Overview

Under the general supervision of the Director and Clinical Manager, responsible for providing quality patient care using the nursing process, the direction of other nursing staff, and the operation of assigned unit on assigned shift as scheduled. Employee is subject to call back and overtime as required by the hospital.

Responsibilities

Performs initial patient assessment utilizing the nursing process and age specific needs, prescribes plan of care for each patient, updating as necessary, and confers with other shifts and departments to promote continuity of care.

Documents initial assessment, delivery of patient care, and other pertinent information in patient’s medical record; monitors documentation of other personnel.

Coordinates and performs bedside care of patients; performs, assists, or delegates with skilled procedures.

Administers or supervises administration of scheduled and PRN medications, intravenous fluids, blood, and blood products.

Ensures the proper segregation and safe disposal of hazardous pharmaceutical waste.

Informs physician of patient’s arrival, general condition, and pertinent physical and emotional findings, and assists the physician with treatments, examinations, and/or patient rounds when indicated.

Assists in supervision of patient care given by nursing personnel; evaluates standards of patient care daily on assigned shift; makes assignments appropriate to patient acuity and competency of staff; and supervises and verifies accurate transcription of orders as required.

Appropriately prioritizes physician’s orders.

Communicates with patient and his/her family and collaborates with other disciplines for providing emotional support, teaching, and discharge planning.

Checks emergency equipment and drugs on unit each shift as assigned or required.

Performs as primary care giver, team leader, or charge nurse when assigned, delegating responsibilities to supportive personnel assigned to each unit.

Assists in orientation of new personnel to unit and serves as a role model as required.

Communicates information regarding patients and unit operation to other shifts and managers and uses proper channels of communication to other departments of the hospital.

Communicates information or provides assistance to ambulance personnel, law enforcement agencies, community agencies, allied health groups, or support groups in accordance with unit policies/procedures.

Performs related responsibilities as required or directed.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

Completion of a bachelor’s degree in nursing required.

LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION:

Current licensure as a Registered Nurse as approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing for practice in the state of Tennessee.

Responsible for Continuing Education Units annually.

BLS certification must be obtained within the orientation period, and certification must be kept current while in this position.

In Critical Care areas, ACLS certification must be obtained within the first year of employment, and certification must be kept current. In other areas, ACLS is preferred.

Certification in area of clinical expertise by recognized authoritative agency desirable.

Additional certifications may be required at department’s discretion.

EXPERIENCE:

N/A