Registered Nurse (RN)- PHP/IOP

About the Role

The registered nurse (RN, RN II, RN III) performs professional nursing activities in the care of patients to help them achieve or regain, and then maintain, maximum physical, emotional, or social functions. Role functions are governed by the Nurse Practice Act, the Administrative Code (in the state of employment), as well as professional standards for nursing practice and the corresponding policies and procedures of Rogers Memorial Hospital. The registered nurse seeks consultation with other members of the health team as the patient’s condition and treatment goals warrant. In conjunction with the Patient Accounts department, the RN provides patient information to ensure compliance with federal and state statutes.

Responsibilities

• Complete initial assessments and document as required, including:
  • Patient strengths and limitations relevant to health goals.
  • Cultural, spiritual, and ethnic factors impacting treatment.
  • Discharge needs.
  • Medical/physical status.
  • Medication history, compliance, reactions, and current schedule.
  • Age-specific data regarding individual needs.
• Involve patient’s support systems (family, friends) in assessment and documentation.
• Observe and document patient interactions with family and friends pertinent to treatment.
• Act as a patient advocate by:
  • Explaining patient rights and obtaining necessary signatures.
  • Providing information and obtaining consent signatures.
  • Protecting patient privacy and confidentiality.
  • Assisting in patient orientation.
  • Implementing unit safety policies, including gown/contraband searches on admission.
• Initiate and update treatment plans and documentation as required:
  • Participate in planning and modifying the patient’s plan of care.
  • Evaluate data from multidisciplinary assessments.
  • Represent nursing care in care conferences (staffings).
  • Develop and interpret the plan of care with the patient/family.
  • Write clear, concise, and obtainable treatment goals.
  • Review and update the treatment plan as goals change.
• Review current lab data, assess potential for falls, self-abuse, suicidality, or assaultive behavior, and develop age-appropriate interventions.
• Implement patient care:
  • Demonstrate safe and accurate medication administration (right patient, medication, dose, time, and route).
  • Maintain current knowledge of medications, including purpose, effects, and potential interactions.
  • Transcribe and implement physician medication orders accurately.
  • Monitor and document patient responses to medications, including adverse reactions.
  • Conduct and document patient education about medications.
• Identify potential patient care problems or instability and intervene appropriately:
  • Use de-escalation techniques (e.g., quiet room, locked seclusion, restraints).
  • Re-evaluate safety levels.
  • Identify alcohol withdrawal syndrome and extra-pyramidal side effects/neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
  • Recognize significant cardiac/respiratory symptoms requiring immediate intervention.
• Identify and address health education needs of the patient/family before discharge:
  • Implement age-appropriate teaching interventions.
  • Document educational efforts in the patient record and treatment plan.
• Organize patient care activities based on priorities, unit needs, and patient preferences.
• Adhere to Nursing department and Hospital standards of care, including EMTALA requirements for admissions, transfers, and related activities (if QMP-designated).
• Protect patients, visitors, and staff from environmental hazards by adhering to safety and infection control standards.
• Participate in continuing education and in-service programs to maintain clinical competence.
• Assist in developing and implementing unit standards of care (e.g., safety levels, hazardous items, Kardex, standard care plans).
• Identify and suggest solutions for unit system problems impacting patient care.
• Serve on unit-based committees or participate in unit-based projects.
• Carry out leadership functions in patient care, staff operations, and department organization:
  • Assume the Charge Nurse role, coordinating unit activities and managing crises.
  • Facilitate the admission process and communicate unit status/projected needs.
  • Plan patient care assignments based on needs, unit activity, and staff qualifications.
  • Supervise and delegate tasks to LPNs/psychiatric technicians.
  • Maintain a primary caseload and provide direction for patient care.
• Develop professional skills through continuing education and projects.
• Promote department goals and the hospital’s mission by:
  • Communicating goals to staff and demonstrating measurable achievement.
  • Maintaining department policies and procedures, including Joint Commission and state regulations.
  • Educating new staff on relevant regulations.
• Demonstrate understanding of Joint Commission and other regulatory compliance regulations.
• Participate in Hospital committees, performance improvement (PI) teams, and projects.
• Conduct self in a professional manner:
  • Demonstrate organizational skills and timely task completion.
  • Communicate positively and professionally with all individuals.
  • Resolve issues calmly and solution-focused.
  • Attend seminars for professional growth.
  • Comply with Hospital policies (e.g., HR, Infection Control, Employee Health).
  • Support staffing/scheduling changes to meet patient care needs.
  • Project a professional image through attire and behavior.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Registered nurse licensed by the State Board of Nursing in the state of employment; license must be in good standing.
• American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification required within thirty (30) days of hire; bi-annual re-certification required.