Registered Nurse MSP/Lifespan PRN

PRN POSITION

JOB SUMMARY AND SCOPE

The Registered Nurse directs and coordinates members of the patient care team, focusing on the provision of individualized quality patient care consistent with Down East Community Hospital and Maine State standards. The Registered Nurse will develop the patient care plan in partnership with the physicians, other patient care team members, the patient, and, if applicable, the patient’s family.

Demonstrates professional nursing practice skills of an RN utilizing the nursing process in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the care of all assigned patients, appropriate to the age of the patient ie. pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric, on the unit.  

The Registered Nurse is responsible for meeting the established Medical-Surgical Standards of Nursing Practice, for supervising assigned direct care staff and for care of supplies and equipment on the unit. The Registered Nurse shall promote teamwork with medical staff and personnel throughout the hospital with relation to the unit. Additionally, the Registered Nurse shall adhere to hospital policies regarding confidentiality, sexual harassment, advance directive and Americans with Disabilities Act.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Clinical proficiency within scope of practice.
• Provide appropriate education to the patient and/or family regarding individualized plan of care
• Promote good communication, teamwork, professional relationships, and positive attitudes among the health care team.
• Coordinate all aspects of nursing care to achieve desired patient outcomes
• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the age appropriate care of patients
• Document nursing care according to hospital policies and approved standards
• Participate in discharge planning for assigned patients in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary health care team, patients, family, and care givers.
• Adhere to Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions
• Adhere to Infection Control policies 
• Document all care performed and patient response
• Ensure documentation is thorough and accurately represents care delivered 
• Inform charge nurse and physician of reportable changes in patient status
• Use equipment and supplies in a safe and efficient manner
• Remain current in practice through attendance at in-services, seminars, and workshops, and through relevant reading
• Initiate and present in-service education programs based on seminars and workshops attended outside the hospital or in areas of interest
• Participate in Organ/Tissue Donation Program
• Knowledge of the hospital disaster, fire, bomb threat and evacuation plans as they pertain to the unit
• Participate in the planning, revision and implementation of policies, procedures, and standards of care in collaboration with the department manager
• Serve on hospital committees as assigned
• Ensure variance reporting process occurs in accordance with policy
• Promote positive community relations
• Participate in orientation of new employees and in evaluation of orientation procedures
• Contribute to the performance evaluation of personnel in the department when requested
• Adhere to unit dress code
• Adhere to employee health policies
• Attend 75% of unit staff meetings
• Support and adhere to administration and nursing service policies and procedures
• Seeks out needed information by staying informed and involved by attending meetings, reading memos, policies, meeting minutes, newsletters, email and other appropriate information in a timely manner.
• Uses patient handling equipment appropriate to the needs of the individual patient in keeping with the Safe Patient and Handling and Movement Policy. 
• Reliable attendance and punctuality, including observing appropriate break times and extending a scheduled shift when necessary to meet patient demands
• Perform duties in a safe manner, in compliance with all safety policies and procedures
• Comply with the Code of Conduct and all appropriate codes, policies, and procedures
• Other duties, as assigned, that are relevant to the position and department

*DECH is an equal opportunity employer.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Current licensure as a registered nurse in the State of Maine or Authorization to Practice pending licensure by endorsement
• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Current BCLS
• Acute care experience preferred
• ACLS and PALS within 6 months of hire for experienced nurses and within one year for newly licensed RNs.
• Excellent assessment, communication, computer, and documentation skills needed.
• Ability to function independently

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Clinical: Frequently lifts up to 35 pounds independently. Frequently pushes/pulls 100 pounds using mechanical and other assistive devices. Walks, stands, kneels, bends most of the time. Exhibits fine motor skills and manual dexterity necessary to perform the essential job functions of the position. Visual acuity correctable to 20/20. Color vision is necessary. Normal hearing acuity.

EXPOSURE RISK

Exposure Category I: Employee at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

• Maintains current knowledge of the hospital-wide Quality Improvement Program.
• Collaborates with management to improve the effectiveness of the department through the Quality Improvement plans and processes.
• Participates in the departmental and hospital-wide Quality Improvement activities as directed by the manager.

COMPLIANCE

• Adheres to the federal, state, and local statutes and regulations.
• Adheres to the Compliance Program policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Adheres to all Privacy and Security policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Communicates any concern related to compliance issues to manager of department or Compliance Officer.
• Communicates any concern related to confidentiality issues to the Privacy Officer.