Nursing Student – PRN

Carroll Hospital
200 Memorial Avenue
Westminster, MD 21157

Job Summary

Under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN), the Nursing Student provides safe, age-appropriate patient care while supporting the daily needs of patients and the healthcare team. This role supports Carroll Hospital’s mission of creating a healthier community one person at a time.

Student employees work within a supportive learning environment focused on teamwork, patient safety, and high-quality care. All team members are expected to deliver reliable care while adhering to National Patient Safety Goals and hospital policies.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care Support

• Provide basic nursing care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) under RN supervision.

• Assist with AM/PM care including:

  • Bed baths or showers

  • Oral hygiene and grooming

  • Toileting and perineal care

  • Dressing patients

  • Changing bed linens

  • Maintaining a safe and orderly room environment

• Assist with feeding, tray setup, and positioning patients for meals.

• Ensure patient comfort by adjusting beds, providing pillows/blankets, and maintaining hydration.

Clinical Tasks

• Obtain and record vital signs including temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, height, and weight.

• Perform EKGs as appropriate to skill level.

• Collect urine, sputum, and stool specimens.

• Remove urinary catheters per policy.

• Prepare equipment and supplies for diagnostic tests and procedures.

• Assist with drains and output collection.

• Perform and document patient care activities including turning, hygiene, and rounding.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Observe patients for reactions to treatments or changes in condition.

• Report abnormal findings, patient complaints, pain, or unusual incidents promptly to the RN or charge nurse.

• Respond to call lights promptly and anticipate patient needs.

• Participate in emergency response situations and initiate CPR when necessary.

Documentation

• Accurately document patient care interventions in the electronic medical record.

• Record intake and output measurements, vital signs, weights, and food intake.

• Ensure documentation is legible, timely, and co-signed by the supervising RN.

Communication & Teamwork

• Foster positive communication with patients, families, nurses, and team members.

• Assist coworkers and maintain a cooperative team environment.

• Carry and appropriately use assigned communication devices (e.g., Vocera).

• Reinforce patient education as directed by the RN.

Patient Admissions & Discharges

• Assist with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges.

• Prepare patient rooms and equipment for new admissions.

• Help patients gather belongings upon discharge.

• Ensure patient identification bands are in place and call bells are accessible.

Advanced Skills (Under Direct RN Supervision)

When performed side-by-side with a registered nurse, the nursing student may:

• Participate in nursing assessments

• Draw and process laboratory tests

• Insert and monitor IVs

• Insert Foley catheters and NG tubes

• Perform complex dressing changes (wound, surgical, trach)

• Administer tube feedings and fluid boluses

• Apply slings, splints, and assistive devices

• Observe medication administration

• Discontinue IVs in preparation for discharge (excluding central or specialty lines)

Patient Care Values

Employees demonstrate the hospital’s patient care values:

• Empowerment – Encouraging participation in decision-making

• Respect – Maintaining dignity and active listening

• Integrity – Acting with honesty and trustworthiness

• Partnership – Working collaboratively toward shared goals

• Service Excellence – Exceeding patient expectations

• Accountability – Taking ownership of responsibilities and outcomes

Requirements

• Maryland Board of Nursing CNA License

• Completion of Fundamentals of Nursing

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association

• Current enrollment in an accredited nursing program required.