Q: What exactly is my title or position in the hospital for the summer?
A: I work as a “Clinical Associate” on a general medicine floor at the hospital. A Clinical Associate is similar to a CNA, but the work involves more technical tasks related to the recent nursing curriculum. For example, checking blood-glucose levels, attaching telemetry leads, and conducting EKGs.
Q: What does the job entail? How do I spend my 8 to 12 hour shifts?
A: The job usually begins with a transition between staff members reviewing report on the 18 bed unit. Nurses and Clinical Associates sit in the staff room listening to voice recording from the nurses on the previous shift regarding the status of each of the 18 patients on the floor. I take this time to assess which patients I will be working with, who will need blood sugar testing, and the times and frequency of vital sign measurements.
My work entails bedside care for patients:
Measuring vital signs 1-4 times per shift (heart rate, blood pressure, respirations, temperature, and oxygen saturation)
Communicating between staff members for changes in physical or mental status Measuring blood sugar levels (3-4 times per shift)
Tracheotomy care and suctioning
Pressure ulcer prevention
Wound care and sterile dressings
Taking out and flushing IV lines
Hanging Normal Saline for infusions
Enteral Tube feedings
Inserting and removing urinary catheters
Fall prevention interventions
Freshening them up for morning or evening care
Changing linens
Assisting with ambulation
Assessing intake and output
Q: Is the work full-time or part-time?
A: My work this summer is full-time, 40+ hours/week. I also have the opportunity to work overtime as a “sitter” for patients who are on continuous monitoring. There are different units in the hospital who look for “sitters” to be with patients just to ensure their safety when nurses, doctors, or other staff members are out of the room.
Q: What are the hours?
A: As mentioned previously, the work is full-time and the hours are divided between 8 and 12 hour shifts (which turn into 9 and 13 hour shifts by the time I finish my work and pack up my bags). Some weeks I work 4 full days and have 3 days off, other weeks I work three very full days and then enjoy 4 days catching up on rest.
I work both night and day shifts. The night shift is probably my favorite because there are less people on the unit, the lights are turned down lower, and the atmosphere seems a little bit calmer. Also, as a Clinical Associate, I have more responsibilities since fewer staff are scheduled for this shift.
Q: Would I do anything different if I had to apply for summer work again?
A: NO- I love the experience that I am gaining working on the general medicine unit. The staff is warm and welcoming, answers every question I present, and appreciates the help that I can offer. This experience is giving me a huge lead for the upcoming curriculum and clinical rotations in the fall. I highly recommend working in a hospital as a Clinical Associate to gain experience, confidence, and knowledge. This job is helping to make my transition from a student nurse to a full RN a bit smoother.