POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides nursing care topatients on an outpatient status for health maintenance, prevention, ortreatment of acute or chronic underlying health conditions. Adheres to hospitaland departmental policies. Requires a positive individual who is flexible, withexcellent clinical and customer service skills, has an ability to work wellwithin a team; exhibits excellent communication skills, as well as having acommitment to teamwork and team problem solving in a solution-oriented manner.Must have excellent critical thinking skills as well as the ability to handlemultiple issues and prioritize effectively. Supports the goals of Boone CountyHospital. Administers nursing care to patients in an efficient, safe, andcourteous manner using proper nursing procedures. The staff member must be ableto demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate careto the various age groups of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth anddevelopment over the life span and possess the ability to assess datareflective of the patient's status, and interpret the appropriate informationneeded to identify each patient's requirements, relative to his or herage-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in theunit's/area's/department's policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs delivery of nursing care via the nursing process: Assessment (collection of data), problem identification (nursing diagnosis), planning, nursing interventions and evaluation and updating of planning.
• Practices within Nursing Standards of Practice and follow standards of patient care & BCH Policies and Procedures
• Performs general nursing care to patients. Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with nursing standards.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to assist in providing care appropriate to the ages of the patients served (Neonate to Geriatric) within the department (Please refer to the Scope of Practice and staffing guidelines in the department Plan of Care).
• Greets patients & prepares them for examination, procedures, and treatments.
• Carries out medical and nursing treatment in a timely and accurate manner.
• Preparation and administration of injections as ordered by physician. Administers and or supervises prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques.
• Administer medications, calculate doses and maintains current knowledge of medications.
• Documents medications and nursing care in a timely and accurate manner in the electronic medical record.
• Assures that consents are obtained when needed and that all records are signed and legally complete.
• Identifies the need for pre-authorization and or physician referral.
• Initiate monitoring, oxygen therapy, noninvasive blood pressure, and oximetry. Start/or evaluate IV sites.
• Reassesses the patient to identify progress and trends that require intervention and/ or reporting to the physician.
• Operates equipment like: IV pump, Lifpak 15 and Glucometer. Doppler, Temperature probes and bladder scan.
• Manage and coordinate needed cares with laboratory services, radiology services, tech services, or pharmacy, as indicated. Works with other departments in coordinating smooth transfer of patients for procedures or diagnostic test.
• Assesses the patient's learning needs. Educates the patient and family.
• Treat patients and their families with respect and dignity.
• Maintains knowledge of the patient's status while at Boone County Hospital Outpatient Infusion Center and works with the health care team to adjust and improve approach to recovery.
• Follows procedures to assure that supply and medication stocks are rotated and replaced as needed.
• Completes incident and variance forms when appropriate.
• Assists physicians in care of the patients. Makes rounds, assists with procedures, provides progress reports on patient statuses, and assures that orders are carried out.
• Assumes professional responsibility for assuring patient care is of the highest standards possible.
• Communicates questions about appropriateness of medical or nursing care through the chain of command, as needed.
• Adheres to standards of safety and infection control in delivery of patient care.
• Maintains a positive attitude toward coworkers, patients and visitors.
• Obtains physician orders, office notes, prior authorizations, x-ray and other medical records as needed and performs some clerical work, such as answering phones and patient registration duties.
• Observes, records, and reports patient's conditions and reaction to drugs and treatments to physicians.
• Schedules referral appointments and distributes patient educational information as directed by the physician/provider.
• Responds to and refers incoming telephone calls. Instructs patient and family regarding medications and treatment instructions.
• Maintains schedule including outpatient procedures, clinic times, vacations and meetings.
• Keeps exam and treatment rooms clean and properly stocked with supplies. Inventories and orders medical supplies and materials.
• Attends departmental meetings and participates in committees as requested.
• Participates in professional development activities and maintains professional affiliations.
• Provides and maintains effective communication with members of the health care team to facilitate safe, effective and appropriate patient care.
• Responsible for creating a culture of innovation, learning, teamwork, and professional practice, consistent with the mission, vision and values of Boone County Hospital.
• Maintains performance in compliance with State and Federal laws, consistent with high standards of business and professional ethics.
• Knowledge of diagnostic and procedural coding requirements in conjunction with submission of insurance claims.
• Actively supports and participates in continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Maintains professional growth and development.
• Other job duties, as requested within RN scope of practice.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Follows the standard for infection control: hand washing, protective eyewear, mask, gown, gloves, head cover, and shoe covers, as appropriate. Proper disposal of contaminated items and the use of isolation.
• Participate in monthly outdate checks of medications and supplies, checking of crash carts. Check, order, and stock supplies according to par levels.
• Maintains accurate and continued nursing documentation.
• Adheres to the visitor and nonsmoking policies.
• Enters orders into the computer, notes physician orders.
• Participate in chart review. Collects data for QI. Assists in peer and staff evaluations when requested.
• Attends/completes mandatory yearly education day, monthly mandatory staff meetings, hospital based continuing and mandatory in-service.
• Keeps required education up to date.
• Completes annual safety education.
• Enhances professional growth by attending educational opportunities pertaining to Medical/Surgical/Pediatric nursing.
• Maintains BLS every two years.
• Initiates/Responds to a "Code Team Needed".
• Responds to MET when activated.
• Behaves in a professional manner and maintains good interpersonal relationships with other staff, departments, managers, and physicians according to BCH behavior standards.
• Participates in orientation of new OIC staff. Provides nursing and aide students with opportunities to observe and learn.
• Floats to other units to take assignments as requested as per qualifications.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLSAND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work experience: Six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Education/Certifications/Licenses: Associate degree (A.D.) or BS, BSN, BA or equivalent form two-year college or technical school, Valid Iowa Registered Nurse license, BCLS Certification
• Desired Work Traits: Must have strong supervisory and leadership skills. Ability to take initiative and exercise independent judgment, decision making and problem-solving expertise. Proficient use of a computer. Regular and punctual attendance. Actively demonstrates customer service philosophy.

o LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general businessperiodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmentregulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and proceduremanuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questionsfrom groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

o MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts,interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, andvolume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

o REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with avariety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardizationexists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral,diagram, or schedule form.

• Communication Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.