JOB SUMMARY: Reporting to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and through delegation of assignments by the Nurse House Supervisor, will independently implements the nursing process to provide safe and effective patient care throughout selected/assigned hospital nursing departments (“departments”). He/she demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide individualized, age-appropriate care to patients served in these departments. Provides break relief and supplemental staffing to RNs working in the Emergency, Medical Surgical/Swing Bed, and Skilled Nursing departments.

Will be directed, or autonomously go to, any department for which s/he is trained and competent, at any given time to provide nursing support. Maintain the required proof of competency to ensure they are performing at the expected level of patient care.

PERFORMANCE DIMENSIONS AND TASKS

Essential Function

1. Collects and documents data about patients through the following methods.
a. Interviews the patient or other significant source and completes appropriate history information in the EMR.
b. Documents physical assessment findings consistent with the department standards.
c. Incorporates nursing diagnostic data into written assessment.
d. Documents information from family, other nurses and physicians in the recorded assessment.

2. Implements safe therapeutic care for patients.
a. Sets priorities for patient care.
b. Safely performs and documents the nursing procedures required by the patient assessment consistent with MMHS policy and the department standards.
c. Demonstrates proficiency in performing all skills as required by this job description.
d. Demonstrates knowledge of the department’s procedures and/or protocols.
e. Documents all required information in the EMR.
f. Demonstrates ability to maintain equipment in operational condition by regularly testing monitoring equipment as required.
g. Demonstrates safe and efficient use of specialized equipment.
h. Demonstrates familiarity with crash cart functions and supplies; reorders supplies as needed or as assigned.
i. Actively participates in emergency procedures.
j. Demonstrates safe, accurate administration of medications.
k. Completes assignments in a timely fashion including both patient care and maintenance of equipment or supplies necessary for provision of patient care through the next shift.
• Medication stock
• Maintains safe and therapeutic physical environment.
l. Completes non-clinical assignments, tasks, and projects within a pre-established agreed upon time frame.
m. Coordinates patient care activities with other nursing staff and physicians.
n. Seeks out resources when needed.
o. Explains tests, procedures, and disease process to patient/family level of understanding and documents in EMR.
p. Communicates and interacts with patient/family in a way that is perceived as positive and supportive.
q. Consults other health care professionals to assist in dealing with psychosocial problems.

3. Provides an environment for growth that facilitates the teaching/learning process.
a. Uses both formal and informal teaching activities to provide information to healthcare team members.
b. Models appropriate interpersonal interactions.

Essential Functions

c. Assists in the development and implementation of educational programs and learning aids as requested.
d. Assists in orientation of new staff by sharing knowledge, experiences and verbal encouragement and acting as “buddy” or preceptor.

4. Policies and procedures.
a. Is knowledgeable of, follows and directs others to follow MMHS policies and procedures and departmental protocols specific to those units within which one will work.
b. Administers intravenous therapy according to current policy and INS standards.
c. Follows Infection Control policies/procedures, including hand-washing, universal and transmission-based precautions.
d. Maintains a safe environment for patients and staff.
e. Uses mechanical equipment correctly and appropriately as outlined in the Nursing Procedure Manual. Detects faulty equipment and notifies appropriate person for repairs.
f. Maintains cost containment efforts by prudent use of supplies and equipment; charging supplies and equipment appropriately.

5. Delegation and supervision.
a. Supervises delegated care based on scope of practice of heath care personnel and patient acuity.
b. Adjusts delegated assignments as needed.

6. Problem solving
a. Utilizes the steps of problem solving to resolve identified patient and department related problems.
b. Reports identified problems using the chain of command structure.
c. Acts as a resource to other staff members in problem identification and resolution.

7. Utilizes appropriate professional communication skills.
a. Listens to the ideas, opinions and feeling of others
b. Uses communication (interpersonal) strategies with individual patients and staff that result in:
• Achievement of intended outcomes
• Achievement of MMHS objectives

8. Gathers, disseminates and communicates pertinent information.
a. Attends and participates in 80% of staff meetings per year.
b. Obtains information presented in staff meetings if unable to attend.
c. Attends mandatory educational programs.
d. Participates in committee work as requested.
e. Reviews email every shift.

9. Maintains professional responsibilities to enhance personal growth
a. Understands and functions within the scope of the California Nurse Practice Act.
b. Keeps all licenses and certificates current.
c. Plans for personal change and growth based on evaluation and feedback.
d. Participates in setting measurable goals for performance.
e. Acquires knowledge or experience to meet goals.
f. Passes ECG test with minimum score of 80%.
g. Complies with annual skills update as required.

10. Performs other duties as assigned.
a. Performs other duties within capabilities as assigned by Supervisor.
b. Willingly floats and cross-trains to other units as assigned.
c. Collects quality improvement data as assigned.
d. Reconciles or enters patient charges.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduate of an Accredited School of Nursing; Bachelor’s degree in Nursing preferred.

Work Experience: Minimum of one year acute care experience within the past two years.
6 months recent experience in Emergency or Critical Care setting is required.

Licensing Requirements: Current unencumbered California RN License.
Current AHA BLS for healthcare providers, ACLS and PALS.

Language Requirements: Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Physical Demands: Must be able to sit for 4 hours and stand/walk for 6 hours or more per day. Must be able to reach overhead and lift/carry up to 50 pounds. Moderate exposure to hazardous waste and materials.

Special Considerations: Will be dealing with patients age 0 to 120 years.

Special Demands: Ability to work well with others and to perform a variety of assigned duties.

DISCLAIMER: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.