JOB DUTIES

Reports pertinent observations, changes, and reactions regarding patients to the appropriate person.

Notifies team leader, charge person and/or physician of observations regarding patients.

Documentation on patient record of observations, changes and reactions and the reporting of them to the appropriate person.

Communicates patient’s condition to team leader at change of shift.

Conducts “hourly rounds” on assigned patients consistently.

Focus is on safety of patients through fall reduction, restraint reduction and the safe administration of medications.

Cognizant of and addresses the patient’s level of comfort and pain management.

Expresses concern and understanding regarding patient and family satisfaction.

Performs direct patient care using the nursing process and technical skills according to hospital policy and procedure and is evident by both observation and documentation.

Answers call lights and assists patients with personal hygiene and activities of daily living (ADL).

Assists in admitting, transferring and discharging of patients.

Provides for patient’s comfort and safety.

Reports on records all observed symptoms, reactions, treatments and changes in a patient’s condition and is evident by verbal reports and proper utilization of charting procedure.

Recognizes the learning needs of the patient and/or significant other and collaborates with the Professional Nurse in education and rehabilitation and documentation of the learning needs

Uses appropriate abbreviations.

Response of the patient and/or significant other documentation.

Participates in the development of the patient’s individual nursing care plan under the supervision of the Professional Nurse and continually contributes to the updating of the care plan and is evident by documentation on care plan and patient record.

Demonstrates knowledge of and implements policies and procedures of the hospital and nursing department.

Assists physicians with patient rounds, procedures, and exams and documents on patient's record.

Administers medications, including IV’s according to hospital policy and procedure to assigned patients and documents appropriately on patient record.

Demonstrates competency in IV insertion and tubing change.

Correct use of Pyxis and documentation of wasted narcotics.

Adheres to patient safety goals of medication administration.

Participates in the orientation of new staff and in the clinical experience of students.

Attendance at in-service programs that is required.

Attends continuing education programs outside of the hospital.

Attends unit meetings, other meetings, reads notices and memos.

Participates in nursing service committees.

Special computer skills utilized i.e. proper care plan updating and proper utilization of order entry.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Professional knowledge of nursing theory and practice at a level normally acquired through completion of an accredited School of Nursing. Specialty units may have additional requirements according to their policy.

Current State Nursing License.

Communication skills necessary to effectively:

Provide instruction to the patient and/or significant other Provide explanations to the patient and/or significant other Explain nursing intervention

Communicate with other members of the health team.

Current BLS Healthcare Provider card.

May be required to have current ACLS certification or obtain within six months of assignment, dependent upon departmental requirements.