Registered Nurse - Ambulatory (Pediatrics Neurology)

Performs an age‑specific plan of care for a designated group of patients using the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. Collaborates with physicians and other health‑team members in coordinating and implementing procedures and treatments. Uses leadership skills and clinical judgment in coordinating patient care and directing/delegating activities of the patient‑care unit team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct patient interview, explain policies and procedures, review the patient’s chart, and answer questions courteously; assess gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and neurological health status; determine mobility, sensory deficits, prostheses use, and skin condition and adjust the plan of care as appropriate; assess level of pain and pain management; communicate and document the patient’s physiologic health status and plan of care.
• Assess the patient’s psychosocial health status; elicit perception of medical/nursing care and expectations; determine coping mechanisms, knowledge level, and ability to comprehend; identify cultural/ethnic requirements to reduce anxiety and ensure satisfaction; communicate and document psychological status and care plan, including support groups, counseling services, and social services.
• Identify patient outcomes; develop criteria for measuring outcomes; identify actual or potential problems; determine teaching needs based on psychosocial and developmental assessment; develop outcome statements and individualized goals; prioritize care activities; coordinate cost‑effective use of supplies, equipment, and medication; document the plan of care and collaborate with physicians and other health‑team members.
• Implement the plan of care; maintain constant vigilance for safety precautions (e.g., side rails up, call lights within reach); exercise professional skills related to the plan; reassess and revise the plan as needed; correctly administer prescribed treatments and use necessary equipment; provide emotional support to patients and significant others; apply scientific principles in procedures; make accurate observations during treatments/procedures and record them appropriately; keep accurate documentation of treatment, activity, condition, and patient responses; use departmental documentation methods; act rapidly and effectively in emergencies, managing self, patients, and staff; provide a calm, quiet, restful atmosphere; communicate effectively with family or caretakers; participate in discharge planning, coordinate referrals, and provide discharge instructions; evaluate care provided for patient outcomes.
• Demonstrate ability to measure effectiveness of care, document findings, and perform variance analysis for performance improvement; design, implement, and evaluate systems to improve unit care; maintain accurate documentation per departmental policy.
• Collaborate with other care‑team members in planning and carrying out treatment regimens; provide direction to team members; coordinate with the appropriate physician on the patient’s plan of care.
• Accurately interpret and implement treatment regimens as prescribed; assist the physician during treatments and diagnostic procedures; keep the Patient Care Manager/designee and/or physician abreast of changes in the patient’s condition or treatments; use clinical judgment in delegating assignments and ensure timely completion.
• Perform grade I‑IV decubitus care; provide preventive skin‑care measures; apply simple dressings using aseptic technique; apply warm and cold compresses per facility procedure; perform irrigations and other skin‑care procedures as necessary.
• Administer medications correctly and safely; identify medication action, dosage, side effects, and implications; meet standards on medication‑administration examinations; prepare local solutions; educate patients and significant others about drug and food interactions.
• Participate in patient and family education; explain the patient’s condition; communicate assessment data in an orderly fashion by recording, updating, and verbalizing pertinent information to care‑team members and appropriate agencies; recognize and utilize health‑teaching opportunities and available resources/materials; provide early discharge planning and appropriate referrals for post‑hospital care; evaluate teaching effectiveness through patient/family feedback and document the results.
• Perform related duties as required. All responsibilities noted are essential functions of the job under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing preferred; must be enrolled in an accredited BSN program within two (2) years and obtain a BSN degree within five (5) years of the job entry date.
• Current license to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State.
• Specialized certifications as needed.
• Previous pediatrics experience highly preferred.