4C01
GRADUATE NURSE

This is general duty nursing work at the trainee level learning to provide care, treatment and teaching of patients and groups of patients. An employee in this class learns to provide direct patient care and required medical services in accordance with Standing Medical Orders. Work includes training in motivating and counseling patients in proper health care practices and serving as patient advocate. Work is performed under the supervision of a nursing superior. Work may require some physical effort.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

• Positions in this class must be responsible for learning to provide care, treatment and teaching of patients and groups of patients.
• Positions in this class must be located in the Health Department.

• Receives on-the-job training from a higher level nurse in providing patient care and treatment; takes patient history and vital signs, including temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiration, weight and height; may perform EKG, venipuncture, vision, hearing and fingersticks; assesses and records patient needs and problems; triages patients entering health centers; manages medical care of patients; serves as advocate for patients; explains medical service availability and requirements; refers patents for appropriate treatment.
• Carries out assigned care and treatment functions as defined by standing medical orders or program protocols; assists physicians as required in treatments and examinations; explains physician instructions to patients; develops, implements and evaluates a nursing plan; collaborates with physicians and other team members to develop patient management plans and service goals, and to provide coordinated service.
• Learns to instruct and counsel patients and families, and reinforces the physician's regimen of care; instructs groups of patients on such subjects as prenatal care and control of diabetes; schedules patients for follow-up instruction.
• Learns to administer medications and immunizations; dispenses over-the-counter medications in team and triage areas, and performs treatments, screening and diagnostic procedures according to physician orders or appropriate standing orders; obtains specimens for laboratory analysis or instructs patients in proper methods to obtain specimens.
• Learns to conduct nursing services as primary provider according to standing orders for such services as administration of immunizations and well-child examinations; screens patients without appointments based on program policies and protocols and refers to appropriate staff; implements protocols for patients who fail to keep appointments; documents nursing services and nursing care plans, and completes required forms.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• current nursing theory, principles, practices and techniques
• literature and current developments in the field of nursing
• the resources available to persons in need of related health and social services
• educational methods as they apply to health care and disease prevention

ABILITY TO:

• learn to provide direct patient care and required medical services in accordance with Standing Medical Orders
• learn to instruct patients and family in the principles of health care, home nursing and prevention of disease
• maintain an empathetic attitude towards and harmonious relationships with patients and the public
• learn to evaluate communicable diseases, such as STDs, TB and immunizations
• learn health problems and treatment requirements unique to specified areas of the city
• understand and follow oral and written instructions
• maintain adequate records of nursing services
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited college, university or institution determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department, or graduation from an accredited School of Nursing.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• Must have a license as a Registered Nurse issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nurse Examiners within six months of appointment as a Graduate Nurse.