GRADUATE NURSE ASSOCIATE - Covenant Health

Graduate Nurse Associate, Senior Behavioral Health

Full Time, 72 Hours Per Pay Period, Night Shift

Parkwest Overview:

Headquartered in Knoxville, Covenant Health is a community-owned integrated healthcare delivery system and the area’s largest employer.

Parkwest is Covenant Health’s and West Knoxville’s premier medical facility and a top-performing heart hospital, offering our patients world-class treatment with all the convenience and warmth of home.

In addition to providing the area’s leading cardiac services, Parkwest has been nationally recognized for award-winning care throughout our facility. For 2020-21, Parkwest received recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the “Top 10” hospitals in Tennessee.

Knoxville located in East Tennessee is the third largest in the state, well-known for its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and is the home of the University of Tennessee. Go Vols!  Living in Knoxville means experiencing all four seasons.  Best of all, each of them is pretty mild!

Combine all that with the abundant natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, and you have a city that truly offers something for everyone. Knoxville has a vibrant arts culture, seasonal festivals, top-notch foodie and incredible outdoor recreation. It’s a perfect blend of big-city amenities and Southern charm.

Senior Behavioral Health:

Our 16-bed Senior Behavioral Unit serves older adults ages 55 and older. We focus on the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of each patient. Our team provides services for a wide range of psychiatric diagnosis including Dementia, Depression, Suicide, Schizophrenia, and Bipolar Disorders. We provide stabilization in an acute care setting involving EKGs, daily labs, intravenous fluids or antibiotics. Our unit constructs individualized treatment plans working in collaboration with physicians, families, Recreational, Physical and Occupational Therapists, and Social/Case workers. Our goal is to ensure that the patient lives life to the fullest as they age. Patients are encouraged to participate in group therapy everyday with fun and motivating activities. We take pride in creating a safe environment for both patients and staff.

Educational opportunities are always encouraged to develop best practice skills including certifications, seminars, and de-escalation classes. Positive and energetic traits are a must for this fast-paced, team-centered unit. Team members include RN’s, LPN’s, CNA/PCA’s and Health Unit Coordinators who work together to provide exceptional care. Scheduling is a six-week period. Staff work 3 days per week, 12-hour shifts, and every other weekend.

We have a supportive environment and an orientation tailored to your needs. If you are looking for a work “home” then you have found the right floor! If you are passionate about Senior Behavior Health and putting patients first apply today!!

Position Summary:  

This position is designed to facilitate the transition upcoming graduates of an accredited nursing program into the work force. Performs a wide variety of patient care activities and supportive services under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN).

Recruiter: Angelica Adams || aadams16@covhlth.com || 865-374-5405

• Demonstrates competence in performing critical skills (appropriate delegation grid competency checklist) to include appropriate delivery of care according to age-specific needs of the population served.
• Takes and records temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, weight, height and intake-output measurements. Documents oxygen saturation if patient is connected to continuous pulse oximetry.
• Employs all established infection control policies including standard precautions, transmission-based isolation precautions, OSHA standards, safety measures and proper body mechanic in performance of job.
• Completes designated patient care activities and provides for patient comfort and privacy.
• Identifies and assists patients that need assistance with nutrition and/or hydration.
• If trained and competency demonstrated, empties drains, canisters, urine bags, bedpans and emesis basins and records intake and output.
• Helps to maintain clean and orderly patient and work environment.
• Assists RN in obtaining a thorough nursing history on assigned patients.
• Demonstrates effective therapeutic communication skills.
• Documents/maintains patient record as appropriate. Basic charting, admission history, basic observations under guidance of RN.
• Observes and reports significant changes in patient condition to RN.
• Obtains RN signature on all entries.
• Completes assigned tasks with minimal supervision, but seeks guidance when uncertain how to perform procedure.
• Communicates suggestions and/or complaints through appropriate channels. Displays cooperation, flexibility and positive behavior to patients and other staff members.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively perform under stress.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education:           

Must have graduated from an accredited registered nursing education program. Must have applied and fulfilled all other requirements for licensure as a nurse, and be approved by the State of Tennessee to sit for Nursing Boards within 30 days of graduation.

Minimum Experience:         

None required but able to perform as nursing assistant; previous hospital experience preferred. Must be able to operate computer and possess excellent interpersonal skills.

Licensure Requirement:      

CPR required

RN License