At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Student Nurse Intern reflects mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Memorial, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program  and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Student Nurse Intern is an unlicensed person who, under the direction of a Registered Professional Nurse (RN), participates in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care. By participating in the healthcare environment and enhancing their knowledge of patient and family care needs in a given clinical area(s), the SNI will prepare for their future transition as a staff nurse.

Responsibilities:

• Provides patient care to assigned patients under the direction of the RN.
• Under the supervision of the RN participates in bedside report
• Actively participates in delivering patient care per the Patient Centered Care Model.
• Assists in the development and revision of the patient care plan under the direction of the RN.
• Assists in and/or performs specific patient care procedures and treatments as outlined in this job description and listed here:
  • Participates in admitting and discharging patients.
  • Performs vital signs, monitors comfort level and assists patients with ADLs.
    • Under direct supervision of RN, provides baby and adult baths in accordance with unit protocols.
    • Provides perineal/diaper care and applies non-medicated perineal/diaper creams for dermatitis.
  • Performs Gastrointestinal Procedures:
    • Auscultates for NG/OG placement in babies, as verified by RN preceptor
    • NICU and Mother-Baby-Helps mothers and fathers transition to Kangaroo Care
    • Fleets enema
  • Applies support garments:
    • Anti-embolism stockings
    • Compression boots.
  • Appropriately utilizes special equipment:
    • Orthopedic traction,
    • Specialty chairs/commodes,
    • Specialty beds/mattresses.
  • Collects Specimens:
    • Capillary blood glucose monitoring
    • Phlebotomy
    • Neonates-Via heel stick only, no arterial or venous draws
    • Clean voided urine
    • Neonates-Via urine bag
    • 24 hour urine,
    • Closed urinary drainage system
    • Sputum
    • Stool samples
    • Neonates-Nasal swabs.
• Assists in the performance of postmortem care and bereavement care under direct RN supervision.
• Practices isolation and infection control techniques.
• Applies hot and cold applications;
  • Thermal K-pads.
  • Warm moist packs.
  • Portable sitz bath.
  • Ice bags.
  • Hypo/hyperthermia blanket.
• Performs pre- and post- operative care as delegated by the RN.
• Nutritional care for neonates
  • Under direct observation of the RN, provides for infant’s nutritional needs via:
    • Assisting mothers with breastfeeding and pumping
    • Providing bottle feedings
    • Providing feedings via OG/NG to gravity
• Provides developmentally appropriate care during infant feedings.
  • Developmental care for neonates (approaches/interventions to assist neonates in coping with environment)
    • Under the direction of the RN, utilizes positioning aids and devices to provide developmentally appropriate care.
    • Promotes a healthy environment for neonates by controlling sound and lighting and avoiding noxious environmental stimuli
• Communicates all pertinent patient care information to appropriate staff members and participates in patient care conferences and multidisciplinary rounds.
• Follows guidelines established in hospital and nursing policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates proper operation of equipment and can explain rationale for its use.  Recognizes malfunctioning of equipment and reports such to appropriate personnel.
• Cooperates with all departments to facilitate optimum patient care and positive public relations.
• Demonstrates responsibility for enhancement of own knowledge by attending staff meetings, unit in-services and educational programs as well as pursuing own educational goals.
• Documents on flow sheets and in the electronic medical record, based upon the discretion of the manager and the RN.  All documentation of patient assessments and patient teaching is co-signed by a RN.
• Participates in unit-based journal club (as applicable), performance improvement projects and attends educational opportunities provided for all participants in the SNI program. 

Required:

• Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation recognition (healthcare provider level).
• A letter of recommendation from a faculty member and documentation of enrollment. 

Preferred:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited professional BSN nursing program and entering their senior year of college. Students must graduate no later than June of the calendar year following completion of the SNI program. In addition, they must have completed at least one medical surgical clinical rotation and be between the junior and senior level in the nursing curriculum.

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.