RN Unit Based PRN

JOB SUMMARY AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : Provides professional nursing care to patients within assigned unit / area utilizing the nursing process to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care.

Works flexible work schedules in accordance with Float Pool staffing guidelines.

1. Provides nursing care according to medical regime and the nursing intervention appropriate for the patients' conditions and according to established standards, policies and procedures including care of the medicine and surgery patient.

• Initiates assessment based on the patient's presenting problems or needs, the physician's medical diagnosis and the functional health framework upon admission and patient assignment.
• Collects key information from patient, family, laboratory, and other medical reports.
• Determines nursing diagnosis and priorities for care with special consideration given to patient teaching, discharge planning, and the growth and development needs of the patient.
• Determines which standards of care and practice apply to the patient.
• Documents assessment, including nursing diagnoses or other clinical judgments.
• Demonstrates knowledge and technical, interpersonal and critical thinking skills to provide care, maintain clinical competency and meet age-specific patient needs within the unit.

2. Performs clinical rounds and completes ongoing assessments according to nursing division policy and / or as determined by patient condition :

• re-prioritizes care based on new information,
• continues to update nursing diagnoses, and
• involves family and / or other significant individuals in assessment activities.

3. Assesses plans and implements care of assigned patients. Performs therapeutic nursing interventions :

a. as ordered by the Physician

b. consistent with primary and population-specific standards of care and practice

c. with consideration given to knowledge gained from the initial and ongoing assessment of the patient

d. consistent with nursing division policies and procedures, demonstrated competencies, and with consideration given to risk management, infection control practices, and patient safety practices

e. consistent with the nature of the assigned unit, including but not limited to :

• performs admission / assessment interventions
• administration of medication (IM, IV, SQ, PO)
• pain management measures
• care of central IV lines
• airway maintenance
• trach care
• catheter care
• perform pulse oximetry
• telemetry monitoring
• maintain patency and care of drains : chest tubes,
• colostomy care
• wound care
• utilization, monitoring and interpretation of electronic displays / life support and specialized medical equipment, i.e.

IV regulators, chest tube attachments, epidural pumps, BP and oxygen monitors, etc.

• initiates corrective action whenever information from monitoring or life support equipment shows adverse symptomatology such as respiratory or cardiac insufficiency.
• crisis intervention / initiates emergency measures
• doppler usage : ankle pressures, BP monitoring
• enteral feedings - Kangaroo pumps
• administration of blood / blood products
• monitoring restrained patients
• specimen collection
• patient / family teaching
• discharge planning

4. Determines the impact of nursing interventions on the patient's condition and recognizes the patient's progress towards meeting desired outcomes.

5. Documents care based on standards of care and practice and / or clinical priorities for documentation including :

a. assessment and ongoing assessment findings

b. updated clinical priorities for documentation

c. therapeutic nursing interventions with special attention to patient education and discharge planning interventions

d. patient’s response to interventions and progress towards outcomes are noted

6. Demonstrates ability to manage the care of patients with conditions common to the assigned unit including :

a. patient with medical, surgical, and orthopedic conditions

b. pre and post-surgical patients

c. patient requiring emergency / crisis intervention

d. chronically ill patients

e. functionally impaired patients

f. ventilated patients

g. surface trauma and multi-system trauma injuries

h. traumatic brain injuries

i. acute burn injuries

j. chronic wound / HBO treatments

k. patients within surgical / OR suite

l. post anesthesia care

m. patients undergoing diagnostic procedures : cardio cath, interventional radiology, GI, etc.

n. ambulatory / outpatient clinic patients

o. care of patient with altered mental status

7. Prepares equipment / supplies and assists physician during treatments, procedures and examinations. Performs specialized duties applicable to assigned unit.

8. Responds and / or participates with medical emergencies. Initiates and / or assists with CPR / BLS / ACLS as required.

9. Provides teaching to patient / family in the care of disease / condition. Develops and implements patient teaching outlines including objectives, content, teaching strategies and evaluation of patient progress.

10. Maintains patient medical records; documents patient status and care given; performs charting duties; records activities and observations.

Utilizes patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data.

11. Confers and works collaboratively with patient / family / hospital staff regarding all aspects of patient needs (i.e.

patient admission / discharge of / transfer process, discharge planning, referrals, coordinating exams / therapy / rehab, requisitions supplies, obtains medical records, etc.

in a customer responsive and courteous manner, in compliance with Premier Behavior Standards and promoting patient / customer satisfaction.

12. Provides instruction, assigns and supervises LPN and other support personnel assigned to unit to complete the initial and ongoing assessments of patients and to provide clinical assistance as needed.

Assists in the orientation and oversee the supervision of new staff members and students when they provide patient care, treatment, and services as part of their training.

13. Transports monitored patients, specimens, equipment and supplies to and from various areas.

14. Collaborates with forensic team and security to provide safe environment for patients in custody.

15. Completes required continuous training and education, including department specific requirements. Maintains required licensures / certifications required within assigned units / areas.

16. Maintains a clean, orderly, safe environment for patients and personnel. Adheres to established policies, compliance / quality improvement, and safety, environment and infection control standards.

17. Prepares and maintains required records, reports and files for administrative and compliance purposes.

18. Works flexible work schedule within assigned unit in accordance with float pool staffing guidelines.

19. Performs other duties as required.

MACHINES OR EQUIPMENT OPERATED : Nursing and patient care equipment utilized in the performance of the duties of the Registered Nurse including , i.

e., IV regulators, chest tube attachments, epidural pumps, BP and oxygen monitors, Dinemaps and portable manual blood pressure cuffs.

JOB REQUIREMENTS :

EDUCATION : Graduate of an approved nursing school / program. Qualified by education, training or experience to work with the neonate, infant, toddler, pre-schooler, school age, adolescent, adult and / or geriatric patient population as specialty assignment dictates.

EXPERIENCE : One (1) year recent experience as a Registered Nurse.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION : Registered Nurse licensure to work in state of TN. Current CPR / BLS certification required. Additional license / certification may be required based on area of assignment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES :

• Ability and willingness to apply nursing knowledge and skills and maintain clinical competency as required in assigned unit.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work with patients growth and development needs particularly related to patients who are experiencing a healthcare crisis.
• Ability to manage a sometimes chaotic work environment related to changing patient needs, including work with patients with acute, chronic, and complex disease processes.
• Demonstrated skill in the use of applicable equipment; mature judgment and initiative required; is able to work without direct supervision;
• shows professional interest through self-development, continuing education, and involvement in professional organizations;

presents a positive attitude and professional appearance.

• Ability to give and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to react and perform under stress in emergency situations.
• Ability to effectively record and reflect observations.
• Ability to plan and organize work for self and others.
• Ability to exercise analytical judgment on work to be done.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS : Prolonged standing and walking; lifting, turning patients and equipment; repeated bending, squatting and stooping;

exposure to infectious agents. Visual acuity is needed to assess color changes, to verify accuracy of written materials, and to administer and accurately prepare medications.

Heavy Work - Exerting up to 150 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 75 pounds of force frequently, and / or up to 30 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

May be further defined as "with or without assistance.")

PI242393629