Registered Nurse - Med Unit PRN

Job Summary:

Provides direct and indirect patient care in the medical-surgical setting. Communicates with Physicians/Nurse Manager/co-workers, as appropriate about changes in patient’s clinical condition including results of diagnostic studies and symptomatology. Is able to respond quickly and accurately to changes in condition or response to treatment. Additionally, is able to perform general nursing duties in all departments with adequate supervision.

Job Responsibilities:

• General knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and their clinical condition.
• Follow the five medication rights and reduce the potential for medication errors.
• Performs patient care responsibilities considering needs specific to the standard of care for patient’s age.
• Ability to perform a head-to-toe assessment and reassessments on all patients as per policy. This includes: pediatric, geriatric and the general population.
• Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Ability to revise plan of care as indicated by the patient’s response to treatment and evaluate the overall plan daily for effectiveness.
• Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning. Family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to Nurse Manager, co-workers, and Physicians.
• Consult other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s care.
• Provides care appropriate to the condition and age of the patient, including: pediatric, geriatric, and general population.
• Demonstrates an ability to assist physicians with procedures and performs services requiring technical and manual skills.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized, and function under stressful situations.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and family. Functions as liaison between administration, patients, physicians and other healthcare providers.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and the skills necessary to provide age appropriate care to the patient population served. Able to interpret data about the patient’s status in order to identify each patient’s age specific needs and provide care needed by the patient group.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Maintains a good working relationship with staff members both within the department and with other departments.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and family; communicates with Social Services/Discharge Planner regarding both in hospital and post discharge needs.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.
• Coordinates and supervises patient care provided by subordinates.
• Utilizes Chart Access to complete required documentation of patient care activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by department supervisor or administration.

Education/Licensure Requirement:

• Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing.
• Current license by this state as a registered nurse.
• Current BLS Healthcare certification.
• ACLS certification desired

Physical Requirements:

• Good physical and mental health and stamina.
• Lifting and moving moderate to heavy objects.
• Tolerates prolonged periods of walking and/or standing.
• Work has occasional stress due to workload pressures.
• Exposure to blood and body fluids; hazardous materials and waste; airborne disease.
• Occasional repetitive exposure to unpleasant and/or disagreeable working conditions; (i.e. odors, dirt, grease/oil, noise, fluctuation in temperatures).
• Basic dexterity-basic eye/hand coordination.
• Ability to function properly under pressure and stress, and cope with emergencies.

Experience Requirements:

• Successful completion of arrhythmia/EKG interpretation course.
• Basic computer knowledge.