Registered Nurse - Acute

Position Summary

Using independent and interdependent judgement, the Registered Nurse (RN) in compliance with the state of California, Title 22 Nursing Service, maintains the delivery of quality care by assuring the nursing care plan is followed. In collaboration with the physician, the RN assures implementation of the assessment plan, evaluation, and follows up the plan of care for the patient population.

Position Qualifications

• A valid temporary or permanent CA State Registered Nurse License
• Strong interpersonal skills
• The ability to manage multiple priorities
• Dedicated to the provision of quality patient care
• Uses sound judgement in decision-making
• CPR certification required
• Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification required within six months of hire
• EKG (Advanced 12 Lead for Medical Professionals) certification required within six months of hire

Duties And Responsibilities

I. RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PATIENT

• Initiates an on-going systematic assessment of the physical, emotional, social, educational, and functional needs of the patient/family through interview, observation, and physical examination.
• Receives admissions and/or transfers to the unit. Completes nursing admission notes within 24 hours.
• Develops nursing care plan utilizing nursing diagnosis.
• Affirms safety and fall risk levels for patients.
• Teaches and counsels patients/families, and makes referrals to appropriate resource personnel when needed.
• Documents patient, family, and significant other teaching.
• Participates as a productive member of the interdisciplinary team in assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of rehabilitation goals.
• Affirms that medical orders are transcribed and processed accurately, and integrates the medical care plan into the provision of nursing care.
• Affirms that medication/I.V. administration is correct and according to the established nursing policies and procedures.
• Looks up unfamiliar medications. Processes medication orders. Administers medications as ordered. Evaluates effectiveness of PRN medications. Verbalizes process for self-administered medications. Verbalizes patient education on identified medications. Verbalizes standing orders. Verbalizes policy and procedure for maintenance and care of central line catheters. Administers I.V. drugs.
• Ensures personal and environmental safety in accordance with hospital and nursing policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates skills in handling emergency and life-threatening situations. Locates and uses crash cart items. Calls Code Blue and Medical Emergency. Initiates CPR. Follows P&P and POLST. Assures that documents in the medical record are complete, factual, accurate and timely. Documents materials and equipment used. Verbalizes method to noting orders. Documents discharge in chart. Initiates and updates care plan as appropriate. Provides discharge instructions. Completes interagency transfer form.

II. Responsibilities To Unit Staff

• Provides direction and leadership in patient care to assigned personnel. Acts as a team leader. Makes assignments for team. Prioritizes activities and plans for effective use of time and staff in meeting patient needs.
• Communicates the plan of nursing care for each patient through reports, conferences, rounds, and patient care records. Shift to shift report and shift huddle with aides. Delegates tasks to aides; monitors to make sure delegated tasks are completed appropriately. Demonstrates responsibility for the teaching of staff in areas of new techniques, policies and procedures. Preceptor.
• Participates in the quality improvement activities of nursing. Attends appropriate meetings. Communicates identified learning needs of self and others to the DON/CNO. Assists the DON/CNO in the orientation of new staff.
• Adheres to established policies and procedures of the hospital and Nursing Department. Actively participates on nursing committees.

III. Responsibilities To Self

• Evaluates own performance and seeks opportunities for growth and expansion of skills.
• Takes initiative in upgrading and maintaining skills necessary to provide quality care to patients and leadership to assigned staff.
• Acquires continuing education sufficient to maintain licensure and certification.
• Maintains current nursing licensure.
• Maintains required competencies.
• Completes assigned program tracks assigned by DON/CNO/Education Facilitator.
• Completes appropriate level of Clinical Advancement within established timeframes.
• Assumes responsibility for maintaining/enhancing physical health and alleviating stress.
• Attends annual skills fair.
• Displays a “customer service” attitude toward patients, visitors, and other staff members at all times.
• Utilizes intercom.
• Pages physicians or others on call.
• Abides by all safety, infection control, and other guidelines as required.
• Reports personal symptoms of suspected illness or contagious disease to the Employee Health Nurse.
• Promotes an ethic of continuous quality improvement in all matters associated with the position, and documents specific quality improvement implementation.

V. DRESSES AND PRESENTS SELF IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER AT ALL TIMES.

• ADHERENCE TO THE DRESS CODE POLICY IS REQUIRED.
• WEARS HOSPITAL ISSUED NAMETAG AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON DUTY.

VI. CONDUCTS SELF ETHICALLY AT ALL TIMES.

• UPHOLDS ALL SERVICE STANDARDS

VII. UPHOLDS ALL SERVICE STANDARDS

• Safety- We do no harm and create an error-free environment. Follow environment of care plan. Follow established clinical practices. Routine assessment of the environment for high risks with immediate correction (look for dangerous things and fix them; identify high risk issues and fix them). Pay attention to detail.
• Communication- We engage our customers in exchanging clear, timely and accurate information. Listen carefully. Ensure understanding of treatment and services. Timely follow-up on commitments. Constantly learn about the customers and identify their needs. Courtesy- We treat everyone with respect, social sensitivity and professionalism. We acknowledge our customers with a smile and treat them as welcomed guests. Listen to our customers. Look at each interaction as an opportunity to promote courtesy with our customers. We treat each other as we treat our guests. We strive to exceed our customers expectations. Presentation- We provide a positive customer experience through the appearance of our environment and employees. Maintain a clean and organized environment, including workspaces. Control hospital odors. All employees are compliant with the dress code. All employees communicate in a professional and courteous manner, including body language. Protect the privacy of patients. Maintain a quiet atmosphere. Efficiency- We use resources appropriately to benefit the customer and the organization. Availability, assessment and application of resources. Do it right the first time. Pay attention to details. Save steps through planning. Timely responses.