuro

Community Health Systems Professional Services Corporation•Dothan, AL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This fast-paced 26-bed post-operative orthopedic and neurological unit provides specialized care for patients recovering from total joint replacements, orthopedic procedures, and neurosurgical surgeries. The unit experiences high patient turnover due to short-stay, 24-hour post-operative recovery holds prior to discharge home or transfer to rehabilitation facilities. The care team prioritizes strong post-surgical assessment, pain management, neurovascular monitoring, and early mobility—particularly for joint replacement patients—to promote recovery and prevent complications. Nurses collaborate closely with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and the interdisciplinary care team to support safe mobilization and optimal patient outcomes. The Nurse Intern supports patient care under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), assisting with essential care tasks and fostering a therapeutic environment. This role emphasizes hands-on learning, collaboration with the healthcare team, and providing safe, compassionate, and organized care to enhance the patient experience and contribute to the healing process.

Requirements

MUST BE ENROLLED AND COMPLETED 1ST SEMESTER OF AN ACCREDITED NURSING PROGRAM
Currently enrolled in an accredited Nursing program required
Completion of fundamentals of clinicals in an accredited Nursing program required
0-1 years of experience in a healthcare setting required
Basic understanding of patient care procedures and medical terminology.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
Attention to detail and organizational skills to ensure accurate documentation and compliance with care standards.
Commitment to maintaining a safe and therapeutic patient care environment.
CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation issued by American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) required

Nice To Haves

For Skilled Nursing - Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by State Department of Public Safety required

Responsibilities

Provides basic patient care within scope of practice, including vital sign monitoring, hygiene assistance, and patient comfort measures, ensuring timely and accurate completion of tasks.
Communicates effectively with the care team, including handoffs, reporting changes in patient conditions, and participating in bedside shift reports.
Develops clinical skills by asking questions, seeking feedback, and applying evidence-based practices under the guidance of an RN.
Maintains a clean and organized work environment, ensuring patient rooms, utility rooms, and shared workspaces meet safety and compliance standards.
Assists with basic equipment maintenance, such as glucometers, bladder scanners, and scales, and ensures timely removal, cleaning, and proper storage of patient care equipment after discharge.
Performs hourly rounding and provides purposeful patient interactions to foster therapeutic relationships and enhance the healing process.
Documents all tasks and observations clearly, accurately, and in a timely manner, adhering to facility policies and standards.
Upholds excellent customer service relations with patients, families, and internal/external departments.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
Complies with all policies and standards.