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 orients 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
- Performs other job duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education:
- Associate's Degree from an accredited School of Nursing required.
- Bachelor's Degree preferred.
Work Experience:
- Minimum of one (1) year of acute care nursing experience preferred.
- One (1) year of experience should be relevant to the specific department in which the employee will be working. Refer to departmental addendums for additional requirements.
- Experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR) preferred.
Licensure/Certification:
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) licensure required.
- Advanced Dysrhythmia/EKG certification required.
- NIH Stroke Certification required.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
- Advanced Life Support Certification (ACLS) required.
- De-Escalation Training required within six (6) months of hire.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to operate critical care equipment, including ventilators, temporary pacemakers, defibrillators, and other emergency equipment.
- Ability to set up, maintain, and interpret cardiac and hemodynamic monitoring equipment and respond appropriately based on nursing practice standards and hospital procedures.
- Ability to perform specialized procedures including endotracheal and tracheostomy suctioning, tracheostomy care, extubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), arterial punctures, chest tube and Pleurevac management, and assistance with peritoneal dialysis, paracentesis, and thoracentesis procedures.
- Ability to manage specialty intravenous drips utilizing approved protocols.
- Successful completion of a critical care course approved by the Community Chief Nursing Officer prior to assignment as the sole RN provider in a critical care unit.
- Demonstrated competency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway management.
- Demonstrated competency in EKG interpretation.
- Knowledge of pharmacology, including emergency intravenous drug therapy.
- Knowledge of hemodynamic monitoring principles and critical care procedures.
- Successful completion of competencies in Moderate Sedation, Stroke Modules, and Restraint Management.
- Adequate orientation to unit policies, procedures, equipment, safety practices, infection control standards, and performance improvement activities.
- Strong critical thinking, clinical judgment, communication, and patient assessment skills.