What are the responsibilities and job description for the Registered Nurse (RN) – Network Float Team - 20% Differential position at Bassett Healthcare Network?
Are you looking to make a difference by improving the health of our patients? Here you will find an innovative culture that is patient-focused and dedicated to making a difference. We are committed to helping the population we serve, and our communities, achieve optimum health and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
The Registered Nurse - Float Pool will provide nursing care to wide variety of patients within Bassett Healthcare Network (BHN). During every shift, the RN will be a member of a nursing team that provides direct nursing care to a specific unit within the hospital. It is quite conceivable that a RN may start their shift in one unit and then based on a change in census and acuity be transferred or moved to a different unit to meet operational requirements. However, it is possible that an RN may spend extended periods of time in one nursing unit to help balance off long-term absences (i.e. illness, holidays, maternity leave, etc.). While working within a nursing unit the RN acts as a patient advocate and facilitates communication between the patient, family and other health care professionals. This will result in a holistic approach to planning, organizing, teaching and relationship development that will best meet the needs of the patient. Based on patient census and acuity throughout BHN the incumbent may be required to provide standardized nursing care to any and/or all of the nursing units within the scope of a RNs practice. This scope includes medical-surgical, telemetry and acute care (i.e. emergency department).
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The RN provides direct nursing care to a wide variety of patients requiring continuous 24-houor medical and nursing treatment using a problem-solving approach and in accordance with the standards, guidelines and scope of professional nursing practice to facilitate individualized nursing care to patients within BHN. The RN will:
- Assess, plan, implement, document and evaluate care to ensure a coordinated holistic approach which best meets the needs of the patient.
- Assist patients to achieve their optimum level of health in situations of normal health, illness, injury or through the process of dying.
- Advocate the dignity and self-respect of patients.
- Promote the autonomy of patient and help them to express their health needs and values to obtain appropriative information and services.
- Safeguard the trust of patients that information learned in the contest of a professional relationship is shared outside the health care team only with the patient's permission or as a legally required.
- Apply and promote principles of equity and fairness to assist patients in receiving unbiased treatment and a share of health services and resources proportionate to their needs.
- Float to various units (e.g., ICU, Med-Surg, ED, Procedural, OB, Pediatrics) or locations based on staffing needs and individual competencies.
- Interact with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, nurses, and specialists.
- Act as a "consultant" or knowledgeable resource to assist unit-based staff.
- Act in a manner consistent with their professional code of ethics, responsibilities and standards of practice.
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The RN facilitates, implements and modifies patient and family education/teaching based on the needs of the patient. The RN will
- Use a holistic approach to facilitate individual learning of patients and their families upon admission and transfer or discharge in relation to patient illness or injury (i.e. self-care, health promotion, etc.)
- Assess the patient for physical and psychological needs, their knowledge of their health, disease process and learning needs.
- Research, develop, revise and evaluation on an ongoing basis, educational resources necessary to support patients.
- Coordinate the admission and transfer or discharge of patients. This includes explaining and ensuring that the patient understands the admission or discharge plan established by the health care team for the patients care and treatment.
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The RN assumes accountability for the standard of care delivered toward determining and achieving patient care goals. The RN will:
- Make decisions necessary to promote change and ultimate outcome of goal attainment.
- Communicate with the other members of the health care team regarding the patient's health care to provide continuity of care and promote collaborative efforts directed toward quality patient care.
- Take a lead role in disaster responses within the unit they are assigned to.
- Direct and supervise the functions of others who are providing direct care and support.
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The RN advocates for practice environments to have the organizational and resource allocations necessary for safe, competent and ethical nursing care. The RN will:
- Collaborate with nursing colleagues and other members of the health care team to advocate health care environments that are conducive to ethical practice and to the health and wellbeing of patients, clients and others in the setting.
- Orient new employees to unit specific programs.
- Participate in committees, task forces and research projects as related to the Float Pool.
Education:
- 2 Year / Associate Degree in nursing, required
- Other nursing diploma, required
- 4 Year / Bachelor's Degree, preferred
- *** All RN's hired and do not currently hold a BSN will be expected to demonstrate enrollment in a bachelor's prepared nursing program within 4 years of hire. BSN must be completed within 10 years. RN's licensed on or before 12/19/17 are/remain exempt from this requirement.
Experience:
- Minimum 3 years of RN staff experience in medical/surgical or telemetry environment. Experience in three or more different nursing unit types (i.e. ICU, Intermediate Care, Pediatrics, Medicine, Surgery, OR, Psychiatric, Emergency, Procedural) is required, 3-4 years preferred.
Licensure/Certifications:
- NY State RN License, required
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, required
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification, required
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification, preferred
- Must obtain one of the following certifications within 6 months from date of hire:TNCC, NRP or NIH Stroke Scale certification recommended
- At least one nursing certification in specific patient care settings: CMSRN/MEDSURG-BC for medical-surgical, CCRN for critical care (ICU), and PCCN for progressive care (step-down)
Physical Requirements:
- Occasional climbing, crouching, and kneeling
- Frequent typing/clerical/dexterity, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, and stooping
- Constant balancing, grasping, hearing, repetitive motion, seeing/monitor/computer use, standing, talking, visual aquity (color, depth, perception), and fit testing
Hazards:
- Occasional Electrical, Mechanical, and Radiation/ Radiant Energy
- Constant Bodily Fluids/ Bloodborne Exposure, Burns, and Chemical
Working Conditions:
- Occasional Extreme Temperatures, Noise, Vibration, Wet and.or Humid, Dust, Fumes, Gases, and Mists
- Constant Odors
Travel:
- Extensive Travel - You should expect to travel every week