Lincoln Health

111 6th Street * PO Box 248

Hugo, Colorado 80821

(719) 743-2421 * Fax# (719) 623-2786

POSITION: Registered Nurse

DEPARTMENT: Lincoln Health Family Practice Clinics

DATE WRITTEN: June 2003 REVISED: October 2020

PURPOSE:

To plan and deliver nursing care to patients requiring acute care

.

ENVIRONMENT:

Lincoln Health is a 15-bed Critical Access Hospital co-located with 22-bed Long Term Care Unit. The facility employs 150-200 employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1) Works using the guidelines established from the Nurse Practice Act, Lincoln Community Hospital and Care Center standards, policies and procedures and nursing judgment.

2) Assesses plans and evaluates nursing care delivered to patients requiring acute care.

3) Delivers nursing care to patients requiring acute care.

4) Implements the patient plan of care and evaluate the patient response.

5) Directs and supervises care given by other nursing personnel.

6) Provides assistance to the Nursing Home on an as needed basis.

7) Provides input in the formulation and evaluation of standards of care.

8) Maintains knowledge of necessary documentation requirements.

9) Maintains knowledge of equipment set-up, maintenance and use (i.e., monitors, infusion devices, drain devices, etc.).

10) Maintains confidentiality and patient rights regarding all patient personnel information.

11) Provides patient/family/caregiver education as directed.

12) Conducts self in a professional manner in compliance with unit and facility policy.

13) Works rotating shifts, holidays and week-ends as scheduled.

14) Initiates emergency support measure (i.e., CPR, protects patients/residents from injury.

15) Participates in the identification of staff educational needs.

16) Servers as a preceptor, as delegated, for new staff.

17) Maintains patient care supplies, equipment and environment.

18) Participates in the development of unit objectives.

19) Participates in the quality assessment and improvement process and activities.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

Performance in the following areas is acceptable when:

General Patient Care:

1) Patient is approached in a kind, gentle and friendly manner. Respect for the patient’s dignity and privacy is consistently provided.

2) Interventions are performed in a timely manner. Explanations for delays in answers/responses are provided.

3) Independence by the patient in activities of daily living is encouraged to the fullest extent possible.

4) Treatments are completed as indicated.

5) Safety concerns are identified and appropriate actions are taken to maintain a safe environment.

a. Siderails and height of beds are adjusted.

b. Patient call light and equipment is within reach.

c. Restraints, when used, are maintained properly.

d. Rooms are neat and orderly.

6) Patient identification and allergy bands (if applicable) are present.

7) Functional assignments are completed.

8) Emergency situations are recognized and appropriate action is instituted.

9) All emergency equipment can be readily located and operated (emergency oxygen supply, drug box, fire extinguisher, etc.).

Adherence to the Facility Procedures:

1) Facility procedure manuals or reference materials are utilized as needed.

2) Procedures are performed according to method outlined in procedure manual.

3) Body substance precautions and other appropriate infection control practices are utilized with all nursing interventions.

4) Safety guidelines established by the facility (i.e., proper needle disposal) are followed.

Professionalism:

1) Decisions are made that reflect knowledge and good judgment and demonstrate an awareness of patient/family/physician needs.

2) Awareness of own limitations is evident and assistance is sought when necessary.

3) Dress code is adhered to.

4) Committee meetings (if assigned) are attended. Reports related to the committee are given during staff meetings.

5) Responsibility is taken for own professional growth. All mandatory and other in-services are attended annually.

6) Organizational ability and time management is demonstrated.

7) Confidentiality of patient is respected at all times (i.e., when answering telephone and/or speaking to co-workers).

8) Professional behavior is demonstrated.

Human Relations:

1) A positive working relationship with patients, visitors and facility staff is demonstrated.

2) Authority is acknowledged and response to the direction of supervisors is appropriate.

3) Time is spent with patients rather than other personnel.

4) Co-workers are readily assisted as needed.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, the Registered Nurse 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.

1) Graduation from a basic educational program in professional nursing.

2) Current license to practice profession in the State of Colorado.

3) A minimum of one (1) year medical/surgical nursing experience in an acute care (hospital) setting preferred.

4) Critical care experience preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze and interpret financial reports and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complains from patients, regulatory agencies or a member of the board. Ability to effectively present information to public groups and/or boards of directors.

REASONING ABILITY:

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions

• Participates in the identification of staff educational needs.

• Participates in the development of clinical objectives.

• Participates in the quality assessment and improvement process and activities.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to use a computer. Knowledge of basic computer functions and electronic health records. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

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 use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to sit, kneel, and stoop. The employee is required to stand and walk.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

1) Works inside the facility throughout the Nursing Service area, including the medication rooms, nurses’ station and the patient rooms.

2) Sits, stands, bends, lifts, reaches, walks and moves intermittently during the working hours.

3) Is subject to frequent interruptions.

4) Is subject to a quiet to moderate noise level due to phones, mechanical and occasional construction work.

5) Is involved with patients, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all condition and circumstances.

6) Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset patients, family members, personnel and visitors.

7) Communicated with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department supervisors.

8) Works beyond normal working hours, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.

9) Is subject to hazards in the work area including, burns from equipment, odors, exposure to sharp instruments, falls, chemical cleansers, etc., throughout the working hours.

10) Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, or conditions.

11) Maintains a liaison with patients, their families, support departments, etc., to adequately plan for the patient/resident needs.

12) May be required to wear a facemask, gown or gloves.

MEASURES OF EFFECTIVENESS

The indicators of proficient performance in this position is carrying out all the items specified in the “Essential Duties and Responsibilities” as listed above. The Board of Directors has the right to add or change duties at any time.