Rehab Nurse Tech Brain Injury Full Time 12 Hour Day Shift

Description of the Rehabilitation Nurse Technician (RNT) Role

Two East is a twenty-one-bed unit specializing in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with brain injuries. The unit includes a ten-bed section to serve the needs of patients that require a secured, low-stimulation environment. This unit provides inpatient brain injury rehabilitation to more patients with traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury than any other facility in Illinois and is the only inpatient brain injury rehabilitation program in the Chicago area accredited by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). Our nursing team works in close collaboration with all members of the interdisciplinary team comprised of physicians who are board-certified in brain injury rehabilitation, therapists, psychologists, pharmacists, case managers, dietitians, and chaplains to provide comprehensive care. The complexity of patients on the unit provides an opportunity for advancement of clinical skills and professional growth and development.

Rehabilitation Nurse Technician (RNT) Responsibilities

The RNT reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. The RNT has expertise related to the specific needs for patients in the rehabilitation environment, which includes severe chronic conditions and complex disabilities. The RNT is a member of the interdisciplinary rehabilitation care team and supports interventions to help individuals and their families achieve independence, adjustments to the patients' health, and to look beyond the disability or condition.

RNT Services and Responsibilities

Under the direction/delegation and supervision of a professional registered nurse, the RNT assists the patient with activities of daily living, mobility skills, skin, bowel, and bladder programs, and maintains a clean, safe environment for the patient. Additional technical skills, under the direction of the RN, include de-escalation techniques and 12-lead EKG. The RNT role serves as an active participant in the unit quality projects, which can include data collection as well as unit equipment inventory and maintenance. The RNT is responsible to precept new RNT employees.

Patient Care/Clinical Duties

The RNT is responsible for the following patient care and clinical duties:

• Collects and reports pertinent physiological, psychological, and functional data based on patient plan of care or patient need.
• Assists and instructs patients with personal hygiene and activities of daily living, including showering, promoting maximal independence and skill practice.
• Performs preventive skin care program as directed by RN and reports any changes in skin integrity immediately to the RN.
• Assists patients with bladder and bowel training programs, including post void residuals and spot bladder scans. Performs straight catheterization for select patient populations under direction of RN and provides care for indwelling and external catheters and ostomies.
• Accurately obtains and documents patients vital signs/pulse oximetry and communicates any reportable values, symptoms, or signs of distress to the RN.
• Assists patients with transfers and mobility activities utilizing appropriate techniques, precautions, and assistive devices. Practices therapy transfers and ambulation with patients within safe patient handling guidelines as delegated by the RN.
• Assists patient with application of assistive devices and prosthetics/orthoses according to individual patient plan of care.
• Assists patients with completing menus. Passes patient meal trays and HS snacks, verifying any modified diet is as ordered. Accurately calculates and documents calorie count and carbohydrates, intake, and output as ordered.
• Assists patient with 1:1 feeds as ordered. For patients with dysphagia, cues patient to use ordered swallowing strategies, under the direction of the RN.
• Answers and triages patient call lights and meets patient care needs with an appropriate sense of urgency.
• Proactively sets up patient room for therapy readiness.
• Collects weekly weights on all patients, and daily as ordered, using appropriate method for patients mobility, and escalating changes as needed.
• Collects laboratory specimens as directed by RN.
• Obtains blood glucose measurements and 12-lead EKG as ordered.
• Transfers patient from wall to tank oxygen or tube feedings in preparation for patient attending therapy.
• Provides supervision and activities, or restraint use, for patients with high risk for fall or injury.
• Provides de-escalation techniques for agitated and aggressive patient behaviors.
• Serves as a safety 1:1 for patients as needed.
• Maintains and organizes unit equipment inventories.
• Precepts to new employees and partners with RN-certified nursing students during clinical rotation.
• Participates in bedside handoff.
• Participates in system and local quality improvement goals.
• Collects data and audits for Joint Commission readiness and improvement projects.
• Assists in the maintenance of unit readiness to meet regulatory standards.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

The RNT maintains a therapeutic relationship to provide optimal customer-focused care. Communicates effectively with patients at a level appropriate to age and cognitive status, showing cultural sensitivity. Interacts effectively with peers and other hospital staff to foster positive working relationships. Effectively triages patient and general concerns to RN.

Infection Control/Patient Safety

The RNT contributes to the safe, effective, and professional delivery of patient care, including the use of safety/restrictive devices. Follows Infection Control policies and procedures. Maintains knowledge of Marianjoy's policies concerning precautions, codes, conditions, warning, and general safety procedures.

Adaptability and Flexibility

The RNT rotates to all units based on patient care needs. Adjusts to changes in policy and procedure, unit, and patient population.

Qualifications

The RNT requires:

• High School or equivalent (GED) High School degree, or GED equivalent, is required.
• Current Nursing Assistant certification (C.N.A.) is required or current enrollment in an RN Nursing Program, with the successful completion of two clinical rotations.
• Maintains current CPR certification.
• Basic math skills are required.
• Ability to communicate with a wide variety of people and provide the highest level of customer service.
• Understanding and support of Northwestern Medicine's Mission and Values.
• Flexibility and ability to manage work in a changing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Two to five years of work experience is preferred in a rehabilitation hospital, acute care hospital, or skilled nursing facility.

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility

Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign-on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.