Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports nursing care standards through adherence to existing policies and procedures.
• Obtains and documents nursing history from patients and/or significant others that is comprehensive of present condition and prior problems. Performs basic assessment of patients, indicating adequate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Records vital signs, notes changes, and pursues more-specific investigations as needed. Identifies abnormal diagnostic data and shows a fundamental understanding of its implications by reporting information to the physician and others caring for the patient, and by incorporating information in the nursing care plan.
• Uses Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system to enter and document orders.
• Uses assessment information to develop a care plan before the end of duty time that communicates enough information for incoming staff to adequately care for the patient. Reviews and develops care plans for assigned patients. Includes the patient and his or her family in planning care, establishing priorities, and setting goals.
• Uses care plans as a basis for providing safe and therapeutic care to patients. Communicates with the patient and his or her family and other members of the health care team in carrying out the goals of the care plan. Accepts accountability for clinical care of assigned patients including supervision of nonprofessional personnel.
• Evaluates and notes the patient's response to nursing care defined in the nursing care plan and medical records.
• Respond to emergency medical situations in an urgent manner and perform on the spot emergency assistance which may include first aid and/or CPR.
• Provides training, education, and guidance to assigned L.P.N.s, C.M.A.s and/or C.N.A.s as needed.
• Consults with and keeps supervisor or designee informed of patients' status and needs.
• Capable of assisting physician with unit-specific procedures.
• Participates in department quality improvement activities.
• Assists in patient teaching assignments.
• Completes all CEU’s as required by respective licensure. If licensed, maintains an active and current license.
• Maintains friendly and courteous interpersonal communication skills and a positive service attitude.
• Participates in performance improvement and educational activities.
• Works willingly and accepts assignments as given.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and programs.
• Participates in opportunities that enhance personal and professional growth.
• Performs other duties as necessary or assigned.
• Complies with the Corporate Compliance Policy and all laws, regulations, and Standards of Conduct relating to the position and agrees to report any suspected violations of law or Standards of Conduct.
• Complies with all applicable state and federal regulations and JCAHO standards.
• Maintains a safe work environment using safe work practices, utilizing standard precautions and complying with hazardous waste procedures at all times as described in St. Anthony's Safety Manual.
• Maintains the confidentiality of patient, resident, employee and organizational information.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities, however, may assist physician with special unit procedures and provide training, education, and guidance to assigned staff, such as L.P.N.s, C.M.A.s and/or C.N.A.s.

Carries out responsibilities in accordance with the department Director, organization’s policies and applicable laws.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• RN with state license required; Current license to practice nursing in the state.
• Two years of experience as a professional nurse in an acute care setting, such as Med/Surg/Peds or ICU preferred.

Position Requirements, Certifications, Licenses, Registrations.

• Basic Life Support certification.
• ACLS and PALS certification within six months of employment.
• Ability to create a caring, compassionate relationship with the patients and families.
• Ability to collaborate with the healthcare team to use evidence-based practice in providing care.
• Expertise in handling sophisticated medical equipment.
• Must possess effective time management skills.
• Ability to carry out assignments with minimal supervision and guidance.

Language Skills
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, patients, families and other employees or the organization.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. May be exposed to infectious diseases and occupational dangers like accidental needle pricks. Must be able to withstand physical and emotional stress.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and blood borne pathogens. The employee may be exposed to unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. The employee may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of radiation. The employee may occasionally be exposed to high, precarious places and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.