Job Description

The Registered Nurse will demonstrate proficiency in administering the fundamentals of the nursing process, contribute to nursing assessment and the development of a nursing care plan, and participate in the evaluation of nursing care.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises care given by nonprofessional staff and provides instruction as needed.

Responsibilities

• Supports nursing care standards through adherence to existing policies and procedures.
• Regularly attends unit conferences and makes recommendations for improvement in patient care via the patient care conference and unit conference.
• Participates in peer review as appropriate.
• Obtains and documents nursing history from patients and/or significant others that are 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 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.
• Assumes responsibility for professional growth by current reading and attendance at educational programs and unit conferences.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

• Current license to practice nursing in the state.
• Minimum of six months of recent experience as a professional nurse.
• Demonstrated proficiency of 50 percent of the skills required for Level II.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• May require prolonged periods of standing, bending, and reaching.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.