Job Summary:

The Undergraduate Nursing Employee (UNE) reports to the Operations Manager and Clinical Practice Manager/Coordinator.

The UNE position provides an opportunity for the nursing student employed as an UNE to consolidate the knowledge and skill acquired in their approved nursing education program towards competency in the range and complexity of nursing practice. The UNE is an unregulated care provider of the collaborative health care team who provides patient centered care with the direct and indirect supervision of the licensed nurse. Nurse’s delegate controlled acts within most practice environments, most commonly to UCPs (unregulated care providers), a nurse who delegates a controlled act is responsible for the decision to delegate the controlled act.

The nursing activities performed, and level of supervision required are determined by legislation, standards of supervision outlined by regulatory colleges, educational preparation, practice setting, complexity of the patient, level of risk involved, and competency of the UNE. In collaboration with the UNE, the license nurse at the point of care has the responsibility to make a reasonable and prudent UNE patient care assignment.

The UNE is accountable for providing safe nursing care to patients in accordance with their formal nursing education preparation and competency. The UNE is responsible for seeking consultation and guidance.

Restrictions:

• UNE cannot initiate any controlled acts under the Regulated Health Professions Act.
• UNE cannot take verbal or telephone orders.

Qualifications:

• Must have the ability to communicate in a confidential, professional, diplomatic and friendly manner when interacting with patients, and staff.
• Demonstrate emotional maturity
• Ability to maintain poise and discretion in emergency and stress situations
• Currently enrolled as a 2nd, 3rd or 4th year Registered Nursing student from an accredited institution
• Currently enrolled as a 1st year Registered Practical Nursing student from an accredited institution

Skills/Abilities:

• Acquired competencies in clinical nursing practice to provide safe, quality patient care, in a supervised assignment.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and request guidance and consultation.
• Accept direction and guidance and constructive feedback.
• Critical thinking skills including clinical judgment, problem solving, and evaluation skills reflective of level of formal nursing education.
• Communicate clearly, appropriately and respectfully with the patient, family, and members of the health care team.
• Attitude and behavior that conveys respect and dignity of all persons.
• Able to establish professional, safe, inclusive and respectful relationships.
• Independent and shared accountability in a just and trusting culture.
• Demonstrates competency when working with patients/families, staff, students, and volunteers.
• Compassionate, empathic and caring attitudes
• Basic use of technology and competency in computer.
• Basic understanding of body mechanics to transfer patient’s safely.
• Adheres to all applicable clinical documentation requirements per Windsor Regional Hospital policies and procedures.

Duties:

All duties performed by UNE are under the direction of the staff supervisor/delegate and are not inclusive or limited to the following:

UNE to carry out or assist with activities of daily living with the goal of supporting client independence and optimal functioning. These activities include patient care activities and non-patient care activities as follows:

Patient Care Activities – Indirect Supervision

• Implementing existing care plan interventions under direction of the nurse
• Feeding
• Patient Transfer
• Portering
• Toileting
• Dressing
• Bathing
• Mobility assistance (including the proper use of transfer and lifting devices)
• Activation, companionship, and social engagement
• Reporting changes in client status or safety concerns to a supervising nurse
• Documenting care provided
• The UNE may undertake tasks that are documented in a client’s plan of care, that are within the individual UNE skills and training.
• Care plans are developed by the client’s care team which can include, but is not limited to, the client, their family, their physician, nurse, or physiotherapist.
• UNE assist clients with activities they would do for themselves were they physically or cognitively able. Care activities carried out by UNEs must be routine activities for that client, in circumstances where the client’s condition is stable and/or predictable.

Patient Care Activities – Direct Supervision

• Controlled acts where they are appropriately delegated by a regulated health professional

Non- Patient Care Activities – Indirect Supervision

• Wiping down high touch surfaces
• Cleaning and disinfecting nursing station and medication area
• Re-stocking wall units (caddies) outside each patient room as per quota, daily
• Re-stocking wall side PPE supplies daily and prn
• Re-stocking daily and as needed linen carts
• Pick up of epidural/PCA/SCD pumps
• Check hand sanitizers and refill as needed

Performs other duties as assigned from time to time.

Windsor Regional Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by WRH throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.