CC RN / ER

HUMBOLDT GENERAL HOSPITAL

Classification Specification – Registered Nurse/ Emergency Department

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to delineate the duties and responsibilities of the Registered Nurse/ Emergency Department for Humboldt General Hospital.

Position Summary:

Directs and supervises functions and activities in the Emergency Room. Provides professional nursing assessment and initiates nursing care to clients presented to the Emergency Department. Determines the urgency of the clients presenting complaints and designates triage category. Implements, interprets regulations for personnel, medical staff and the public.

Position Designation:

The Registered Nurse position within HGH.

The position of Registered Nurse/ Emergency Department is identified as “department safety-sensitive”.

Department safety-sensitive positions means employment positions which may in the normal course of business:

1. Require the employee to operate the company vehicles or equipment.

1. Involves duties which, if performed with inattentiveness, errors in judgment, or diminished coordination, dexterity, or composure, may result in mistakes that could present a real and/or imminent threat to the personal health and safety of the employee, co-worker, and/or the public.

Delegation of Authority:

The Registered Nurse/ Emergency Department is delegated the administrative authority, responsibility and accountability necessary for carrying out assigned duties.

Essential Functions:

Actively participates in assisting physicians with examinations, procedures and other processes related to direct patient care.

Actively participates in collecting data for QRI on a regular basis.

Maintains a safe (one side rail up at all times), comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families in accordance with hospital standards.

Performs basic nursing procedures including thermal applications, cleansing of wounds, application of dressings, application of splints in accordance with all ENA standards of care.

Prepares, hangs, monitors and discontinues I.V. fluids.

Admits patients and arrange emergency operations.

Arranges emergency transport of patients to another facility staying within hospital, State and Federal guidelines/regulations.

Participates in stocking, sorting, or inventory of departmental supplies to ensure appropriate items are

readily available for patient care needs.

Actively generates work orders (documenting what the problem is) for malfunctioning equipment within department.

Interviews patient and/or family to obtain required history and accurate assessment. Provides individualized age specific care that supports the family units. Actively listens to patient/family and attaches significance to their verbal and nonverbal messages.

Makes accurate assessments and assigns a triage priority.

Possesses good crisis intervention skills.

Demonstrates appropriate judgment in notifying/communicating with physicians.

Communicates clearly and tactfully with patients, their families and other staff members.

Documents patient care and procedures/interventions accurately and thoroughly in accordance with hospital standards.

Aids patients and families as needed in times of stress or crisis.

Administers and controls narcotics and medications. Dispenses medication appropriately according to policy.

Demonstrates clinical competency in assigned area of responsibility.

Actively participates in implementing reviewing and upgrading policies and procedures for the emergency department on an annual basis.

Utilizes techniques of infection control, including proper hand washing and observing standard precautions when starting IV’s, giving injections, or as circumstances warrant.

Maintains a clean, organized and safe working environment in both patient care areas and nursing station.

Performs competently during emergency, busy or otherwise stressful situations in the Emergency Department.

Advises the nurse manager of nursing activities, needs, problems and unusual events.

Uses time constructively and organizes assignments for maximum productivity.

Systematically reviews the contents of the crash cart per policy.

Actively coordinates emergency measures to sustain life and provides life saving measures in life threatening situations.

Maintains knowledge of regulatory standards as applied to area of responsibility.

Demonstrates skill and accuracy in hospital computer application. Demonstrates technical competency through annual equipment certification, attending manufacturers’ sponsored in-services and additional training as required.

Demonstrates an attitude of cooperation and professionalism when assigned or requested to work on another unit.

Maintains harmonious relationship and open line of communication within the unit and with other departments, staff, physicians and other support personnel providing support and assistance to ensure quality patient care.

Maintains confidentiality of all patient/resident/staff information.

Performs other related duties as requested or assigned.

Maintains confidentiality of all patient/resident/staff information.

Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

Preferred Minimum Education:

Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent

Completion of an accredited school of nursing

Required Licensure/Certification:

Active Nevada Registered Nurse license

CPR/ AED Certification

ACLS certification

PALS certification

TNCC Certification (within first 12 months of employment)

RSI annually

Personal Qualifications:

Able to read, write and speak the English language in an understandable manner.

Previous Emergency Room experience preferred

Ability to perform mathematical calculations for medication administration.

Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, patients, family members, visitors and general public.

Possess ability and willingness to work harmoniously with professional and non-professional personnel

Willing to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays, per scheduled rotation of duty hours and per scheduled “on call” hours.

Ability to make independent decisions

Knowledge of computers

Physical Requirements:

Heavy physical effort (lift/carry/push/pull 50 lbs or more)

Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients

Frequent prolonged standing/walking

Frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching

Manual dexterity and mobility

Visual acuity with or without correction

Working Conditions:

May be exposed to infections and contagious diseases

Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne disease

Exposed to hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids and wastes

Exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment

Subject to burns and cuts

Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements

Occasional exposure to radiological radiation

Exposure to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries and illness)

Subject to varying and unpredictable situations

Subject to long irregular hours

Requires judgment/action which could have a significant impact on a patient’s life

Works in clean, air-conditioned, well-lit environment

Required Protective Equipment:

Gown, medical gloves, face shield as necessary and other equipment as required by OSHA regulations and hospital policy.

Review: I have read and understand the job description for the position of Registered Nurse/ Emergency Department. The expectations of my job have been explained to me and I have had an opportunity to ask questions. I acknowledge that the contents of this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by person assigned to this position and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills of the person so classified. Further, I certify that I am capable of meeting the personal/physical/licensure/certification requirements of this position.