Job Summary:
Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse or physician, provides nursing care in accordance with the legal scope of practice and within established standards of care, policies, and procedures. Demonstrates performance consistent with the Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan of the organization. Demonstrates quality and effectiveness in work habits and clinical practice and treats co-workers, patients, families, and all members of the health care team with dignity and respect.
Essential Responsibilities:
• Upholds Kaiser Permanentes Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities, and applicable state, federal, and local laws. • Performs patient care functions, within the scope of competency, considering age-related needs of the patient as prescribed by physician/health care professionals, following established protocols, policies, and procedures. • Assists medical personnel with special procedures, minor surgical procedures, and/or diagnostic exams. • Assesses and monitors patients condition and notifies physician/health care professional for disposition. • Prepares and administers medications as directed by physician order following established protocols. • Maintains equipment and supplies. • Identifies and arranges for equipment needing repair. • Applies principles of aseptic technique and infection control as directed by the Infection Control Manual. • Monitors patient flow and assigns/directs other ancillary personnel as needed. • Provides medical information and education to patients, following established protocols and guidelines. • Documents pertinent patient information, assessment, and nursing procedures following established protocols. • Maintains patient confidentiality. • Performs other duties as directed.
Patient/Care Procedures:
• Explains purpose and process of examinations, tests, and medical procedures to patients, following established guidelines. • Instructs patients on general health and basic self-care procedures. • Reviews, explains, and clarifies physician orders with patients. • Instructs patients in the use of home equipment. • Administers patient first aid. • Applies basic orthopedic devices, as ordered by physician. • Applies and removes dressings. • Executes treatments such as urinary catheterization, bladder irrigations, suction procedures, and throat irrigations. • Follows standard infection control procedures. • Administers enemas. • Initiates emergency procedures (including basic CPR) and provides emergency patient treatments. • Lifts patients. • Monitors patient vital signs. • Monitors patients for bleeding. • Observes machine monitors. • Administers inhalation therapy. • Participates in the development of nursing care plans. • Performs surgical preps. • Prepares and positions patients for procedures. • Provides therapeutic care as ordered by physician. • Rinses and cleans instruments and equipment. • Sterilizes instruments and equipment. • Arranges for equipment repair and maintenance. • Maintains a clean work area. • Monitors the supply of oxygen and gas tanks. • Completes laboratory, radiology requisitions, and specialized test forms. • Notifies appropriate personnel of abnormal lab test results. • Answers member inquiries. • Observes patient condition for reactions during and after procedures. • Removes sutures following established protocols. • Responds to Code Blues. • Takes and records patient vital signs, height, weight, etc. • Obtains specimens from patients (urine, stool, etc.). • Performs venipuncture and finger sticks to obtain blood samples. • Prepares specimens and specimens for lab analysis. • Performs urine tests (tablet or dipstick). • Performs vision screening using the Snellen chart. • Performs routine diagnostic tests, following established protocols. • Performs skin tests. • Assists as a member of the surgical team. • Assists physicians with endotracheal intubations. • Assists physicians in obtaining tissue specimens and biopsies. • Assists with proctological procedures (i.e., Sigmoidoscopies). • Restraints or supports patients during procedures. • Performs EKGs (electrocardiograms). • Assists patients with ambulation and exercises, following established protocols. • Administers topical or aerosol medication as ordered. • Administers medications as prescribed, within the scope of practice.
Transportation:
• Transports patients to/from designated areas. • Routes specimens to the laboratory. • Transports laboratory specimens, medical records, laboratory supplies, and materials. • Transports office supplies and materials, patient-related supplies and materials. • Transports equipment and procedures trays.
Administrative/Clerical/Record Keeping:
• Requests charts/medical records. • Schedules, cancels, and reschedules patient appointments. • Initiates follow-up appointments with patients. • Checks in patients/members. • Prepares outgoing mail. • Locates personnel by paging system or beeper. • Provides patient information to family members, following patient confidentiality guidelines. • Records and sends faxes. • Screens patient calls and takes messages for providers. • Maintains department logs. • Maintains and updates user manuals. • Monitors and maintains protocol manuals. • Responds to requests for information. • Orders medical supplies and equipment. • Receives, stores, and distributes materials and supplies. • Replenishes linen. • Adjusts work schedules and/or reassigns personnel as directed. • Serves as a resource to coworkers by answering procedure questions and assisting in problem-solving. • Participates in special projects and studies. • Demonstrates safety procedures. • Coordinates and monitors activities within the module. • Functions as a team leader. • Participates in department meetings. • Trains and orients new staff to equipment, general duties, and procedures, following established protocols. • Maintains proficiency in clinical skills. • Answers call lights. • Answers telephones and takes messages. • Calls in telephone prescriptions, following established protocols. • Assumes other activities and responsibilities as directed.
Compliance and Integrity:
Models and reinforces ethical behavior in self and others in accordance with the Principles of Responsibility; adheres to organizational policies and guidelines; supports compliance initiatives; maintains confidences; admits mistakes; conducts business with honesty; shows consistency in words and actions; follows through on commitments.
Service Language:
Consistently demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors necessary to provide superior and culturally sensitive service to each other, to our members, and to customers, contracted providers, and vendors. Participates in service training and KP programs provided.