Job Description

Pay/Benefits

• $20-$30.60 depending how many on the job learning hours have been completed.
• PTO accrual
• Up to 10 Holidays Off Paid
• 401K Match after 30 days

The Apprentice – Registered Nurse is a patient care support partner with the Registered Nurse (RN) Preceptor and performs work as delegated by the RN Preceptor. The Apprentice provides direct care to patients and assists with non-direct patient care. The individual in this position is expected to perform basic care and comfort standards as well as have knowledge of the patient population needs in the assigned work area. This individual is expected to practice medical asepsis, respect the dignity and privacy of every patient and family, and to respect cultural differences during patient care. They are expected to know and adhere to all basic policies and procedures and respond appropriately during emergency situations. The Apprentice is expected to use accurate verbal and written communication and to document patient care appropriately in the electronic health record. The Apprentice receives specific verbal and written work assignments from the RN Preceptor and is expected to work efficiently by completing the work within the scheduled time. In addition to clinical responsibilities, the Apprentice is expected to perform a variety of duties related to coordination of activity in the ambulatory clinic. This includes activities related to computer data entry, and other duties of a clerical nature. All duties are completed in accordance with the Heartland Health Services’ (HHS) mission, strategic goals, federal and state laws and regulations, performance and outcome objectives, and accreditation standards.

The Apprentice is responsible for attending scheduled didactic courses, skills laboratory exercises and professional development sessions at Illinois Central College. The Apprentice is required to pass all didactic, skills lab and clinical coursework with the Illinois Central College grading standard for the specific class or better, complete the Associate Degree RN program at Illinois Central College and take the NCLEX certification examination at the conclusion of the apprenticeship program. The goal of this program is to transition into a Registered Nurse role after your apprenticeship, graduation, and completion of nursing licensure boards. Clinical experiences help grow assessment skills to assist in successful completion of the NCLEX licensure exam.

Essential Functions – On the Job Learning

• Record Patient Medical Histories:
• Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patient’s conditions.
• Record patient’s medical information and vital signs.
• Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities:
• Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patient’s condition.
• Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
• Administer non-intravenous medications (under the supervision of nurse preceptor):
• Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
• Maintain Medical Facility Records:
• Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
• Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care:
• Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patient’s conditions.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment:
• Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
• Manage healthcare operations:
• Perform administrative or managerial functions, such as taking responsibility for a staff, budget, planning, or long-range goals.
• Advise medical personnel regarding healthcare issues:
• Direct or coordinate infection control programs, advising or consulting with specified personnel about necessary precautions.
• Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
• Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient’s condition.
• Direct healthcare delivery programs:
• Direct or coordinate infection control programs, advising or consulting with specified personnel about necessary precautions.
• Order medical diagnostic or clinical tests:
• Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient’s condition.
• Design public or employee health programs:
• Instruct individuals, families, or other groups on topics such as health education, disease prevention, or childbirth and develop health improvement programs.
• Work with individuals, groups, or families to plan or implement programs designed to improve the overall health of communities.
• Communicate health and wellness information to the public:
• Instruct individuals, families, or other groups on topics such as health education, disease prevention, or childbirth and develop health improvement programs.
• Evaluate patient outcomes to determine effectiveness of treatments:
• Modify patient treatment plans as indicated by patient’s responses and conditions.
• Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment:
• Prepare rooms, sterile instruments, equipment, or supplies and ensure that stock of supplies is maintained.
• Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use:
• Prepare rooms, sterile instruments, equipment, or supplies and ensure that stock of supplies is maintained.
• Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions:
• Conduct specified laboratory tests.
• Assess patient work, living, or social environments:
• Assess the needs of individuals, families, or communities, including assessment of individual’s home or work environments, to identify potential health or safety problems.
• Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments:
• Prepare patients for and assist with examinations or treatments.
• Prepare patients physically for medical procedures:
• Prepare patients for and assist with examinations or treatments.
• Train caregivers or other non-medical personnel:
• Provide or arrange for training or instruction of auxiliary personnel or students.
• Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources:
• Refer students or patients to specialized health resources or community agencies furnishing assistance.
• Advise communities or institutions regarding health or safety issues:
• Consult with institutions or associations regarding issues or concerns relevant to the practice and profession of nursing.
• Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues:
• Engage in research activities related to nursing.

Requirements

• Must be accepted and enrolled in the Illinois Central College accredited Nursing Program where an Associate Degree in Nursing will be awarded
• Remain in good standing in the nursing program
• During the program, apprentices will spend no less than 4 hours each week in a clinical setting with a registered nurse preceptor participating in the care provided to patients including assessments, documentation, care plan development, communication with interdisciplinary team members, patient education, participation in procedures, and development of other nursing skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development as well as the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of the patient population served.
• Time management and organizational skills. Ability to multi-task.
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to interact with patients, families and teams.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel preferred but not required.
• Electronic Medical Records (EMR) experience preferred but not required.
• Knowledge: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills