Description

Position Summary: The Registered Nurse assesses plans, implements, evaluates, and documents the nursing care for a group of assigned patients in the health care system. The Registered Nurse supports medical care as directed by the medical staff and pursuant to objective, goals and policies of the hospital.

Values Statement: The Registered Nurse performs duties in a manner that reflects the basic values of love and concern for others. Demonstrates respect for all others; understanding the inherent dignity of all others (patients, visitors, general public, and fellow employees) through behavior that exhibits a willingness to be helpful, courteous, and friendly. He/She will strive to be a faithful, cooperative team member; industrious in giving his/her best effort creatively for the welfare of the patients and the hospital. He/She is just,

Nature and Scope: The Registered Nurse may assign and give direction to other Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses or Certified Nurse Aides. The Registered Nurse is accountable for implementation of the nursing process for an assigned number of patients and directs subordinates in the implementation. The needs of the patient will be assessed by the Registered Nurse in collaboration with the physicians, staff, patient and patient’s family and by chart review. The plan of care/ treatment plan will begin at time of admission. A complete admission will be performed at time of admission- this includes a complete head to toe physical assessment. And the formulation of the treatment/care plan specific to the individual needs of the patient taking into consideration the underlying pathophysiology of the admitting diagnosis and other health problems. The treatment plan/plan of care will be continuously reviewed and revised as needed until point of discharge including a discharge plan of care. The Registered Nurse is responsible for knowing the condition of their patients while on duty. Rounds should be conducted by the Registered Nurse or their designee a minimum of every two hours and more often as needed or ordered. Assessments are to be documented appropriately. The Registered Nurse is responsible to notify the physician promptly and appropriately of any changes in the patient condition and document their notification. The Registered Nurse is accountable for the planning of procedures or tests and notifying the physician of abnormal results. They are also accountable for performing procedures within their scope of practice.

The Registered Nurse may prepare, administer and record medication in conformance with facility policy and procedures. They will judge the effectiveness of the medication administered and evaluate the patient’s response, as needed. The Registered Nurse will maintain complete records of procedures and treatment s performed and medications administered if they complete these.

The Registered Nurse will demonstrate the ability to carry out medical orders as directed and in accordance to policy and procedures. The Registered Nurse has the responsibility to supervise and coordinate the management of patients.

The Registered Nurse will maintain professional and open communications with co-workers and physicians. They will demonstrate effective communication with patient and family members. They are accountable for cooperating with other personnel to achieve departmental objectives and maintain employee, interdepartmental and public relations; maintains patient rights and confidentiality and complies with departmental and facility policy and procedures; demonstrates effective verbal communications skills including phone manners.

The Registered Nurse is accountable for assisting in maintaining a safe and clean environment in all patient care areas. They will assure operational condition of all emergency and specialized equipment that might be used on their shift by checking the equipment at the beginning of their shift. The RN supervises maintenance and insures availability of equipment supplies; institutes cost effective measures including procuring charges and maintain records of nursing and medical treatments rendered.

The Registered Nurse is responsible to maintain and encourage a positive and professional working relationship with employees, patients and families- responding to their needs with promptness and empathy. They should follow the chain of command, giving or expressing criticism of hospital personnel, procedures or policies in private and in a constructive manner promoting good will to and for the hospital and fellow employees.

The Registered Nurse may participate on committees and in services at departmental and hospital levels as assigned or volunteer. The RN is expected to identify educational needs of patients and family, self and staff and initiate appropriate action.

The Registered Nurse is accountable for assuming other duties and other areas of responsibility as requested by the House Supervisor and / or Department Director.

Qualifications

Principle Accountabilities: The Registered Nurse demonstrates an understanding of the nursing process and applies it for a group of assigned patients. Delegate’s patient care assignments to other team members based on the individual’s skill level, job description accountabilities and the needs of the patients. Guides non professional staff in completing assigned work. Evaluates care given by members working under their direction, gives constructive feedback as appropriate, and takes corrective action as needed.

Displays awareness of legal implications in nursing practice by maintaining accurate nursing documentation, promptly reporting all situations with potential litigation to the department director, and maintaining a clean, safe and orderly patient care environment.

Maintains professional growth and development through professional affiliations, seminars, workshops, conferences, continuing education etc. Acts as a resource model for peers, students and other staff. Identifies educational needs of patients and families and initiates appropriate action.

Complies with established nursing standards, maintains departmental and facility policy and procedures and demonstrates sound judgment in problem solving.

Assumes House Supervisor as needed and participates in peer review.

Position Requirement: Current, unencumbered licensure to practice as registered nurse in the state of Oklahoma. Maintains current CPR, ACLS, PALS and other certifications as required for position. ACLS and PALS are not required for the Bridges unit, but are highly recommended.

RN Shift Duties: Receive shift report in a timely manner; provide patient care including head to toe assessment, assisting with showers, meals and other ADL’s as needed; interact with co-workers on unit and other departments in a professional manner; accurate, complete and timely documentation; (Bridges) inquiry/referral calls, obtain information and contact physician for approval; (Bridges) admission completion including consent signature by either the patient or the patient’s power of attorney/guardian- copy of the paperwork must be on the chart; (Bridges) oversee groups and making sure unit schedule is followed; (Bridges) nursing education groups as scheduled; chart reviews and verification of new orders; answering phone- making sure that the caller’s needs are met or a number is obtained and message given to proper staff member; administration of medication as ordered/needed; do complete narcotic count when coming in and leaving shift; wound care as ordered; completion of unit logs as needed; maintain unit flow- make sure call lights are answered promptly and delegate tasks as necessary to appropriate staff; intervene as needed to help calm agitated patient or provide safety for patients and staff; discharge of patient- complete the discharge orders, (Bridges) continuum of care- and making sure all belongings are returned to the patient; assist in maintaining a clean and safe environment; give complete shift report to oncoming staff in a timely and organized manner.