Student Nurse

Job Description

About Bon Secours Mercy Health

Bon Secours Mercy Health is an organization committed to the continuous improvement of healthcare quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Their hospitals, care sites, and clinicians are widely recognized for their excellence in both clinical practice and operational efficiency.

About the Job: Student Nurse

Summary Of Primary Function/General Purpose Of Position
The Student Nurse role involves providing direct patient care under the direct supervision and guidance of a Registered Nurse (RN) or another designated healthcare professional. This care must adhere strictly to federal, state, and local regulations, as well as the established policies, procedures, and guidelines of Bon Secours Mercy Health.

Essential Job Functions
Under the direction of an RN, the Student Nurse supports the application of the nursing process by:
• Collaborating with the RN to develop critical thinking skills to ensure the delivery of quality patient care.
• Actively seeking out educational opportunities related to nursing practice and critical thinking.

The role also involves providing basic patient care, which includes, but is not limited to:
• Care and comfort.
• Recording vital signs.
• Assisting with personal care and hygiene.
• Aiding in patient mobility, including unit-specific specialty duties.

Key responsibilities within patient care provision include:
• Acting as a liaison between the patient and the nurse, reporting any changes or concerns to the nurse.
• Providing a high level of customer service to patients, their families, visitors, and all employees.
• Ensuring accurate, precise, and timely documentation when applicable for patient care.
• Participating in hand-off/report of pertinent information regarding patient and departmental needs upon arrival and departure.
• Performing delegated tasks only after competency has been validated.

Education
• Required: High School Diploma or GED.
• Required: Currently enrolled in a nursing program and has completed one clinical nursing course and one clinical rotation.

Certifications
• Preferred: BLS (Basic Life Support).

Training
• Required: Must have completed First Clinical Rotation as a Nursing Student.
• Preferred: EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR) training.

Work Experience
• Preferred: Recent experience in an acute care and/or long-term care facility.

Working Conditions
The role is performed in a healthcare environment with potential exposure to:
• High stress and fluctuating workloads.
• Physical altercations and verbal abuse; potential requirement to use physical restraints.
• Adverse weather conditions (cold, hot, dust, wind) if travel is required.
• High noise levels and bright lights.
• Limited hazardous substances, body fluids, human blood, and other potentially infectious materials.
• Constant interruptions.
• General office environment aspects.
• Occasional car travel to off-site locations, potentially in adverse weather.
• Infrequent long-distance or air travel (not exceeding 10%).
• Prolonged periods of working alone.

Patient Population
The Student Nurse must demonstrate knowledge and skills to provide care appropriate to various age groups, understanding the principles of growth and development across the lifespan. This includes assessing patient status and interpreting information to identify specific needs for:
• Neonates (0-4 weeks)
• Infant (1-12 months)
• Pediatrics (1-12 years)
• Adolescents (13-17 years)
• Adults (18-64 years)
• Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Physical Requirements
The role demands significant physical activity:
• Lifting/Carrying: 0-50 lbs. (34-66% of time); 50-100 lbs. (67-100% of time).
• Push/Pull: 0-50 lbs. (34-66% of time); 50-100 lbs. (34-66% of time).
• Stoop/Kneel: 34-66% of time.
• Crawling: 1-33% of time.
• Climbing: 1-33% of time.
• Balance: 34-66% of time.
• Bending: 67-100% of time.
• Sitting: 34-66% of time.
• Walking: 67-100% of time.
• Standing: 67-100% of time.

Additional Physical Requirements:
• Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination).
• Ability to perform shift work.
• Maneuver weight of patients.
• Ability to hear alarms, telephone, audio recorder.
• Reach above shoulder.
• Repetitive arm/hand movements, finger dexterity.
• Color vision, acuity (far/near), depth perception.
• Use of latex products.
• Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, moving mechanical parts, dust/fumes, potential electrical shock, x-ray/electromagnetic energy, high-pitched noises, and gaseous risks.

Skills
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:
• Ability to clearly communicate with other members of the healthcare team.
• Ability to understand and follow directions from the healthcare team.
• Knowledge of patient and healthcare safety standards and regulations (e.g., falls, skin breakdown, suicide prevention, environment of care).
• Understanding of infection prevention and transmission-based precautions.
• Understanding of clerical duties and office-based technology.
• Strong team dynamics.
• Proficiency in patient data collection and documentation (e.g., vital signs, intake/output, changes in patient condition).
• Ability to provide basic hygiene and activities of daily living care.
• Assists with feeding, hydration, and nutrition.
• Assists with bowel and bladder elimination.
• Aids in ambulation and patient mobility.
• Familiarity with the use of clinical technology.
• Possesses a compassionate, relationship-based approach in care activities.
• Demonstrates accountability for completion of assigned tasks.
• Ability to escalate concerns via the chain of command.
• Strong critical thinking abilities.
• Advanced problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of the nursing process.
• Maintains professionalism.

Benefits
Bon Secours Mercy Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
• Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Life insurance with AD&D.
• Employer contributions to retirement savings plan (when eligible).
• Paid time off.
• Educational Assistance.
• *Note: Benefits offerings vary according to employment status.•
Equal Employment Opportunity
Bon Secours Mercy Health is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, or disability. Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in the employment selection process can be requested by contacting The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com.