Student Nurse Intern -Flynn Fellowship

The Susan D. Flynn Pediatric Oncology Nursing Fellowship program is intended to help stimulate the career interest and foster the professional development of potential Pediatric Oncology Nurses. The program is focused on the critically important field of Oncology Nursing. The Fellowship enhances the Student Nurse Intern's core clinical education through direct involvement with Oncology patient care, expert training in compassionate care, and exposure to related patient care duties and services that typify Oncology nurses' valuable role and important inter-relationships with other members of the healthcare team. Opportunities to attend various pertinent internal educational programs and meetings with key team members at Connecticut Children's Medical Center provide additional learning experiences for the Student Nurse Intern. The Flynn Fellowship Student Nurse Intern functions as a Patient Care Assistant, under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse, and is provided with a comprehensive scope of direct observational and learning experiences related to Oncology Nursing.
 

DIRECT PATIENT CARE - Provides direct patient care (as defined by the unit) that addresses the population-specific needs of the patients on the unit with the exception of sitting for patients who require 1:1 observation. Activities may include any of the following: assist patient with feedings and personal care (e.g. hygiene, ambulating and activities of daily living, etc.); obtain vital signs, temperature, weight, height, head circumference or other patient data as required; obtain and test specimens (e.g. blood glucose, urine, etc.); transport patients; assist with patient admissions and discharges. Demonstrates an awareness of safety needs and a basic knowledge of medical terminology, infection control, risk management and environment of care policies in all interactions with patients/families. Responds with tact and discretion to the needs of patients and families, and reports needs beyond the PCA skill level to the RN. 

DOCUMENTATION - Accurately documents patient information on appropriate forms. Demonstrates basic data entry and data retrieval competency in electronic patient records and/or patient supply systems utilized on unit.

UNIT SUPPORT ACTIVITIES - Maintains appropriate inventories of unit supplies in patient rooms/bedside stands, and in treatment, utility, medication and linen rooms. Cleans, maintains and inventories unit equipment. May perform quality control checks on equipment or supplies as directed by the RN. Utilizes all equipment appropriately and notifies appropriate person of equipment or facility breakdown or damage. Assist with miscellaneous errands, and transportation of medication (including controlled substances) blood, equipment and supplies, as directed by the RN. Assists with routine clerical tasks. Demonstrates knowledge of the population-specific differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice.

Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families and co-workers.

Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with the Connecticut Children's Standards.

POSITION-SPECIFIC ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Flynn Fellowship Student Nurse Intern participates in a comprehensive scope of direct observational and learning experiences, including exposure to:

• Oncology Nursing (possible roles/typical responsibilities, applied practice, possiblecareer opportunities, etc.)
  Medical ; Surgical Oncology (including treatment plans, key policies/procedures, patienteducation, etc.)
• Clinical Research
• Oncology Office/Functional Organization (organization, functions, roles/responsibilities)
• Palliative Care Department (organization, resources, services)
• Infusion Services
• Radiation Therapy
• Patient Support Programs

In addition, as part of this learning/development experience and in collaboration with the Connecticut Children's Flynn Fellowship Educator, the Student Nurse Intern completes an "evidence-based practice" research project in some aspect of Pediatric Oncology Nursing. The Nurse Intern presents his/her project at the Flynn Fellowship Graduation Ceremony at the completion of the Fellowship Program.

Program Schedule: The Connecticut Children's Flynn Fellowship runs for 8 consecutive weeks during the summer months. The Student Intern works 40 hours per week, and the daily schedule may vary during the week to allow for diverse clinical learning experiences.

Education and/or Experience Required:

Must be registered as a rising Senior Nursing Student in a four-year baccalaureate nursing program. The student must be enrolled in a nursing program that is approved by the Flynn Fellowship Program.
Achieved and maintained at least a 3.0 GPA.