RN - Ambulatory Care Unit

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible and accountable for the overall nursing care management of an assigned group of patients. Collaborates with the Nurse Manager and other members of the health care team to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Uses clinical judgment skills to diagnose and treat the patient's responses to actual or potential health conditions. Assesses, monitors, detects, plans, and takes appropriate action to prevent potential physiological complications associated with specific health problems and / or medical treatment.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Assesses the patient systematically utilizing verbal and technical nursing skills to establish a basis for patient care and utilizes the assessment data to plan appropriate nursing intervention. Formulates a written plan of care reflecting pertinent physical and psychosocial problems and uses this plan as a tool in implementation. Implements care based on knowledge of professional standards of nursing practice and adheres to hospital/departmental policies and procedures. Evaluates the nursing plan of care and the patient's response to the nursing intervention on a continuing basis. Initiates discharge planning based on the evaluation process. Identifies the learning needs of patients and family members and meets these through the teaching/learning process. Coordinates referrals with physicians, outside agencies and other departments. Works with physicians to develop standards of care for treatment of different patient types. Coordinates learning activities and functions as a role model and resource person for students and staff including orientation of new personnel. Supervises and teaches procedures to less skilled personnel. Maintains patient records. Assure that appropriate orders are received and implemented prior to surgery or other procedure that is to be performed. Administers medications, chemotherapy and performs treatments to patients as per policy and procedure. Maintains up to date knowledge on specialized treatments through in-services or conferences. Maintains hospital chemotherapy certification. Prepares equipment and assists physician during treatments and all types of endoscopies. Maintains accurate records on all. Audits charts to assure accurate record of charges. RNs must be willing to become conscious sedation competent if the need arises. Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments in a patient. Keeps current on monitoring equipment and cardiac rhythm interpretation. Participates in economical utilization of supplies and ensures equipment is maintained in a clean and safe manner. Sends equipment for repair when it is not functioning properly. Demonstrates initiative in identifying opportunities for self-development and enhancement of professional competency. Establishes personal and professional goals and objectives in response to self-evaluation. Willing to participate in committees for improvement of nursing care. Takes initiative to keep informed on all changes occurring in department by attending staff meetings. Gives input into meetings. Reads minutes if unable to attend. Keeps up to date with computerized systems and can function well in lab and x-ray ordering process. Follows nursing protocol in assuring proper format follows standards of care. Recognizes and follows Chain of Command. Knows role in event of a fire, disaster, or code. Applies same in a drill situation. Is aware of and abides by all HIPAA policies and respects patient privacy. Assists in the development and review of policies and procedures. Updates all licenses and certifications when due and turns in copies to Department Manager and HR for file updates. Follows the Cornerstone model and Behavioral Standards. Assists in annual departmental goal preparation, completes action plans specific to self and personal goal through the year. Performs other duties as assigned. Graduate of an approved school of professional nursing. RN with a current license to practice as a professional nurse in the State of Michigan. BLS, ACLS, and PALS certified. Chemotherapy certified. Experience working with ambulatory care procedures (endoscopy, surgical, infusions, chemotherapy, EEG's, urology, ophthalmology). Knowledge and experience in performing EMR order entry, EMR charting, scheduling, and retrieval of patient chart information from EMR Systems. Complete understanding and compliance with all HIPAA regulations. Satisfactory health as evidenced by a physical exam. Must have a copy of an updated Michigan RN license on file. Other certifications as needed.