Registered Nurse - Observation Unit - 2E - Nights

BASIC FUNCTION:    
Under the direction of the charge nurse utilizing the nursing process, the Registered Nurse facilitates patient care by making nursing assessments and diagnoses, formulating care plans based on those diagnoses, and implementing and evaluating the plans of care.  The Registered Nurse demonstrates knowledge and support of hospital and nursing standards.
The Registered Nurse provides instruction, guidance and/or assistance to other team members including Licensed Practical Nurses (L.P.N.’s), Mental Health Technicians, and Unit Assistants.  The Professional Nurse demonstrates competence to plan, initiate, and evaluate care for patients in accordance with skills list.

NATURE AND SCOPE:    
The position requires daily internal communication and interaction with all clinical and non-clinical staff, physicians, patients and families.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:    
Supports the mission, vision and values of the hospital.

Responsible for working in a safe and protective manner at all times, keeping in mind that safety and environmental hazards are the responsibility of all employees for themselves, other staff members and patients.

Implements the nursing process within the delivery of care system utilized in patient care services.

Identifies patient/SO/family learning needs and implements appropriate measures to meet those needs.

Documents in the medical records according to standards.

Demonstrates appropriate delegation of tasks and duties in the direction and coordination of the healthcare team, patient care and unit activities.

Assesses patients and accurately completes Patient Data Base (PDB) and Assessment Flowsheet (AFS) according to the standards.

Reassesses the patient and documents according to standards.

Develops a plan of care (SOC) based on identified patient needs in collaboration with the Patient Care Team (PCT).

Daily reviews the SOC with resolution of problems as outcomes become apparent.

Participates in discharge planning according to unit/department standards.

Evaluates the effectiveness of medication treatment.

Evaluates patient/SO self-care abilities in response to teaching protocols carried out.

Demonstrates ability to carry out technical skills as required and validated through competency assessment.

Demonstrates ability to assist MDs with procedures/treatments.

Demonstrates ability to use equipment according to procedures.

Follows department standards for use of behavior management techniques, including application of restraints and protective devices.

Enters required assessment data as delineated by protocols/standards of care into appropriate systems section of AFS to capture assessment information.

Enters information into the Interdisciplinary Progress Report (IPR) according to standards.

Assists, directs and supervises ancillary personnel.

Assumes charge duties as assigned.

Provides CPR and assists with “Code Blue” as necessary.

Recognizes the patient’s needs for emotional support and enlists the help of spiritual advisors, relatives and other personnel in assuring the patient’s wellbeing.

Transcribes physician’s orders to the Kardex and Medication Report.

Maintains security and control of narcotics.

Applies knowledge related to growth and development status when interacting with pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.

Meets age-specific physical and psychosocial needs of pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.

Uses hospital criteria to report suspected abuse or neglect.

Attends in-services and is compliant with essential education and competencies without prompting from manager.

Supervises and/or provides psychoeducational groups per patient/unit needs.

Provides nursing input during discharge planning rounds and effectively communicates changes or need for follow-up.

Demonstrates knowledge of diagnostic symptomatology and appropriate nursing interventions.

Performs other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:    
Must be mentally alert and able to devote full attention to duties.

Communication and cooperation required with patients, family, visitors, physicians and other hospital departments.

Discretion is necessary in handling of confidential information.

Must be active in instituting cost savings and make efforts to cut waste.

Must have current CPR Certification, current driver’s license, be willing to obtain TEAM Certification, and basic water safety course.

Must have good manual hand and arm dexterity.

Must demonstrate visual and aural acuity to adequately assess patients and surroundings.

Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, staff and others.

Must be able to apply Therapeutic Effective Aggression Management (TEAM) Techniques without limitations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:    

Graduate from an accredited school of nursing.

Current license to practice professional nursing in State of Florida.

Receives 12 contact hours within one (1) year period, to include six (6) in area of specialty and four (4) in leadership; progress will be reviewed annually during the performance.

Effective 7/1/19, new hires required obtain BSN within three (3) years of hire/ transfer to position.

Basic computer skills, including ability to use computer and mouse.

Registered Nurse Unit Specific CPR Requirements may vary by department
BLS, ACLS, PALS required from American Heart Association or American Red Cross.