Summary Provides general nursing care to patients in hospital, nursing home, infirmary, or similar health care facility by performing the following duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Under the direction of the manager, floats throughout the medical/surgical areas.
• Manages individualized, goal-directed nursing care through use of the nursing process and the principles of primary nursing in accordance with departmental and hospital policies and procedures.
• Explains procedures and treatments to patient to gain cooperation, understanding, and allay apprehension.
• Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques.
• Prepares equipment and aids Physician during treatment and examination of patient.
• Maintains awareness of comfort and safety needs of patient.
• Observes patient, records significant conditions and reactions, and notifies supervisor or Physician of patient's condition and reaction to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents.
• Takes temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs to detect deviations from normal and assess condition of patient.
• Responds to life saving situations based upon nursing standards, policies, procedures, and protocol.
• Documents nursing history and physical assessment for assigned patients.
• Initiates a patient education plan according to the individualized needs of the patient, as prescribed by Physician and/or hospital policy including patient and family instruction.
• Rotates among various clinical services of institution such as surgery, orthopedics, outpatient and admitting, and pediatrics.
• Prepares rooms, equipment, and supplies for surgery.
• Assists in surgery by handing items to Surgeon, or other medical practitioner.
• Makes beds, bathes and feeds patients.
• Participates in department or unit quality improvement activities.

Education and/or Experience

BSN preferred. Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Current RN license in the State of Texas, or a Compact state

CPR, ACLS required & TNCC or ATCN and ENPC or PALS certifications preferred.

Other Skills and Abilities

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

Minimum of five years of medical/surgical clinical experience as a direct care provider. (Will consider three years with strong recommendations).

Demonstrated proficiency in acute care nursing, knowledge, and skills.

Ability to care for multiple patients.

Flexibility in scheduling and in moving within patient care areas.

Strong clinical assessment skills.

Willing to fulfill role as Charge RN.