I Accountability Objectives:

The Contingent Nurse Extern functions as a collaborative member of the health care team in partnership with and under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN). Utilizing principles of Relationship-based Care, performs basic direct patient care to a specific group of patients. Actively supports the activities of the unit-based shared governance council. Promotes organizational commitment and excellence in the patient care experience, and in compliance with the standards of professional behavior within nursing.

II Position Qualifications:

Minimum Education, Licensure / Certification and Experience Required.

A. Education

• Currently attending and in good standing at an accredited school of nursing. Enrollment in a bachelor's program preferred.
• Must maintain continuous "active" student status.
• Must have successfully completed two (2) clinical nursing rotations, of which one was a Medical/Surgical rotation.

B. Licensure / Certification

• Current BCLS (Basic Life Support Certification) certification.

C Special Skill / Aptitudes

• Increased complexity of assignment, when the Contingent, Nurse Extern provides documentation or relevant courses and has demonstrated competencies to complete procedures according to unit guidelines.
• Organizational and time management skills necessary to complete responsibilities of role.
• Assigned hours within your shift, starting time, or days of work are subject to change based on departmental and/or organizational needs.
• Ability to use and effectively integrate positive communication approaches to meet diverse patient needs, optimize resources, and adapt care processes to accommodate changes in the healthcare environment.
• Excellent customer service orientation skills necessary in order to deal effectively with various levels of hospital personnel, outside customers and community groups.

D. Experience

III

Duties / Responsibilities:

1

Demonstrates principles of Relationship-based Care to cultivate and maintain therapeutic relationships as a means to optimal healing and collegially function as an interdiciplinary care team member.

2

Performs basic bedside care and selected procedures under the direction and supervision of a RN. Applies progressive knowledge and skills acquired through a formal nursing program in order to perform increasingly more complex care activities.

3

Performs activities of daily living (ADLs) appropriate to the patient's condition under direction and supervision of RN.

4

Provides individualized care consistent with the plan of care under the direction and supervision of the RN.

5

Provides basic nutritional support to patients such as bed setup, assistance with feeding, and collection and documentation of intake and calorie count as appropriate.

6

Performs learning opportunities to meet the educational needs of the patient and family under the direction and supervision of the RN.

7

Reports changes in patient condition to the RN timely.

8

Assists with the admission process by collecting selected assessment data, applying necessary equipment, labeling patient's clothes and belongings, informing patient/family of unit routines, etc.

9

Provides patient care that reflects respect for patients' rights, dignity, values, culture preferences, and expressed needs and attention to providing comfort, relieving pain, and alleviating anxiety.

10

Provides individualized care consistent with the plan of care under the direction and supervision of the RN.

11

Seeks, evaluates and incorporates feedback for improvement of own performance utilizing feedback from Clinical Leader/RN in order to identify clinical improvement opportunities. Participates in self-appraisal.

12

Actively engages and participates in unit-based and other committees and initiatives that promote patient and workplace safety, optimal patient outcomes and satisfaction.

13

Takes personal accountability to seek out experiences in order to maintain skills and competence and to develop role as a progression towards that of a Registered Nurse.

14

Integrates principles of the Personal.Connected.Journey and demonstrates the Trinity Health Guiding Behaviors to provide excellent care of self, patients and care team members.

15

Contributes to the SJMO culture of excellence by modeling professional behavior both in the organization and in the community.

16

Performs other various duties as assigned. These duties may vary depending upon the unit, patient type and need, number and complexity of treatments provided. Additional duties may also include non-clinical duties consistent with meeting the needs of the patient and care team.

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Demonstrates and actively promotes an understanding and commitment to the mission of St. Joseph Mercy Oakland through performing behaviors consistent with the Trinity Health Values.

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Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations, the Trinity Health Organizational Integrity Program, including the Standards of Conduct, Code of Ethics, as well as other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behaviors.

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Supports and conducts one's self in a manner consistent with customer service expectations.

V

Dept/Unit Specific:

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Maintains appropriate skill level through completion of required hospital and unit based education offerings.

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Working weekends and holidays is necessary to meet staffing needs. Work in other units and on different shifts may be assigned as necessary to also meet staffing requirements.

V

Working Conditions:

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Working in the patient care environment may result in exposure to communicable diseases, blood-bourne pathogens and hazardous substances.

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In a typical day, the associate may sit for 25%, stand for 25%, and walk for 50% of the day.

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Associate’s position requires occasional (5-10% of work time) squatting, crawling, crouching, kneeling, and balancing, frequent bending/stooping, and reaching above shoulder level, pushing/pulling.

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Position requires the use of hands for simple and firm grasping and fine manipulating.

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Position may require frequent lifting and carrying of patients/equipment/other not to exceed 51 pounds. Associates will not lift items/patients exceeding 35 pounds from the floor.