Registered Nurse

Overview

The Registered Nurse requires substantial specialized knowledge, judgement and nursing skills based upon the principles of psychological, biological, physical, and social sciences in the application of the nursing process in the respective departments in which assigned. The RN must collaborate with physicians and multidisciplinary team members; provide physical and psychological support to patients, friends, and families; supervising assigned team members and students.

Responsibilities

• Completes patient assessments, formulates plan of care, oversees implementation of plan of care, evaluate and adjust plan of care utilizing critical thinking skills
• The performance of other nursing acts which are authorized or limited by the board, and which are consistent either with American Nursing’s Association Standards of Practice or with Standards of Practice established by nationally accepted organizations of registered nurses.
• Care, counsel health teaching and promotion, utilizes Teach Back methodology as affirmation of comprehension
• The administration of medication, intravenous therapy and treatment as prescribed by a LIP
• Supervision, delegation and follow-through to other personnel in the performance of activities relating to nursing care.
• Mentors and precepts students and orient new staff as assigned
• Reports up chain of command Clinical Nurse Manager/Nurse Manager/House Nurse Coordinator pertinent information
• Participates on various teams, committees or performance improvement initiatives
• Ensures a safe and secure environment for patients, coworkers and self
• Participates in Discharge Planning and Transition of Care (able to define pt needs)
• Serves as a patient advocate and escalates patient related concerns timely
• Timely documents pertinent findings in medical record
• Assist patients in performing activities of daily living and functions as an active team member
• Assumes responsibility for personnel professional development
• Utilizes effective communication skills and active listening, exhibits compassionate and empathetic attitude
• Practices Hands Off communication utilizing SBAR; Performs Bedside Shift reporting utilizing SBAR (unless contradicted)
• Functions as a positive influence, role model and adheres to professional code of conduct
• Respects dignity and confidentiality of all matters relating to patients
• Refer to Special Addendum and Staff Nurse Position Description
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate's Degree required.

• Graduation from an accredited School of Nursing required.

• Bachelor's Degree preferred.

Experience

• Up to one (1) year of experience preferred.

• Minimum of one (1) year acute care nursing experience preferred.

• One (1) year of experience should be relevant to the specific department in which the nurse will be working.

• Experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR) preferred.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Ability to operate critical care equipment such as respirators, temporary pacemakers, defibrillators, and other emergency equipment.

• Ability to set up, maintain, and interpret cardiac and hemodynamic monitors and take action as indicated by nursing practice and hospital procedures.

• Ability to perform special procedures such as endotracheal and tracheostomy suctioning, tracheostomy care, extubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, arterial punctures, care of chest tubes and pleurevac, and set up and assistance with peritoneal dialysis, paracentesis, and thoracentesis.

• Ability to manage specialty drips using approved protocols.

• Prior to assignment to a unit as the sole RN provider, successful completion of a critical care course acceptable to the Community Chief Nursing Officer and demonstration of mastery of equipment, diagnostic responsibilities, and procedures required of the critical care nurse.

• Critical care course work shall include:

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and management of an obstructed airway.

• EKG interpretation.

• Drug therapy, including emergency drug therapy via the I.V. route, or routes normally left to the physician.

• Hemodynamic monitoring.

• Critical care procedures.

• Completion of Moderate Sedation competency.

• Completion of Stroke Modules.

• Completion of Restraints competency.

• The nurse shall be adequately oriented to unit policies, procedures and equipment.

• Orientation shall include safety procedures, infection control practices, and performance improvement activities.

Licenses & Certifications

• Registered Nurse required.

• Advanced Dysrhythmia/EKG certification required.

• NIH Stroke Certification required.

• BLS certification required.

• Advanced Life Support Certification required.

• De-Escalation Training required within six (6) months of hire.

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification preferred.