Under the general supervision of the Registered Nurse Supervisor (ICU), the Registered Nurse provides professional nursing care for acutely and critically ill patients in accordance with physician orders and established policies, procedures, and philosophy. While providing care, the Registered Nurse will follow the nursing process of assessing, nursing diagnosing, outcome identification, planning, implementing and evaluation. In addition, the Registered Nurse provides leadership for ancillary staff by being a team leader, being a preceptor, and being an active member of the department. The Registered Nurse practices within AZ State Board of Nursing standards and the standards of their specialty. The Registered Nurse is expected to uphold and set the example of professional conduct of the profession and consistently displays the values and mission of Sage Memorial Hospital in their encounters with everyone.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for providing direct observation of patients as directed by the nursing plan of care and under the supervision of the nursing staff and/or nursing department supervisor. Responsible for assisting nursing staff to create, maintain, and provide a safe environment.
• Develop individualizes patient care plans and participates in patient care planning which involves the assessment and evaluation of patient needs, periodic evaluation of plans to ensure that intended results are being achieved.
• Maintain health records by documenting observations, nursing interventions and therapeutic measures administered in an accurate, efficient, and timely manner in the appropriate format and appropriate forms.
• Maintain a high-level of expertise in critical care and proficiency in changing techniques and standards of practice in critical care nursing through continuing education, staff meetings, workshops and serving on nursing committee.
• Recognize adverse signs and symptoms, which are not always apparent, and respond promptly in emergency situations including the implementation of life saving procedures.

• Monitor and initiate corrective actions to maintain the environment of care including equipment and material resources.
• Monitors and adjusts specialized equipment used on patients and interprets and records electronic displays, such as CVP and arterial line monitoring, and cardiac rhythms from cardiac monitors, ventilators, etc.
• Delegate tasks and supervise the activities of other licensed and unlicensed providers as appropriate in accordance with licensure standards.
• Accept responsibility delegated by the ICU Nurse Supervisor or designee, when assigned as a team leader, providing guidance, direction and training to ancillary nursing and other personnel.
• Serve as charge nurse for a group of patients or an entire unit when assigned.
• Ensure proper PPE is always worn while on duty including but not limited to face mask, gloves, gown, isolation gown, NIOSH-approved N95 filtering facepiece respirator, and eye or face shield as required.
• Contributes to patient experience by providing safe, high quality & patient centered care by respecting patients’ privacy, and treating all patients, families, and guests with dignity, respect, and compassion.
• Maintains infection prevention standards.
• Collaborates and strives to have a positive working relationship with the medical and nursing staffing and contribute to the teamwork of the ICU department.
• Assists as necessary with procedures and transportation throughout the hospital per hospital policies and procedures.
• Focuses on patient safety and the quality of nursing care by applying appropriate nursing interventions, identifying, and clarifying patient needs, performing procedures, conducting health education, promoting patient advocacy, coordinating nursing and other health services, assisting the patient to navigate the health care system, and evaluating patient outcomes.
• Completes assessment of patients with pre-admission, admissions, during admission, and before discharge with a review electronic health record (EHR).
• Displays effective communication skills, accurately provides patient education, adheres to proper channels of communication in a courteous, cooperative, and timely manner, protects patients’ rights and confidentiality.
• Administers medications per provider’s order or approved protocols.
• Maintains accountability for a safe environment for patients and others, adheres to safety regulations, ensures environment is organized and problems are addressed.
• Assume a leadership role and responds appropriately to emergency/crisis situations, clinic or facility-wide, including participating in code blue and rapid response calls.
• Demonstrates personal accountability of professional growth, attends 90% of department meetings.
• Assists in inventory management.
• Identifies and communicates opportunities for process improvement within the clinical area and assists with policies and procedures development for the department.
• Provides Navajo interpretation for patients, either self or through a trained interpreter.
• Accepts and adapts to changes in work area, including float to different care areas to assist with nursing care to meet the patient and organizational needs of the critical access hospital.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

• Knowledge of and ability to interpret applicable tribal, state, federal, local laws, and regulations.

• Knowledge of and ability to interpret The Joint Commission (TJC) standards.

• Knowledge of the nursing standards of care of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) and TJC.

• Knowledge of infection control and prevention in a healthcare setting.

• Knowledge of American Nursing Association (ANA) standards of care, and the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBON) registered nurse standards.

• Ability to utilize critical thinking skills.

• Ability to function and perform independently and in teams.

• Ability to speak the Navajo language and/or familiarity with the Navajo Way.

• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of diverse social and cultural backgrounds at all levels.

• Skills in operating computers and software, including Microsoft applications.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Nursing, BSN strongly preferred.

• Two (2) years of ICU clinical experience is required.

• Specialty certifications required: CCRN. TNCC recommended.

• Valid unrestricted nursing license from the state of Arizona or another compact state.

• Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications from the American Heart Association required. NRP is required within 6 months of hire.

• Successfully pass the background investigation and Employee Health.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand, walk, crouch, kneel and occasionally sit; use hands and fingers to grasp objects; reach with hands and arms; and to talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office, clinic or hospital setting with exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment and exposure to blood borne pathogens. Exposure to latex products on a routine basis. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.