Responsibilities

The Registered Nurse coordinates and supervises the episodic care of patients of all age groups: neonate, infant, child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric through the implementation of the nursing process (assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation) using the skills of application, analysis and synthesis of data collection, both subjective and objective, demonstrated by patients receiving care. The Surgical Service RN plans interventions specific to phase of perioperative care delivery (pre, intra, post recovery) in coordination with and as a contribution and baseline to the perioperative course and, based on patient admissions status, the length of hospital stay and/or the return to functional status post operatively. Key functions include providing direct patient care, patient/family teaching, patient/family support and advocacy. The Registered Nurse performs duties within the construct of a unit-based, self-directed, interdisciplinary patient care team while sharing various tasks with other licensed and non-licensed staff members, developing and managing key functions based on skill level and knowledge base of team members. Embraces shared governance nursing organizational principals by serving on nursing councils as participant or leader so that outcome, goals and objectives of nursing are achieved. The Registered Nurse may act as team leader serving as a change agent, role model, facilitator, and coach for team members. Accountability will be monitored through direct observations; achievement of team service goals including satisfaction, quality, and financial outcomes; and performance improvement activities. The provision of nursing care will be provided in an environment that embraces maximum participation by the staff nurses the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses and the ANA Practice Standards. Demonstrates population-specific competencies (e.g. age-specific, cultural sensitivity, patient-centered communication) in performance of role.

Qualifications

EducationGraduate of an approved school of nursing. RN II requires BSN, Baccalaureate in nursing or MSN.Licensure/CertificationCurrent and valid professional nurse license in Georgia. BCLS required. ACLS required for PACU nurses, Endoscopy nurses, Day Surgery Post nurses, and also as according to policy. ExperienceSix months experience preferred; not required. Successful completion of hospital and unit orientation. Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesAbility to think critically and prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities. Nursing knowledge of growth and development relevant to the ages of the patients served. Nursing knowledge of the diseases and health care needs of the patient population served. Assessment, analytical, and synthesis skills sufficient to interpret and analyze patient health data; identify nursing diagnoses; prioritize needs; and develop an individualized plan of care. Evaluation skills adequate to evaluate patient response to care and take appropriate action. High level of interpersonal skills in order to effectively communicate with patients, families, visitors, team members, physicians and other hospital personnel with whom daily interactions must take place. Basic knowledge of and skills in management sufficient to effectively supervise team personnel when acting as Team Leader. High level of interpersonal skills in order to interact effectively as a team member on a team with varying levels of health care workers. Problem solving skills sufficient to allow effective problem/ conflict resolution. Demonstrated traits of initiative and dependability required. Ability to perform efficiently and effectively under stress. Philosophy of health care service is compatible with that of the mission of University Hospital.Physical DemandsStanding for long periods of time (8 to 12 hours) Walking for long periods of time (8 to 12 hours) to include moving about the work area, hospital and/or campus as needed Sitting for extended periods (8 to 12 hours) Must be able to bend, stoop and reach/lift above your head Sight: must be able to read documentation in a variety of formats such as items in print or electronically. For Health Care Providers (HCP) must be able to visualize patient condition and see data displayed on monitoring devices, etc. Auditory: must be able to hear in order to clearly communicate with others and use communication devices such as telephones, must be able to hear patients, alarms, call bells, etc. Tactile: must have ability to handle equipment and/or devices related to job duties, enter documentation within computer system. For HCP must be able to feel for pulses, skin temperature, and other patient conditions Olfactory: HCP need to be able to smell disease-specific smells HCP should not manually lift (including transfer, reposition, or move) patients who weigh greater than 35 pounds. The appropriate safe patient handling device will be used, except in emergency situations (life or death situations where delay in obtaining and using the safe patient handling equipment may be detrimental to the patient). Refer to Policy/Procedure G-89 Proper body mechanics will be used when moving or lifting any equipment or supplies