Clinical Extender

Job Summary: Provides direct and indirect patient care on units with potentially infectious patients and meets communication needs in the department setting. Assists nursing staff members/physicians with needs and with maintenance of a safe and clean environment under the direction and supervision of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) in charge of the team and/or unit.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:

• Assists nursing staff with any NOW or STAT orders immediately.
• Enters orders correctly into the computer.
• Communicates ideas for improvement to the unit manager/charge nurse.
• Assists with basic patient care and comfort measures under the direction of LPN/RN.
• Keep patient’s room and work area clean and tidy.
• Answers the telephone and call lights in a timely and polite manner.
• Demonstrates performance reflecting the initiative and responsibility expected as Clinical Extender.
• Transports specimens to lab in a timely manner.
• Communicates information from telemetry to the charge nurse or team leader.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to team leader, co-workers, physicians, and other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.
• Demonstrates an ability to assist physicians with procedures and performs services requiring technical and manual skills under the direction of an RN.
• Demonstrates initiative and an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Responds to patient in emergency or physically distressful situations.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity; ensure patient confidentiality.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Meets current documentation standards and policies and completes within shift.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.
• Stocks supplies as needed for patient care.
• Sit with patients to maintain constant visual observation and safety of the patient.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:

• Coordinates and supervises patient care under the direct supervision of an RN/LPN.
• Medical and surgical asepsis is carried out during treatments and special procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge of computer system.
• Accepts additional assignments willingly.
• Performs tele check each shift.

Professional Requirements:

• Meets dress code standards; appearance is neat and clean.
• Completes annual educational and regulatory requirements.
• Maintains regulatory requirements.
• Reports to work on time, as scheduled and ready to receive assignments; completes work within designated time.
• Wears identification while on duty; uses computerized punch time system correctly.
• Attends at least 75% of staff meetings, reads and initials all monthly staff meeting minutes.
• Interacts professionally with other disciplines.
• Ensures confidentiality of patient’s records.
• Utilizes Standard Precautions and proper techniques in handling chemical agents. Reports environmental hazards.
• Exhibits the JCMH “Standards of Performance” at all times.

Education/Regulatory Requirements & Experience:

• Current BLS certification
• Previous work history that demonstrates steady attendance and punctuality is required.
• CPR (BLS) can be obtained during orientation.
• Previous work history in the healthcare profession such as CNA/LPN/RN/EMT; current licensure not required.
• Currently enrolled in LPN program or successfully completed first full year of an A.D.N program or junior level of a B.S.N. program highly desirable.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English; additional languages preferred.

Skills:

• Basic math skills
• Basic computer knowledge

Physical Demands:

• For physical demands of position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion and environment, see following description. Near visual & hearing acuity required to perform essential duties of position.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising client care.