Overview

*** $20,000 SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE ***

The Specialty Resource Nurse oversees the functioning of the ENT clinical specialty team to ensure optimal patient outcomes, efficient use of resources, and a customer-focused philosophy. Acts as primary clinical resource in specialty to identify needs and implement strategies to meet customer requirements. The resource person helps create a work environment that encourages staff to share inpatient care responsibilities, seek opportunities for improvement, and to accomplish mutually set goals according to the philosophy, policies and procedures of the hospital and the Perioperative Services Department.

Responsible for delegation, supervision, and provision of nursing care for a designated group of patients through utilization of the nursing process. Provides age-appropriate care. Participates in research when appropriate and incorporates research findings into evidence-based clinical practice, and contributes to quality improvement processes. Adheres to MMC Mission, Vision, and Values; the Nursing Division Mission, Vision, and Philosophy; the ANA Code of Ethics; and the Illinois Nursing Act.

Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values.

Qualifications

Education:• BSN Preferred

• Four contact hours of general continuing education within last 12 months (does not include JCAHO-mandatory inservices).

Licensure/Certification/Registry:• Licensed as RN in State of Illinois. BSN preferred.• Current BLS/CPR certification per policy.• Certification as an operating-room nurse is preferred.

Experience:• Minimum of three years of current clinical experience in perioperative nursing.• Six contact hours of specialty inservice or management-approved inservices within last 12 months.

Responsibilities

1. Clinical skills• Maintains basic knowledge and skills in all perioperative-specialty areas; takes call and shift rotation.• Maintains expertise in designated specialty or area of responsibility.• Serves as primary clinical resource to ensure optimal management of patients within specialty area.• Practices approved aseptic technique and monitors and corrects the aseptic techniques of others as indicated.• Handles floor stock medications or medications delivered from pharmacy directly or through the pneumatic tube system. Relocates these medications, in original containers, to designated secure storage locations.• Initiates appropriate intra-operative behaviors unique to first assisting, if trained to do so.• Serves as consultant to specialty team members regarding complex patients.

2. Communication skills• Utilizes simple, direct, and clear verbal instructions and obtains feedback to ensure that instructions are understood.• Demonstrates a supportive, receptive, non-threatening communication style allowing for immediate expression of ideas and problem solving.• Keeps staff informed of changes in schedule and assignments.• Actively participates in committees and work groups.• Keeps appropriate management personnel informed of issues relating to staffing, scheduling, equipment, and other needs.

3. Leadership skills• Personnel o Assists in coordination of daily assignments and decisions for utilization of specialty-team members. o Coordinates activities of personnel assigned to specialty cases. o Fosters an environment that focuses on values, autonomy, and accountability where staff and management participate as partners in the decision-making process. o Appropriately delegates duties and responsibilities to other members of the specialty team. o Provides guidance and ensures proper use of equipment by specialty team members. o Recognizes proper safety precautions in routine performance of duties and reports any disregard of policies to those involved. o Encourages team members to follow department policies. o Reports any inappropriate activities of staff, surgeons, or other personnel to the nurse manager.

• Plant, equipment, supplies o In conjunction with the departmental business manager, coordinates equipment and supply availability within specialty area o Assures physical environment of specialty rooms, storage areas, etc. is maintained. o Oversees a process for maintaining surgeon preference lists. o Ensures that all equipment is in working order. Works with departmental business manager to get equipment repaired as needed. o Monitors use of supplies, thus avoiding unnecessary waste. o Carries out trials of new products and provides feedback for purchasing decisions.

• Unit coordination/productivity o Develops positive working relationships with surgeons, which encourage problem solving and ensures that needs of surgeons in specialty area are identified and met. o Assists in coordination of the flow of the daily schedule. o Assists in orientation and education of staff in preparation for on-call coverage. o Promotes and collaborates with staff to build a climate that demonstrates appreciation and recognition of achievement. o Fosters positive, interdepartmental collaborative relationships to improve patient care, unit efficiency, and effectiveness. o Implements cost-effective measures to enhance effective and efficient patient care. o Participates in quality improvement processes. o Responds promptly to surgeon's concerns and communicates same to appropriate person. o Recognizes trends that may affect smooth operation of the department (personnel, scheduling, supplies, surgeons, etc.) and reports them to nurse manager.

4. Personal and professional growth.• Demonstrates responsibility for own personal and professional growth as reflected by professional development activities and unit projects.• Attends and participates in inservice programs.• Acts as role model to staff.

5. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values:• SAFETY: Prevent Harm - I put safety first in everything I do. I take action to ensure the safety of others.• COURTESY: Serve Others - I treat others with dignity and respect. I project a professional image and positive attitude.• QUALITY: Improve Outcomes - I continually advance my knowledge, skills and performance. I work with others to achieve superior results.• EFFICIENCY: Reduce Waste - I use time and resources wisely. I prevent defects and delays.

6. Performs other related work as required or requested.