JOB SUMMARY:

Provides direct and indirect patient care services that meet the psychosocial, physical and general aspects of care; meets the communications needs of patient and family; provides care that reflects initiative and responsibility indicative of professional expectations. Maintains regulatory agency requirements, nursing and hospital policies, procedures and standards. Communicates with physicians and team members about changes in patients' clinical conditions, including results of diagnostic studies and symptomology. Is able to respond quickly and accurately to changes in condition or response to treatment. Participates in the department's performance improvement activities. Words under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing required; Registered Nurse currently licensed by the State of Texas or other compact state; Current BLS required; ACLS, PALS (or ENPC) and TNCC required but can be obtained within the first 12 months of employment; One year experience in nursing preferred.
• Knowledge, Skill, and Ability: General knowledge of electronic equipment, computer hardware, and software; knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Possesses skills of active listening, critical thinking, oral comprehension, and time management.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exerting 50-100 lbs. of force occasionally or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently. May involve exerting in excess of 100 lbs. of force in some situations. Up to 20 lbs. of force to constantly move objects.

BEHAVIOR STANDARDS

• Attendance: Reports for work regularly with a minimum number of absences and tardiness. Gives notice when absence or tardiness is unavoidable. Receives authorization when time off is needed. Observes appropriate lunch and break schedules. Submits justification for absences as required and/or requested.
• Productivity and Use of Time: Manages own time and uses appropriate work methods, techniques, and equipment to achieve the most effective and efficient result in the time available. Is mutually respectful of time and schedule of others. Balances multiple priorities and focused on desired outcome(s). Follows safety guidelines and all policies and procedures of MHD.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Projects a positive work attitude; relates effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and others; uses tact and diplomacy/acts professionally at all times.
• Customer Service: Treats patients, residents, visitors and fellow employees with compassion, dignity and respect.
• Quality and Accountability: Work is complete, neat, accurate, and timely. Demonstrates self-responsibility and accountability.
• Adaptability, Initiative and Problem-Solving: Adapts to organizational changes (e.g., technology, resources, and personnel). Takes initiative in identifying any problems and takes appropriate steps to resolve them.
• Dress Code: Appearance is neat and clean. Adheres to the appropriate departmental Dress Code Policy. Wears I.D. Badge with name visible (on upper body) so that employee is easily identified.
• Communications: Makes sure both tone and word selection match intended message and audience. Uses language and terminology that the listener can understand. Shows compassion and understanding in words. The tone of voice directly impacts the way a message is received. Listens carefully to others. Keeps conversations positive and constructive; when discussing problems or issues, focuses on potential solutions. Avoids gossiping, complaining and the use of profanity.
• Safety: Maintains a neat, organized and safe work area. Follows safety policies. Makes the effort to straighten up the facility (i.e., pick up items off the floor, wipe up spills, ensure the restrooms are stocked, put trash in trash cans, return equipment to proper place). Uses proper lifting techniques (e.g. utilize appropriate transfer devices, lift equipment and body mechanics). Reports all accidents and safety hazards promptly. Takes appropriate actions to correct or prevent recurrence.
• Timekeeping: Uses time clock consistently when coming to work, leaving work, lunch breaks, and anytime leaving the facility grounds for personal reasons. Adjustments, Leave Requests, etc. are turned in on time. If not using clock, hours are turned in timely.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS – Staff Nurse

• Ability to perform head-to-toe assessment on all patients and reassessments as per policy including pediatric, geriatric, and general patient populations.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and the skills necessary to provide age appropriate care. Able to interpret data about the patient's status in order to identify each patient's age specific needs and provide care needed.
• Initiates care plan with involvement of patient/family, revises as indicated to the patient's response, and evaluates daily for effectiveness. Care Plan should address medical, psychosocial, cultural, ethnic, and religious/spiritual needs.
• Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness; includes family in learning process.
• Able to perform, interpret, and respond to Point of Care testing per Laboratory's policy and procedure.
• Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Performs patient care responsibilities considering needs specific to the standard of care for patient's age while promoting safety and preventing healthcare errors.
• Knowledge of medications and correct administration based on patient age and clinical indication. Follows 7 rights of medication administration; maintains scanning rate >90%.
• Demonstrates ability to perform treatments to level of licensure and to assist physicians with procedures.
• Acts as patient advocate and functions as liaison between administration, patients, physicians, and other healthcare providers.
• Manages and operated equipment safety & correctly.
• Assists in discharge planning & communicates to Case Management both pre/post discharge needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS – Charge Nurse

• Responsible for directing and coordinating nursing care based on established clinical nursing practices, promoting quality, safety and following hospital policies.
• Assumes responsibility in the absence of the Nurse Administration and has authority for decision making as it relates to the staff supervised.
• Ensures proper and complete procedures are followed in the admission, transfer, and discharge of patients.
• Makes staffing assignments that align with the staff’s scope of practice and skill set; clearly communicates job expectations.
• Acts as a positive leader and allows staff to participate in problem-solving collaboratively.
• Verifies the narcotics and controlled substances are counted and locked, per hospital policy.
• Demonstrates ability to assist the ED nurse as needed, including patient registration, documentation, procedures and medication administration.
• Demonstrates knowledge of emergency management policies and procedures.

*Muenster Hospital District is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.