The Nurse Intern position is for nursing students generally between their junior and senior years of an accredited BSN or MSN nursing program. The nurse intern will be expected to participate in a 10 week summer program designed to help them prepare for a career as a nurse. The program includes working on an assigned patient care unit caring for multiple patients, a mandatory lecture series, optional opportunities to shadow nurses in various rehabilitation roles, and a final project or case study presentation as well as on unit patient care experience. When the formal program concludes at the end of summer, the employee may elect stay on in a casual position throughout the school year.

In the clinical setting, the Nurse Intern assists the Patient Care team in provision of basic daily care to patients and support of significant others. Performs various service duties and routine technical tasks such as assisting patients with basic hygiene and daily living activities. Maintains patient care areas in a clean and orderly condition. Provides nursing care, which is appropriate for the age and development of the patient.

The Nurse Intern will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Nurse Intern will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Principal Responsibilities

The Nurse Intern will:

1. Performs, assists and/or supervises the patient in personal care activities such as hygiene and grooming, skin care, ingestion of food and fluids, elimination of body wastes, mobilization and dressing/undressing in compliance with the Nursing Care Plan.
2. Performs and records routine technical tasks, such as collecting routine specimens, taking T-P-R and BP, collecting and recording intake and output of blood glucose, giving enemas, performing intermittent catheterization, bladder volume instrument 2500 measurements, and hanging gastric feedings to gravity and with pumps.
3. Performs advanced nursing skills such as insertion of a foley catheter, tracheostomy care, tracheal suction via a tracheostomy, and sterile dressing changes not involving application of medicated ointments or creams.
4. Assists the nurse with evaluating patient’s function skills and scoring the FIM score.
5. Observes patients and reports reactions or changes in condition immediately to Supervising Nurse.
6. Assists in transferring patients and patient care equipment to other specified areas adhering to necessary safety precautions.
7. Assists in monitoring supply needs to ensure adequate inventory at bedside.
8. Documents functional care, intake and output, vital signs and other measures in SRAlab IS or utilizes downtime procedures.
9. Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Required Skills Required Experience

1. Must have completed at least 1 semester of clinical experience in an accredited BSN/MSN nursing program.
2. Analytical ability to make decisions concerning a change in patient's status, when to reorder supplies and equipment and to determine if equipment is functioning properly.
3. Demonstrates competency in applying the principles of the growth and development of infant, child, adolescent, young adult, middle-aged adult and geriatric patients.
4. Able to provide care-using principles of growth and development-related information to assure patient needs are met.
5. Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, family and hospital personnel.
6. Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 35 lbs.
7. Computer skills required to document in SRAlab IS (the electronic medical record) and prepare case presentation.

Reporting Relationships

Reports directly to assigned Clinical/Administrative Director, Nursing Manager, or designee.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.
• Exposure to moderately adverse working conditions in performing certain patient care activities.
• Occasional exposure to infectious diseases when working with patients.

About Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you will be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You’ll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions. You’ll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together.

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

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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