Job Description

AND SCOPE

PRN Position

The Emergency Department Registered Nurse is responsible for the delivery of safe, effective and quality patient-family centered care consistent with Down East Community Hospital and Maine State Standards. The nurse must be able to communicate effectively with all members of the health care team in developing a patient care plan. They must maintain a high degree of confidentiality and support the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the age appropriate care of patients
• Provide appropriate education to the patient and/or family regarding individualized plan of care
• Promote good communication, teamwork, professional relationships, and positive attitudes among physicians, staff, and personnel in other departments
• Coordinate all aspects of nursing care to achieve desired patient outcomes
• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the age appropriate care of patients
• Adhere to Standard Blood and Body Fluid Precautions
• Use equipment and supplies in a safe and efficient manner
• Ensure that patient charts are complete
• Document all care given and patient response
• Inform physician of reportable changes in patient status
• 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
• Participate in the implementation of planned unit changes and activities 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
• Attend 75% of unit staff meetings
• 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.

Requirements

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
• ACLS and PALS within six months of hire date
• 2 years minimum experience preferred
• Excellent assessment, communication, computer, and documentation skills needed
• Ability to function independently
• Ability to act rapidly and efficiently in emergency situations

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.