Graduate Nurse Associate, Orthopedic-Neuro, Bariatric

Job Description

Graduate Nurse Associate, Orthopedic-Neuro, Bariatric | Parkwest Medical Center

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at Parkwest Medical Center, located in Knoxville, TN. Parkwest is the flagship facility of Covenant Health, recognized as East Tennessee’s largest hospital and renowned for world-class cardiac expertise and a commitment to compassionate care. This position supports the specialized 3 Dogwood unit, focusing on Orthopedic-Neuro and Bariatric patient care, where new graduates transition smoothly into professional nursing under experienced supervision. The role is critical in maintaining the unit’s high standards for patient safety and excellent outcomes in a collaborative, supportive environment.

The TL;DR
• Role: Full Time
• Type: Full-time
• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Team: The 3 Dogwood unit is a specialized 36-bed unit focused on Orthopedic Joint/Spine and Bariatric patient care, working within a collaborative multidisciplinary team including RNs, LPNs, SNAs, CNAs, HUCs, PTs, OTs, and Clinical Dietitians.
• Mission: To facilitate the smooth transition of upcoming nursing graduates into the professional workforce by performing diverse patient care activities and supportive services under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Patient Care: Perform critical patient care skills according to the appropriate delegation grid competency checklist, ensuring care is tailored to the age-specific needs of the served population.
• Monitoring & Documentation: Accurately take and record vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, weight, height, intake-output, and oxygen saturation for patients on continuous pulse oximetry.
• Safety & Infection Control: Adhere to all established infection control policies, including standard and transmission-based precautions, OSHA standards, safety measures, and proper body mechanics during job performance.
• Patient Support: Identify and assist patients requiring support with nutrition, hydration, and mobility, while ensuring their comfort and privacy.
• Observation & Reporting: Observe and promptly report any significant changes in a patient’s condition to the supervising Registered Nurse, obtaining their signature on all patient record entries.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Must have graduated from an accredited registered nursing education program, preparing for entry into the professional nursing workforce.
• Experience: None required, but the ability to perform as a nursing assistant is essential for this role.
• Skills: Proficient in computer operation, possesses excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrates effective therapeutic communication, and exhibits the ability to perform effectively under stress. Current CPR certification is required.
• Bonus: Previous hospital experience is preferred for candidates.