INTRODUCTION

The Summer Student Nurse Partner Program is an 8, 10, or 12 week clinical working experience designed for nursing students who are graduating between July 2010 and June 2011 from a Baccalaureate nursing program and with a minimum of one clinical course completed. These students will be classified as casual labor (temporary), non-licensed members of the nursing staff and will not perform procedures that require licensure by the State of Nebraska. The SSNP will be assigned to work with a designated Registered Nurse preceptor for the entire program.

Program dates (flexible):
8-week program: May 17 - July 10
 
10-week program: May 17 - July 24
 
12-week program: May 17 - August 7
 

PURPOSE

This program will provide an opportunity for a student nurse to apply and observe theoretical and practical skills in a selected clinical environment with an assigned staff nurse. SSNP’s will not perform procedures that require licensure by the State of Nebraska

GUIDELINES
  • Summer Student Nurse Partners (SSNP) will be employed on a casual (temporary) status (no benefits) and will be employed the number of hours per week as requested by the manager with the following minimum requirements:
    1. Scheduled to work at least 24 hours a week
      *Certain units will require 36 hours a week
    2. Weekends and holidays required according to assigned preceptor
  • The SSNP program start date will be determined upon hire.
  • SSNPs will be selected by the unit’s manager and preceptor.
  • The SSNP is to be assigned the same RN preceptor for the entire program. In the event of illness, vacation, or resignation, other arrangements will be made after discussion with the student and the manager. Existing scheduling policies will apply to the SSNPs enrolled in the program. The SSNP will be assigned to the same hours as his/her assigned staff nurse preceptor.
  • The RN preceptor will be responsible for the hiring, assignment, and evaluation of the SSNP in conjunction with the unit manager.
  • Students with satisfactory performance will have an opportunity to remain on staff as a Patient Care Tech or Clerk/Tech during the school year if positions are available.
  • Each SSNP will be responsible for evaluation of the preceptor and the Summer Student Nursing Partner Program upon completion of assignment.
    • QUALIFICATIONS
    • Must be actively enrolled in an accredited baccalaureate nursing program and scheduled to graduate between July 2010 – June 2011 with a minimum of one clinical course completed
    • Current BLS certification
    • Average or above average academic and performance standing in nursing program
    • Nebraska Registered Nursing Assistant or registry eligible as a Nursing Assistant with the State of Nebraska
    RESPONSIBILITIES

    Assists with basic nursing care under the supervision of the assigned RN preceptor. Demonstrates knowledge and skill in addressing age-specific needs of the patients served.

    • Direct Patient Care
      • Answer patient call lights
      • Make beds
      • Bed, tub, sitz baths, including assistance with showers
      • Shampoos
      • Pass trays, assist with meals, and feed patients
      • Measure and record fluid intake and output
      • Record calorie counts and appetites
      • Serve fresh water and nourishment
      • Assist with elimination needs; (i.e., urinals, bedpans, commodes)
      • Application of external catheters
      • Empty foleys, ostomy bags
      • Turn patients to maintain good body alignment
      • Ambulation of patients
      • Help patients in and out of bed to wheelchairs, chairs, and stretchers
      • Active and passive range of motion
      • AM and PM care, oral hygiene, back rubs
      • Vital signs, heights, weights, and measurements
      • Assist with admission, transfer, and dismissal of patients
      • Collection of specimens (e.g., stool, urine, sputum, gastroccult)
      • Application and removal of TED stockings
      • Warm and cold pacts (unsterile)
      • Blood glucose monitoring and Hemoccult stool testing
      • Perineal care
      • Utilization of proper isolation techniques in the care of patients
      • Adhere to Standard Precautions for infection control
      • Assist with post mortem care
      • Oral and nasal suctioning with bulb or catheter
      • Observe and report appropriate symptoms, reactions, and changes in patient condition
      • Documentation of appropriate information on the patient care flowsheet
      • Assist preceptor in the development of the patient care plan
    • Indirect Patient Care (The following is not an all inclusive list and may vary from unit to unit)
      • Removal of hospital equipment and placement for return to Material Support Services on discontinuation of use or discharge of patients.
      • Maintenance of a clean and comfortable environment for patients and unit personnel by straightening the unit, patient rooms, utility rooms, exam rooms, treatment rooms, and cupboards
      • Assist with obtainment of supplies and equipment
      • Deliver specimens to the laboratory when necessary
      • Escort patients to other hospital areas (i.e., solarium, business office, etc.)
      • Observation of special procedures, as assigned by Patient Care Supervisor or preceptor
    • Functions Not Assumed by Summer Student Nursing Partner
      • Medication administration
      • All functions requiring a license to perform.
    PAY
    • Minimum starting salary is $11.50/hour.
      • Night shift differential is an additional 15%
      • Weekend shift differential is an additional 9%
    DEPARTMENTS

    The Nebraska Medical Center has a variety of nursing areas:

    • The departments participating in the program are posted on the website.
    HOURS

    Working hours are discussed in the interview and will be assigned according to the preceptor’s schedule. Shifts are 12 hours with the following minimum requirements:

    • scheduled to work at least 24 hours per week
    • weekends and holidays required according to the preceptor’s schedule
    EVALUATION

    The SSNP, preceptor, and the unit manager will be asked to complete evaluations at the end of the assignment. This information is very beneficial to The Nebraska Medical Center and participation is appreciated.

    CONTINUING EMPLOYMENT

    At the end of the SSNP assignment the SSNP may apply to transfer into another position in the same unit or a different unit depending on availability and schedules. Please discuss these opportunities with the manager or contact Kelly Huffman at (402) 552-3044 or email khuffman@nebraskamed.com for more information. To apply for an internal transfer, the SSNP will need to complete an on-line Job Transfer Request form at www.NebraskaMed.com.