Job Abstract

Must be student nurse pursuing licensure.  Functioning as a member of the Care Delivery Team, the Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Student nurse extern provides basic patient care and activities of daily living under the direct supervision of the RN team leader. Utilizes the nursing process and assists in planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care under RN direction. The Patient Care Assistant Student Nurse Extern will not perform any procedures that require licensing by the State of Ohio (for example, passing medications, nursing diagnosis or completion of an admission assessment). Performs assigned selected functional tasks, treatments and procedures relative to patient care and the unit environment.  Reports all findings, information and observations to the RN team leader.  Documents findings within capabilities on the appropriate forms.  Cleans and restocks various nursing units.  Retrieves medical records as necessary.  Performs various clerical duties and acts as messenger as necessary.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1.    Knowledge of nursing practices and procedures at a normally acquired through high school and through nursing classes.

2.    Requires the completion of a two-week Nurse Aide Training Program and achievement of a passing grade on the State of Ohio Test for Nurse Aides through the Ohio Department of Health; this requirement may be completed after being hired.  Should the individual not be state tested, they must have completed the 1st year of clinicals from an accredited registered nursing program.

3.    Generally requires three- four weeks of orientation and approximately three to six months related work experience in order to function independently.

4.    Communication skills (written, verbal, and nonverbal) necessary in order to relate well with people of varying backgrounds including patients, family and staff.

5.    Must provide Faculty recommendation from current School of Nursing.

Working Conditions Reporting Relationships

Normal patient care environment with little exposure to noise, dust, temperature and the like.

Regular (up to fifty percent of work time) exposure to communicable diseases and certain distasteful patient care activities.

Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail fifty to eighty percent of work time.

Substantial physical effort exerted up to fifty percent of work time.

Ability to walk, stand, and bend up to eighty percent of work time.

Reports To:

Reports to assigned Manager/Supervisor.