Care Partner - 5RW Palliative Care Unit FT Days 06:45 - 19:15

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) operates at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care. VUMC is a community where expertise is valued, knowledge is expanded, and abilities are challenged. Employees are part of something bigger than themselves, contributing to a mission of advancing health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

About the Role

The Palliative Care Unit is a dynamic environment that values teamwork through an interdisciplinary approach to patient care. This role supports the delivery of patient care and maintenance of unit environmental standards under the supervision of a licensed nurse. The unit cares for adult patients (18+) with life-ending illnesses, focusing on symptom management, life goals, and patient/family-centered care plans.

Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day delivery of patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
• Facilitate efficient and safe patient care and flow by following work area standards.
• Serve as a liaison for communication and education of patient and family needs.
• Support unit operations and patient flow by maintaining supplies, equipment, and unit environmental standards.
• Demonstrate competence with interventions such as point-of-care testing and vital signs.
• Independently work with clinical applications for patient documentation.
• Maintain patient rooms, supplies, and equipment with sufficient knowledge and training.
• Model CREDO behaviors and contribute to a team-oriented environment.
• Anticipate resource needs, organize work, and meet deadlines for patient care assignments.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (or equivalent experience).
• One of the following:
  • Current enrollment in a professional nursing RN program with successful completion of the first semester (including nursing fundamentals clinical).
  • Graduation from a Nursing Assistant or Aide Training Program within the past year (certificate of completion required).
  • Minimum of one year of recent experience (within the past two years) as a care partner, nursing assistant, or patient care technician.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of acute care experience in a hospital setting.
• Flexible availability and professionalism.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• High emotional intelligence.

Skills

• Clinical Competencies (Novice): Demonstrates competence with interventions (e.g., point-of-care testing, vital signs) in practical applications of moderate difficulty.
• Care Partner Patient Documentation (Novice): Independently works with clinical applications for patient documentation.
• Environment of Care (Novice): Sets up and maintains patient rooms, supplies, and equipment; capable of training peers.
• Planning & Organizing (Novice): Anticipates resource needs, identifies tasks, and meets deadlines for patient care assignments.
• Supporting Colleagues: Develops self and others, builds relationships, and communicates effectively.
• Delivering Excellent Services: Serves others with compassion, solves routine problems, and provides accurate support.
• Ensuring High Quality: Checks work quality, fulfills safety and regulatory requirements.
• Managing Resources Effectively: Takes accountability, stewards organizational resources, and makes data-driven decisions.
• Fostering Innovation: Proposes new ideas, adapts to technology, and embraces change.

Benefits

• Benefits start on Day One.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• 403b Retirement Plan with Company Match.
• Generous Paid Time Off.
• Tuition Assistance.
• Career Growth Ladder Opportunities.

Schedule

• Full-Time Day Shift: 6:45 am – 7:15 pm (three 12-hour shifts per week).
• Shifts rotate throughout the week based on unit clinical staffing needs.
• Set schedules are not available.