Covenant Health

Graduate Nurse Associate, Neuroscience

Full Time, 72 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

At Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center we specialize in neurological treatment and hold the longest running comprehensive stroke certification in the region - we provide full cycle, cutting edge stroke treatment including neurosurgical procedures, and neurointerventional radiology. We are a tertiary referral center for stroke and neurological care, meaning other hospitals trust us with their most complex patients.

The Neuroscience unit (5 North) at Fort Sanders Regional is a 35 private bed unit providing care for patients with neurological symptoms, including patients undergoing neurosurgical interventions and/or procedures. Patients who come to 5 North are often recovering from Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVAs, also known as strokes) or seizures. We specialize in the treatment of the post-operative patient including C fusion operations (posterior and anterior), laminectomy, craniotomies and spinal surgeries.

As an RN on our neuro unit, you will perform a variety of tasks such as advanced neurological assessments, bedside swallow screens, Dobhoff tube placement as well as lumbar and spine monitoring.  In addition to having excellent critical thinking skills, our ideal candidate will also possess outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.

You will participate in team nursing, with the RN as Team Leader. Our staff consists of RNs, CNA/PCAs, and HUCs who work together to provide exceptional patient care. We have a supportive environment and an orientation tailored to your needs.

As an organization, we want to grow our employees by promoting a culture of excellence and professionalism. Because of this, you will become NIHSF certified as an RN on our unit, with the opportunity to become SCRN (stroke certified RN) certified within one year.

If you are passionate about putting patients first, and want to work alongside RN experts in the neuro field, apply for our Neuro Unit today!

Position Summary:

This position is designed to facilitate the transition upcoming graduates of an accredited nursing program into the work force. Performs a wide variety of patient care activities and supportive services under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN).

For more information on this position or others contact: Erica Young || eyoung9@covhlth.com || 865-331-2572

• Demonstrates competence in performing critical skills (appropriate delegation grid competency checklist) to include appropriate delivery of care according to age-specific needs of the population served.
• Takes and records temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, weight, height and intake-output measurements. Documents oxygen saturation if patient is connected to continuous pulse oximetry.
• Employs all established infection control policies including standard precautions, transmission-based isolation precautions, OSHA standards, safety measures and proper body mechanic in performance of job.
• Completes designated patient care activities and provides for patient comfort and privacy.
• Identifies and assists patients that need assistance with nutrition and/or hydration.
• If trained and competency demonstrated, empties drains, canisters, urine bags, bedpans and emesis basins and records intake and output.
• Helps to maintain clean and orderly patient and work environment.
• Assists RN in obtaining a thorough nursing history on assigned patients.
• Demonstrates effective therapeutic communication skills.
• Documents/maintains patient record as appropriate. Basic charting, admission history, basic observations under guidance of RN.
• Observes and reports significant changes in patient condition to RN.
• Obtains RN signature on all entries.
• Completes assigned tasks with minimal supervision, but seeks guidance when uncertain how to perform procedure.
• Communicates suggestions and/or complaints through appropriate channels. Displays cooperation, flexibility and positive behavior to patients and other staff members.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively perform under stress.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education: Must have graduated from an accredited registered nursing education program. Must have applied and fulfilled all other requirements for licensure as a nurse, and be approved by the State of Tennessee to sit for Nursing Boards within 30 days of graduation.

Minimum Experience: None required but able to perform as nursing assistant; previous hospital experience preferred. Must be able to operate computer and possess excellent interpersonal skills.

Licensure Requirements: CPR required

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