Job Description
Orthopedic patients receive hands-on assistance with tasks such as monitoring blood pressure and pulse using specific devices, aiding in bathing and dressing, and ensuring comfort through measures like turning and repositioning. This internship under direct Registered Nurse supervision helps build foundational skills in twelve-hour shifts, directly supporting safer recoveries for individuals recovering from joint replacements or fracture repairs.
Community Health Systems owns and operates hospitals across multiple states, delivering acute medical services including emergency rooms, surgical units, and specialty areas like orthopedics. The company treats patients with conditions from local communities, offering comprehensive care through facilities equipped with advanced medical tools and focused on patient-centered healing processes.
Daily duties include checking vital signs with glucometers and bladder scanners, helping patients with hygiene routines, and maintaining clean utility rooms and shared workspaces after shifts. Interns collaborate with registered nurses and physicians on bedside reports, handoffs, and shift changes, following documentation protocols and evidence-based practices in patient rooms. The role involves operating under strict supervision in a busy hospital environment with varying patient acuity, requiring quick adaptation to changes in an orthopedic unit.
The position requires completion of fundamentals in an accredited nursing program and 0-1 years of healthcare experience, with location in a hospital orthopedic department and typical daytime or rotating schedules. Candidates must hold CPR certification from American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or American Safety and Health Institute, and Fingerprint Clearance Card for skilled nursing. Professional development focuses on seeking feedback from RNs to apply clinical practices, contributing to future licensure and safe therapeutic environments.
Responsibilities
- Provide basic patient care within scope of practice, including vital sign monitoring, hygiene assistance, and patient comfort measures
- Communicate effectively with the care team, including handoffs, reporting changes in patient conditions, and participating in bedside shift reports
- Develop clinical skills by asking questions, seeking feedback, and applying evidence-based practices under RN guidance
- Maintain a clean and organized work environment in patient rooms, utility rooms, and shared workspaces
- Assist with basic equipment maintenance, such as glucometers, bladder scanners, and scales
- Perform hourly rounding and provide purposeful patient interactions to foster therapeutic relationships
- Document all tasks and observations clearly, accurately, and in a timely manner
- Uphold excellent customer service relations with patients, families, and internal/external departments
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in an accredited Nursing program
- Completion of fundamentals of clinicals in an accredited Nursing program
- 0-1 years of experience in a healthcare setting
- Basic understanding of patient care procedures and medical terminology
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Attention to detail and organizational skills
- Commitment to maintaining a safe and therapeutic patient care environment
- CPR certification issued by American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or American Safety and Health Institute
- Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by State Department of Public Safety required for Skilled Nursing