Registered Nurse BBHC01

Position Duties:

1. Provides the best possible nursing care by planning, organizing, and directing the nursing functions of patients on the unit.
2. Assesses patient’s condition based upon observation and/or interview of patient, physician’s diagnosis, laboratory findings and other pertinent information.
3. Uses professional judgment to prepare nursing care plans consistent with assessment of patient’s condition and physician’s treatment plans.
4. Directs non-professional personnel in implementing nursing care plans, and provides guidance and demonstrates appropriate methods, as necessary, to correct deviations from established standards. Makes nursing assignments appropriate to the skill level of employees and the needs of the patients.
5. Evaluates patient’s response to nursing care and modifies or revises treatment plans, and/or contacts physicians as circumstances require.
6. Renders professional nursing care including administering medications, initiating and maintaining intravenous fluids according to hospital policy and procedures.
7. Understands the pharmacology and recognizes the side effects of medications administered.
8. Performs lab draws, documents, and reports findings to appropriate personnel.
9. Performs Point of Care testing as assigned and trained, maintains competency for testing and quality control procedures. Reports lab results and documents in the patient chart.
10. Performs both complex and routine treatments as prescribed by physicians or as warranted by patient’s condition.
11. Makes regular rounds of assigned patients independently and with physicians. Observes and evaluates patient’s symptoms, progress and reactions to treatments and mediations. Takes corrective actions as indicated.
12. Identifies problems and guides personnel to their solution. Communicates with other hospital departments, as necessary, in order to resolve operational problems and make the most effective use of hospital resources in delivering quality patient care. Participates in interdisciplinary patient care conferences necessary in order to plan and evaluate effective patient care.
13. Accurately and promptly implements physicians' orders.
14. Admits, transfers and discharges patients.
15. Instructs patients and family members regarding treatments, nursing plans and so forth in order to allay apprehensions. Explains home care methods and techniques necessary for continuing patient care.
16. Arranges to have needed supplies and equipment on hand.
17. Maintains the standards of accurate and complete recording and reporting. Reports patient’s condition, medications given and treatments administered to the Chief Nurse Executive and/or Chief Executive Officer and the following shift; and informs physician of appropriate patient information.
18. Demonstrates and maintains competency in nursing skills and knowledge. Demonstrates age appropriate competency skills and knowledge, displays ability to perform skills specific to patient population identified in unit specific skills list(s).
19. Displays ability to perform skills specific to patient population identified in unit specific skill list(s).
20. Assist in orientating and training student nurses and new personnel, and serves as a resource person for departmental personnel resolving patient care problems. Evaluates personnel performance with recommendations for appropriate action.
21. Participates in hospital safety programs. Responsible for knowing the lifting requirements of the job and requesting assistance when appropriate.
22. Keeps Chief Nurse Executive and/or Chief Executive Officer informed of patients, needs, and problems on the nursing unit.
23. Assists in reviewing and revising policies and procedures. Observes and supports hospital policy, mission statement, and vision. Supports and enforces infection-control policies and procedures.
24. Contributes to the collection and evaluation of data for the nursing Quality Review Program. Contributes to Performance Improvement activities.
25. Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by reading appropriate books; journals and other literature and attending related seminars, conferences, etc.
26. Maintains a professional approach with confidentiality. Assures protection and privacy of health information as attained through written, electronic or oral disclosures.
27. Displays concern and initiative. Is resourceful and calm in emergencies.
28. Is prompt and efficient with minimal absences.
29. Cooperates and maintains good rapport with nursing staff, medical staff, other departments, and visitors.
30. Seeks guidance and remains knowledgeable of, and complies with, all applicable federal and state laws, as well as hospital polices that apply to assigned duties.
31. Complies with hospital expectations regarding ethical behavior and standards of conduct.
32. Complies with federal and hospital requirements in the areas of protected health information and patient privacy.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:    Must be a graduate from an accredited school of nursing.

Experience: Minimum one (1) year of RN experience. Prefer experience in Psychiatric Nursing.

Licensure:    Currently licensed in the State of Indiana as a Registered Nurse.  CPR and CPI certification within 180 days of hire.

Skills:              Excellent verbal communication skills necessary in order to instruct and comfort patients and their families. Maintain effective contacts with a variety of Hospital Personnel. Must demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served.

Working Conditions:

The employee may be exposed to blood borne pathogens, infectious diseases, and other hazardous wastes, (i.e. Hepatitis, Aids, Tuberculosis).  Proper precautions will be taught and provided by the hospital.  The position requires a considerable amount of walking, stooping, pulling, lifting, feeling, hearing, and repetitive motions.  Ability to move quickly in response to physician and patient needs, to stand for long periods, occasional overhead and low reaching, and to exert force of up to 50 lbs. occasionally, up to 20 lbs. frequently and/or up to 10 lbs. constantly. Patient care activities may require the ability to lift of up to 30 lbs. constantly, up to 50 lbs. occasionally and up to 100 lbs. rarely.

Miscellaneous

Seeks guidance and remains knowledgeable of, and complies with, all applicable federal and state laws as well as regulations and hospital policies that apply to assigned duties. Complies with hospital expectations regarding ethical behavior and standards of conduct. Complies with federal and hospital requirements in the areas of protected health information and patient privacy.  Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be assigned as required in the hospital's sole discretion.