Overview

Provides professional nursing care by utilizing the nursing process to care for patient within an assigned unit.

Coordinates care planning with other disciplines

Under the supervision and administration of the Nurse Manager or Charge Nurse of assigned Unit, the Staff RN is responsible for the nursing care in an assigned nursing unit or a portion of a nursing unit.

Responsibilities

CARE OF PATIENTS WITH PNEUMONIA:

• Obtains blood culture prior to antibiotic infusion.
• Gives antibiotic within 2hrs.
• Screened for Pneumonia.
• Assessed for smoking.
• If identified as smoker, smoking cessation counseling documented.

CARE OF THE AMI PATIENTS:

• Gives ASA within 2 hrs of presentation.
• Beta-blocker given with in 24hrs if no contraindication.
• Patient assessed for smoking.
• If identified as smoker, smoking cessation counseling documented.
• Given patient information re: AMI

CARE OF THE CHF PATIENTS:

• Patient weighed daily.
• Patient assessed for smoking.
• If identified as smoker, smoking cessation counseling documented.
• Given CHF patient education.

PEDIATRIC PATIENTS:

• Lists immunizations.
• Safety checklist signed and implemented.
• Crib safety education completed.
• Head circumference, height and weight documented.
• Pulse-Ox documented at least every 4hrs.
• Pump pressure 100 or below.
• Accurate with medication calculation.
• Uses bras low tape appropriately.

CARE OF VENTILATOR PATIENTS:

• Ventilator protocol followed.
• Ventilator protocol sheet completed.
• Demonstrates knowledge of ventilator alarms.
• Responds to ventilator alarms appropriately.
• Demonstrates knowledge of pediatric ventilator.

ADMISSION ASSESSMENT:

• Dietary triggers completed.
• Social services triggers completed.
• PT/ST consult placed in order sheet.
• Fall precautions implemented.
• Fall precautions assessed every shift.
• Clothing list signed.

• Assess patients at least every two hours to assure quality of care and the needs of patients assigned.
• See that care plans are completed and updated as needed.
• Keep patient’s physician informed of changing condition.
• Communicate with patients, physicians, families and fellow workers in a professional manner.
• Demonstrate ability to handle repeated and sudden stressful situations.
• Must be versed in electrocardiography, drug therapy and emergency procedures which may be used in unit.
• Give complete report to oncoming nurse.
• Must care for PACU patients appropriately and follow PACU guidelines.
• Observe and promote infection control policies.

Qualifications

Required

Preferred

Education:

Associate’s degree from an accredited nursing school

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing school

Experience:

One – three years of experience in nursing practice

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification:

Current RN Arkansas license with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing

BLS certification

ACLS and PALS certification within six months

TNCC & ENPC certification

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Complete or in process of receiving an approved critical care course.

Demonstrates ability to communicate with physicians, patients, peers, supervisors and all levels of hospital personnel.

Demonstrates ability to handle nursing situation involving patients in critical care

Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English