Summary
The Registered Nurse (RN) is expected to provide excellent, clinically competent patient care by utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention, implementation, and evaluation. The RN effectively interacts with patients, significant others, and healthcare team members while maintaining professional nursing standards.
The RN determines the effectiveness of nursing interventions by evaluating outcomes in relation to evidence-based practices. The primary focus is to ensure every patient receives quality care and services through efficient use of resources.
The RN functions within the scope and standards of nursing as defined by the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Nurse Practice Act of Virginia. As a member of the healthcare team, the RN is responsible for making decisions and performing services that are in the best interest of the patient, while contributing positively to the patient experience and team success by prioritizing the patient and team above individual needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
These duties and responsibilities represent general daily tasks; additional duties may be assigned.
Patient Care Responsibilities:
- 12-hour shifts for inpatient staff; specialty units may vary based on departmental needs
- Completes a comprehensive nursing assessment based on admission history and standards of care
- Collects and interprets data to develop appropriate nursing diagnoses
- Initiates and updates plans of care within established timeframes
- Provides and documents patient and family education, ensuring understanding
- Begins discharge planning upon admission and throughout hospitalization
- Communicates unit needs and concerns with Clinical Coordinator and Charge Nurse
- Organizes and reprioritizes work based on patient needs, staffing, and resources
- Demonstrates critical thinking, clinical knowledge, and prioritization skills
Clinical and Safety Responsibilities:
- Safely administers medications and accurately verifies orders
- Demonstrates competence across patient care areas
- Responds effectively to emergency situations
- Documents patient care in accordance with hospital policy
- Maintains a safe environment for patients and visitors
- Adheres to infection control guidelines to reduce infections
Teamwork and Collaboration:
- Promotes a team-oriented environment
- Participates in quality improvement activities
- Supervises LPNs and UAPs when assigned and adjusts care plans accordingly
- Serves as Charge Nurse when assigned
- Ensures compliance with policies and procedures
- Communicates the organization’s vision, mission, and goals effectively
- Fosters a collaborative, open work environment that encourages communication
Leadership and Professional Development:
- Demonstrates problem-solving, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills
- Builds positive relationships with staff, peers, and patients
- Promotes teamwork, morale, and mentorship
- Creates a culture that values cooperation and shared problem-solving
- Addresses conflict in a proactive and timely manner
- Acts as a professional role model
- Assesses team members’ clinical competency
- Serves as a mentor, preceptor, and resource for students and new hires
- Attends required meetings, orientations, and in-services
- Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling to meet patient care needs
Qualifications
Preferred Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Preferred Experience:
- Minimum of 1 year acute care experience (new graduates welcome to apply)
Requirements:
- Must hold a Registered Nurse license in the State of Virginia or a compact state
- Must obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 90 days