A Registered Nurse provides medical care and treatment, educates patients about their conditions, and provides emotional support to patients and families. Works in hospitals, schools, clinics or community health centers. Works under the supervision of a physician or other specialist, and serves as the primary point of care for patients in a hospital setting. May specialize in emergency room work, or treatment for a particular condition, or specialize in working with infants, the elderly or other patient groups. May work as an advanced practice specialists and prescribe medications in addition to offering specialty care.
Provides age and population specific direct clinical care to neonate, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient populations. Delivers patient care according to the Scope of Service for OPS. Adheres to and practices the St John's Health Corporate Compliance Program and participates in Performance Improvement activities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Patient Care Obtains and reviews all patient data using: observational, interviewing, interpretation and critical thinking skills in an age specific population and developmentally appropriate manner. Identifies risk factors and provides for patient safety. Implements measures to prevent injury from environmental hazards. Practices autonomously and consistently with professional nursing standards. Identifies changes in patient status, exercises critical thinking and independent judgment within the context of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Develops a plan of care that is unique to each patient's needs, evaluates patient response to plan of care and reflects measurable goals that are mutually set with the patient. Evaluates patient response to pain management interventions. Offers alternative pain management therapies. Demonstrates knowledge and awareness of medication action, side effects and protocols for use. Using 2 patient identifiers, gives medication safely and accurately according to policy and procedure. Organizes and prioritizes care of multiple patients with varying levels of acuity in a timely and efficient manner with a positive attitude. Manages specimen collection, handling and disposition according to hospital policy. Labels blood specimens at patient bedside. Uses supplies and equipment within safe parameters. Ensures equipment is functioning properly before use. Reports equipment malfunction following the appropriate reporting structure. Initiates and completes computerized Event Reports for unusual events consistently. Reports near misses. Patient and Family Education Address patient and family's spiritual and emotional needs utilizing a holistic approach. Assess patient and family education needs based on; a) age/population, b) developmental level, c) readiness to learn based on patient perception, educational level and expectation of care, d) patient understanding, e) available coping mechanisms, and f) outcome expectations. Initiates and incorporates patient/family education into plan of care and nursing practice. Identifies continuity of care needs for discharge and follow-up using appropriate resources. Communicates up-dated status report and clear information to patient/family to make informed decisions. Unit Specific Duties Assists and completes daily tasks. Reviews OPS schedule and anticipates patient care and department needs. Communicates with other departments in a timely and professional manner. Functions as weekend call staffer completing follow-up calls. Assists with add-ons, cancellations and patient questions. Able to care for multiple patients in all phases of perioperative care. Facilitates professional communication with family, physicians, and staff in regards to changes in patient status, delays or transfers to another care area. Notifies physicians of patient/family questions. Plans, sets up and assists with minor procedures. Conscious sedation, miner excisions, TRUS/PNB, cystoscopy. Works in an efficient manner moving from task to task to ensure patients move through OPS in a timely manner. Takes initiative to review Blog and Meeting minutes when absent. Incorporates changes into practice.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Education Required:
ASN Preferred:
BSN Minimum Work Experience Required:
One year of surgical or perianesthesia experience preferred. Must have basic computer skills. Good communication, interpersonal and customer service skills.
Required Licenses:
Current RN license with the authority to practice in the State of Wyoming, BLS required at the time of hire. ENPC/PALS and ACLS certification required within 30 days of hire.
FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS
Working Conditions:
Fast paced outpatient surgery area. Some stressful situations. Frequent interruptions. Close working quarters. Rapidly changing census and patient acuity. Must be on-site at the St. John's Health campus to fulfill the responsibilities of this role.
Physical Requirements:
75% to 90% of the time standing and/or walking. Irregular lunch/breaks. Must possess the ability to lift, push, pull or move patients, equipment, supplies. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, bending and/or turning patients. 2 to 3 hours per day of computer usage. Must posses sight/hearing senses to meet the requirements of this position.
All hospital departments, patients, physicians, families and/or friends of patients, community agencies, transferring medical facilities.
LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES
Patient Focus (Nursing) Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of patients Gets firsthand patient feedback and uses it for improvements Establishes and maintains effective relationships with patients and gains their trust and respect Attention to Detail (Nursing) Completes tasks in a way that ensures there are not errors Methodically and patiently reviews work to identify any mistakes or discrepancies Creates and stores documentation in a way that is thorough and easy to access Quality Decision Making (Nursing) Considers many factors and sources when making decisions Is correct and accurate with most of his/her solutions and suggestions when judged over time Is sought out by others for advice and solutions Spends his/her time and the time of others on what's important Quickly zeros in on the critical and few and puts the trivial many aside Handles risks and uncertainty with composure Interpersonal Skills (Nursing) Steps up to conflicts, seeing them as opportunities Finds common ground and gains cooperation Builds appropriate rapport Taking responsibility for the consequences of one's own actions and decisions
