Registered Nurse RN

GENERAL SUMMARY

The RN functions primarily in direct patient care and demonstrates "competent" clinical practice. This position triages patients, obtains patient history and vital signs and assesses patients. Acts independently to initiate immediate care in the absence of a physician in life threatening situations. Provides care for the acutely ill as well as the non-acute patient. Performs multiple procedures utilizing both complex and simple nursing skills and assists the physician with their procedures. Provides comfort, both physical and psychological, to the patient, their family and visitors. Provides discharge and follow-up instructions to the patient and family. Answers the ambulance radios and, without assistance, gives appropriate orders for pre-hospital care. Works with multiple types of sophisticated equipment and handles various types of patients in a frequently stressful environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs nursing assessments, intervenes appropriately and promptly, and participates in care planning.
• Regularly assesses patient's/client's needs and provides skilled nursing services as prescribed by the physician authorized plan of care, and accepted standards of nursing practice.
• Processes physician/provider orders accurately, completely, and in a timely manner, and does follow up regarding medication changes and order clarifications.
• Evaluates effectiveness of treatment plan and makes suggestions or facilitates changes in plan to improve patient care.
• Actively participates in updating/ revising the treatment plan in collaboration with other team members, utilizing current information.

CERTIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION

ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support

BLS - Basic Life Support

ENPC - Emerg Nurse Pediatric Course

PALS - Ped Advance Life Support

RN - Registered Nurse

TNCC - Trauma Nurse Core Course

Education: Associates Degree

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Uses physical assessment techniques (auscultation, percussion, palpation, observation) to identify patients

Recognizes self-limitations and seeks out appropriate resources. Possess clinical competence in airway management, cardiac monitoring, IV therapy, blood gas analysis, venipuncture and physical assessment.

Reassesses patient health status and identifies significant changes in conditions.

Individualizes plan of care.

Coordinates the prescribed plans with orders on healthcare team.

Communicates pertinent aspects of care to patient, family, or other healthcare workers. Initiates hom health referrals when appropriate. Sets priorities and implements nursing measures which correlate with identified plan and standard of care.

Recognizes change in patient's condition and takes action to manage, reduce, or eliminate symptoms and promote comfort.

Demonstrates respect for patient's dignity and privacy.

Documents nursing intervention and patient's response.

Maintains a safe patient environment and takes actions to prevent risk situations. Provides for patient/family education - explains about all procedures, utilizes available educational materials, documents any instructions given to family.

Has effective interpersonal skills with customers.

Assists peers in patient care activities.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS

Knowledge of nursing skills as normally acquired through 2 years' experience working in the medical center or similar setting.

Weekend RN positions require a minimum of two years' experience.

Mandatory tuberculosis (TB) testing as required Mandatory Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training must also be completed annually according to the Exposure Control Plan

Completion of ESI triage class when appropriate, before being assigned as triage nurse.

Telemetry Class as assigned.

NRP preferred if not then recommended to obtain within first 1.5 years of hire or transfer to this position

CEN preferred if not then recommended to obtain