Staff Nurse, RN (306)

JOB SUMMARY: The Registered Nurse (RN) administers nursing care to patients and/or plans, directs and coordinates the nursing care of a group of patients utilizing the nursing process and in collaboration with the healthcare team. The RN instructs patients and/or families in procedures, healthcare practices and continuing care after discharge. The RN performs duties and responsibilities in a manner adhering to all hospital and departmental policies and procedures and in compliance with professional practice standards and the Indiana State Nurse Practice Act.

The RN is qualified to perform a nursing intervention defined as administration of moderate sedation (conscious sedation) and can monitor the patient's response and provide necessary physiological support during a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. The RN will receive initial education on hire in moderate sedation and will have an annual competency.

QUALIFICATIONS:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Shifts on this unit are 12 hours for this job description. Associate must be able to work 12 hour shifts to qualify for the position.

• Demonstrates knowledge and technical skill necessary for providing competent, comprehensive and age-specific patient care.
• Demonstrates leadership abilities including ability to give and follow instructions accurately and the ability to delegate and supervise non-licensed personnel.
• Serves as a professional role model for others.
• Demonstrates computer and keyboarding skills necessary to provide a complete and accurate electronic medical record.
• Conducts an individualized patient assessment, prioritizing the data collection based on the patient’s immediate condition or needs within timeframe specified by hospital policies, procedures or protocols.
• Conducts ongoing assessments as determined by the patient’s condition and/or the hospitals policies, procedures or protocols and reprioritizes care accordingly.
• Develops plan of care that is individualized for the patient reflecting collaboration with other members of the healthcare team.
• Performs appropriate treatments as ordered by physician/practitioner in an accurate and timely manner.
• Performs therapeutic nursing interventions as established by individualized plan of care for the patient and his/her family.
• Provides individualized patient/family education customized to the patient and his/her family.
• Documents patient assessment findings, physical/psychosocial responses to nursing intervention and progress towards problem resolution.
• Initiates emergency resuscitative measures per adult resuscitation protocols.
• Reports patient condition to appropriate personnel during each shift.
• Bases care/decisions on Nursing Process of Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation.
• Demonstrates thorough, accurate and timely assessment.
• Exhibits necessary response/intervention to changes in patient condition.
• Provides and documents care consistent with hospital, departmental and unit policies/procedures/protocols.
• Demonstrates competence in clinical/technical skills performed.
• Prepares patient/families for discharge by providing information/education on admission, throughout the hospital stay, and reviewing at discharge.

EXPECTED BEHAVIORS:

• Associate can deliver care/service appropriate to patients/customers. Demonstrates competence in technical skills performed.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills and the ability to prioritize care needs.
• Complies with direction of Charge RN for patient activity/care.
• Displays/exhibits self-directed growth by seeking educational opportunities to improve knowledge/skill.
• Participates on appropriate house-wide committees as approved by the Unit Coordinator/Director.
• Contributes to implementing and supporting progressive change.
• Makes suggestions to solve patient care or unit problems.
• Identifies areas of quality improvement and offers suggestions/recommendations.
• Assists with orientation of new staff.
• Attends unit/departmental meetings/in-services at least 75 percent of the time or as assigned.
• Demonstrates acceptable attendance and punctuality per policy.
• Participates in quality improvement activities.
• Completes assigned responsibilities in an efficient, timely manner.
• Uses time not consumed by patient care to maintain the unit (cleaning, stocking, uncluttering, etc.).
• Utilizes unit supplies in a cost-conscious manner.
• Exhibits effective organizational skills that assist in decreasing and/or eliminating over use of man-hours.
• Recognizes impact of actions on co-workers and other departments and interacts in a manner conducive to teamwork and cost containment.
• Treats staff from other departments, co-workers, patients, and families with respect.
• Utilizes AIDET-P.
• Verbally communicates directions, answers to questions, etc. in a timely manner to patients, families, visitors, physicians, staff members and other departments.
• Applies good guest relation techniques to telephone conversations.
• Communicates pertinent patient information clearly, accurately, concisely and in a timely manner to designated persons.
• Collaborates with other members of the health team regarding patient care needs and responsibilities and delegates as appropriate.
• Directs concerns to appropriate persons within timeframes suitable to the situation.
• Utilizes appropriate chain of command.
• Practice is consistent with safety principles, OSHA guidelines, and infection control guidelines.
• Observes equipment for malfunction and takes appropriate action.
• Delivers patient care in a compassionate, non-judgmental manner that respects individuals' right to privacy, dignity, respect, and confidentiality at all times.
• Confronts individuals/situations asserti