Registered Nurse (RN) - Acute Care, Surgical Specialty, PRN, Nights

About the Role

Provides clinical direction for all aspects of patient care in an acute inpatient setting, fostering patient/family centered care. Demonstrates clinical competency utilizing evidence-based practices/research in all areas of the nursing process: assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation and outcomes. Incorporates knowledge of safety protocols, cost containment and quality improvement throughout the nursing process. Identifies patient, unit and organizational priorities and incorporates them into the nursing process. Adheres to all compliance and policy/procedures of the organization, including licensure renewal, assigned training, employee health screenings, time and attendance policy, dress code policy, patient confidentiality, infection control, and medication administration. Demonstrates knowledge of regulatory agency requirements (TJC, SC DPH, CMS). Provides care within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act.

Responsibilities

• Collects data and completes nursing assessment utilizing appropriate area and/or age-specific standards/policies and tools. Completes appropriate forms. Assesses and recognizes subtle or actual changes in patients' status and patient response to intervention.
• Identifies nursing priorities for patient plan of care based on nursing assessment and other data as appropriate. Validates these priorities with healthcare team members and documents appropriately.
• Develops an individual plan of care based on the age and assessed needs of the patient in collaboration with the patient and/or family, the provider, and other members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team. Updates the plan based on changes in the patient's condition and communicates changes to the team.
• Identifies realistic and measurable goals and outcomes to be attained prior to discharge. Validates these with the patient and/or family.
• Demonstrates respect for the patient's/family cultural, spiritual, and belief system in planning for care.
• Includes planning for discharge to assure continuity of care and a smooth transition post-discharge, including appropriate referrals.
• Provides direct care to assigned patients consistent with the established nursing plan.
• Performs specific tasks based on organizational, departmental, and/or unit policies and procedures within the RN scope of practice.
• Delegates nursing tasks as appropriate to members of the healthcare team, developing written assignments (if appropriate) and ensures completion of assigned tasks.
• Monitors quality of care delivered on a continual basis; ensures appropriate surveillance of assigned patients.
• Provides care based on patient and unit priorities, coordinating and organizing tasks as appropriate, utilizing resources internal and external to the unit. Incorporates cost containment principles into nursing care.
• Assumes responsibility for patient safety by maintaining a safe environment, adhering to safety procedures, protocols, and patient care standards.
• Utilizes performance indicators to collect data, monitor quality, and effectiveness while providing nursing care. Completes assigned hospital/unit performance improvement monitoring (audits).
• Evaluates plan of care for effectiveness based on assessment/reassessment of patient response to interventions. Documents progress toward expected outcomes and revises plan as needed. Reports changes in patient condition and refers unresolved problems to appropriate team members.
• Evaluates opportunities for quality improvement; incorporates performance improvement recommendations into the plan of care as appropriate.
• Identifies/assesses patient/family learning needs and teaches accordingly using familiar language and examples. Implements and evaluates the teaching plan, encouraging patient/family involvement. Utilizes computer resources and Micromedex.
• Communicates the patient/family's need for education/teaching to others in the healthcare continuum.
• Evaluates own nursing practice in relation to professional practice standard guidelines, state statutes, policies, procedures, rules/regulations, and current knowledge. Takes personal accountability for maintaining competency through education and professional activities.
• Ensures that written documentation and oral communication focus on pertinent information to support meeting patient/family care needs.
• Serves as the patient's advocate and coordinator of care, working collaboratively with providers and other members of the healthcare team.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Nursing. Bachelor's degree in Nursing preferred.
• One (1) year experience as a registered nurse.
• In lieu of one (1) year of registered nurse experience, will accept successful completion of the Prisma Health Nurse Residency Program or a comparable residency from another organization.
• In lieu of one (1) year of registered nurse experience, will accept 1 year of licensed practical nurse (LPN) experience for internal candidates within the same service line.
• In lieu of Associate degree in nursing, will accept nursing diploma with licensure to practice as a registered nurse.
• Holds a current RN compact/multistate license recognized by the NCSBN Compact State or is licensed to practice as an RN in the state the team member is working.

Schedule

Night shift. The acute inpatient setting may require staff to be scheduled for weekends, holidays, and on-call work.

Location

Greenville Memorial Hospital, Surgical Specialty department.