The Staff RN uses the nursing process to deliver nursing care to a given patient care population as it relates to the care setting. Nursing care is based on the interpretation and execution of the medical and nursing plan of treatment utilizing established procedures standards and protocols of individuals within the assigned work shift. The Staff RN provides nursing care to the population served in the unit.

Core Competencies

Adheres to infection prevention guidelines

Adheres to policies, procedures, and standards of practice to deliver safe and optimal care Assesses patient history, physiological, and psychosocial status Communicates with the patient, family, medical staff and others during the continuum of care Complies with Joint Commission’s national patient safety goals Complies with organizational quality dashboard/benchmarking goals Interprets common variables affecting patient care and follows reporting process Maintains regulatory compliance consistent with quality standards and ethical obligations of the profession Participates in activities in alignment with the Magnet Model Participates in organizational activities Participates in Peer Review Participates in professional development activities
• Performs as a preceptor in an active and engaged manner Provides age-specific individualized care that supports protection from harm and complies with patient safety centered interventions/bundles Provides patient and family education throughout the care of patient Uses critical thinking to formulate and carry out a care plan according to patient needs Utilizes resources in an economical manner Utilizes safe administration of medications
• Utilizes Safe Patient Handling

Department Specific Competencies

Regulates patient body temperature using warm air blanket or warm blankets.

Provides privacy for the patient. Minimizes apprehension, dread, foreboding or uneasiness related to the treatment/procedure. Obtains patient history, surgical and anesthesia consent as required. Discusses and makes plans for the post-op discharge to include but not limited to transportation, responsible adult for post op care. Meets with patient and family regarding feedback and follows up on their issues; Implements planned service recovery strategies, if indicated, appropriately documenting the incident and informing appropriate departments Ensures brakes are in locked position, side rails are up, environment is free of clutter. Keeps patient and family informed of surgical procedure specifics including but not limited to schedule, length of procedure, communication with family members, pain control, etc. Prepares patient charts ensuring that necessary forms and test results are available in chart prior to patient’s scheduled surgery
• Completes all necessary documentation in the PAT and communication tool regarding readiness of chart.

Education