RN-Orthopedic

Responsibilities

• Absorbs primary responsibility for the plan of care for a patient or group of patients, adhering to unit standards and required nursing care for the specified patient population.
• Effectively delegates tasks and responsibilities to other healthcare team members and takes full responsibility for follow-up and collaboration.
• Conducts admission assessment processes in accordance with specific department standards, including gathering patient history, physical, and psychosocial assessments. Utilizes this data, diagnostic information, pharmacological details, and patient/family perspectives to formulate nursing diagnoses related to focus problem areas and establish care goals.
• Develops a plan of care collaboratively with the patient and family, reviewing each shift to ensure priorities are met. Implements the plan according to current nursing standards, evidence-based practices, and hospital protocols.
• Ensures a safe environment by integrating a multidisciplinary approach and promoting patient and workplace safety through error prevention, accident avoidance, and infection control. Reports any potential or actual concerns immediately.
• Collaborates with the healthcare team to achieve patient care outcomes and goals of care. Administers medications and nursing treatments within the scope of practice.
• Applies the St. Luke’s Comfort/C.A.R.E. Professional Practice Model in daily nursing care.
• Assesses and selects appropriate teaching strategies for patients and their families based on age-specific needs, culture, gender, readiness to learn, and comprehension levels. Consults relevant hospital resources to provide specialized education.
• Provides comprehensive discharge teaching, incorporating preventative health maintenance into the education plan.
• Assists in the orientation of new associates by serving as a resource and mentor. Collaborates with unit leadership and participates in the education experiences of students and RN interns.
• Engages in professional development and active participation in professional activities that enhance nursing practice, sharing knowledge through networking and research. Participates in department and hospital shared governance and performance improvement activities.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
• Current RN licensure in the State of Iowa or a compact state.
• Maintains current BLS certification.
• Writes, reads, comprehends, and speaks fluent English.
• Demonstrates multicultural sensitivity.
• Displays proficiency in performing basic/advanced nursing procedures, including medication administration and equipment operation.
• Completes a basic computer course on the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) through in-hospital training.