Northern Light A.R. Gould 

Department: Nursing Administration - Departments: MST, ICU, ED; will work in each department quarterly. Applicant will work and maintain competency in each clinical area.

Position is located: Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital- Presque Isle, ME 

Work Type: Full Time

Hours Per Week: 36 Hour/Week 

Work Schedule: 6:45 PM to 7:15 AM (12-hour shifts) required to work up to 26 weekends a year.

Summary:

The Staff RN assigned to the Float Pool is cross trained to three (3) or more AR Gould departments. He or she is typically prepared for the practice across the continuum of care, with proficiency in multiple areas of nursing. S/he must be adequately prepared by experience and training to work comfortably and competently in a variety of clinical specialties in order to maintain a regular patient assignment. This position requires flexibility and adaptability. The Staff RN assigned to the Float Pool is responsible for the delivery of patient care to assigned patients on a Nursing Unit and for the supervision of other qualified staff to whom the staff RN has delegated patient care in the exercise of his/her independent judgment. He/She plans and evaluates the nursing care for patients and families and exercises independent judgment in implementing the care him/herself or assigning the care to other qualified staff. The Staff RN assigned to the Float Pool is recognized as a clinical expert in one or more departments by peers and leaders. He/She must be organized, an effective communicator and collaborator with demonstrated clinical knowledge and skills in a selected service area. He/She addresses physical, spiritual, emotional and educational needs of the patient, and coordinates the plan of care with other healthcare professionals. He/She performs duties and tasks in accordance with performance standards established for the job within the assigned departments.

The Staff RN assigned to the Float Pool must maintain competencies in all areas of practice assigned. Experienced nurses who qualify are eligible for a pay differential for all hours worked.

Assignments of float staff are based on organizational need.

Responsibilities:

Must demonstrate competencies in 3 or more clinical departments, demonstrating high quality, competent care.

Patient Safety

Provides safe and effective patient care by using best practices during hand off communication and when reporting patient care information and appropriately asks for assistance from other staff.

Demonstrates knowledge and skills in location, operation, and care of unit equipment.

Clinical Assessments

Performs and documents systematic assessments according to established criteria.

Recognizes and responds to abnormal diagnostic data and reports to appropriate provide.

Caring & Code of Conduct

Develops and maintains a professional and personable relationship and appearance with patients/ families and staff.

Critical Thinking

 Utilizes theoretical knowledge base to operationalize care.

Documentation

 Documentation is accurate and complete reflecting adherence to hospital, regulatory and legal requirements.

Population Specific Competency

Completes population-specific mandatory education competencies as defined by the unit specific scope of service.

Provides culturally competent care to patients and families.

Provides patient centered care.

Evidenced Based Practice & Research

Practice is consistent with policy and procedures.

Demonstrates awareness of evidence-based practice.

Leadership and Professional

Utilizes appropriate time management and meets the expectations for punctuality and attendance.

Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling to support the staffing needs of patient care areas.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Implements the plan of care and identifies resources to meet patient care needs.

Identifies and communicates changes in patient conditions that may impact unit staffing levels or the provision of safe patient care.

Contributes to a healthy work environment by exhibiting professional behaviors and seeks assistance in addressing interpersonal conflicts.

Seeks assistance from colleagues in the daily care of patients on the unit.

Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary team to maximize patient care. 

Resource Management

Utilizes available resources in an appropriate manner and seeks assistance when needed.

Professional Development

Takes responsibility for meeting education and mandatory programs, by completing hospital and unit-based competencies (CBO).

Volunteers to participates in chart review and audit and other performance improvement data collection, as requested.

Performance Improvement

Maintains an up-to-date personal educational file on unit to demonstrate compliance with educational requirements.

Demonstrates & articulates awareness of performance improvement initiatives of the unit.

Communicates effectively with patients, family members, and all members of the interdisciplinary team, seeking assistance for conflict resolution as needed.

Other Information:

BLS Required.

Competencies and Skills

• Achieves Results: Sets high standards for their own outcomes and seizes opportunities to engage others towards objectives. Consistently moves forward with direct actions in order to attain or exceed objectives. Manages their own time effectively to accomplish assigned tasks. Successfully prioritizes multiple projects and duties as needed.
• Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
• Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
• Demonstrates Adaptability: Learns quickly when facing a new problem or unfamiliar task; is flexible in their approach with changing priorities and ambiguity. Manages change effectively and does not give up during adversity. Capable of changing one's behavioral style and/or views in order to attain a goal. Absorbs new information readily and puts it into practice effectively.
• Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits a high level of self-awareness, self-management, other awareness and relationship management. Conducts themselves in an empathic, appropriate way, with a sense of humor and stimulates a collaborative work environment. Is respectful of the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others and aware of the influence of their own behavior on them. Is aware of relevant social, political, system, and professional trends and developments and uses this information for the organization's benefit.
• Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences' level.
• Exercises Sound Judgment & Decision Making: Understands and processes complex information, which allows for appropriate and accountable conclusions. Does not react too quickly or slowly. Balances facts, goals, and potential approaches taking the appropriate criteria into account. Makes active decisions and commits oneself by communicating confidently and respectfully.
• Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
• Influences and Inspires: Builds enthusiasm and commitment among others to move in a desired direction and models it personally. Creates a compelling vision of success that motivates workplace initiative and energizes others to follow. Provides direction and guidance to encourage cooperation between team members in order to attain an objective. Has the ability to appropriately influence others' actions and decisions with and without express authority.
• Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
• Promotes Health and Safety: Promotes a healthy and safe environment for patients, employees and visitors. Advocates and models healthy physical and mental health behaviors even in challenging circumstances. Sets high quality standards and strives for continuous improvement and quality assurance by reporting and encouraging others to report near misses and safety issues.
• Provides Patient-Centered Care: Demonstrates understanding of patient care quality and service as organizational priority. Proactively supports change to improve patient experience and results. Exhibits the ability and willingness to find out what the patient wants and needs and to act accordingly, taking the organizational and outside resources into account. Cooperates, collaborates, communicates, and integrates care within and between teams to ensure that care is continuous and reliable.
• Resolves Conflict: Promptly acts to find alternatives/solutions when team members disagree. Addresses issues in a direct, honest, and appropriate manner. Handles conflicting interests diplomatically and helps to solve them. Transforms difficult situations into teachable moments using respect and accountability .
• Seeks Process Improvement & Applies System Thinking: Possesses and gains insight into situations, problems and processes. Understands the interconnection between organizational elements. Deconstructs problems and systematically investigates the various components. Considers the impact of actions on the entire process/system. Detects problems and opportunities, recognizes important information, and links various data to trace potential causes and relevant details.
• Utilizes Resources Effectively: Understands how to get the most out of available resources and uses cost-benefit thinking in decision-making and in setting priorities. Monitors and analyzes resource usage to identify and eliminate areas of waste and maximize resources. As a leader, defines targets and provides appropriate means; oversees progress and makes adjustments when necessary. Appropriately delegates work, sets clear direction and manages workflow and time.

Credentials

• Required Registered Nurse

Education

• Required High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED)

Working Conditions

• Lifting, moving and loading 30 to 50 pounds.
• Alternate shift schedules (day, evening, nights, weekends).