Registered Nurse, RN| Observation Unit

Position Summary – 

The Registered Nurse ensures the delivery of quality nursing care for medical/surgical patients in accordance with age-related and individual needs, physician’s orders, hospital policy, standards of care and nursing practice. Responsible for assessing the needs of patients, planning nursing care to meet those needs, and ensuring that the plan of care is carried out and documented according to the principles defined in the nursing process.  Ensures continuity of care by providing direct care as well as supervising care given by nurses and supportive staff (when appropriate).  Participates in the development of the medical/surgical unit goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – 

Performed majority of the time -- 

·         Caring for adolescent, adult and geriatric patients in a knowledgeable, skillful and consistent manner.

·         Utilizes the nursing process of assessment, implementation, planning and evaluation to direct delivery of care to medical/surgical patients.

·         Documents assessments and data collection in an ongoing, timely, accurate, concise and systematic manner utilizing hospital and departmental charting formats.

·         Administers medications/IV fluids safely and accurately following hospital policy and utilizing the “5 Rights.”

·         Utilizes current CDC Guidelines for infection control.

·         Completes consents for treatment and transfers.

·         Assists in patient education/preparation for procedures as indicated.

·         Checks patient charts to ensure that physician orders have been initiated and carried out.

·         Utilizes the Nursing Process appropriately initiating care plans to address patient specific needs such as preventative skin care measures and/or treatments as required by patient’s condition.

Performed occasionally but critical to successful performance of the job:

·         Assists physicians with various bedside procedures requiring sterile technique as needed.

·         Plans and participates in nursing in-services, conferences, designated meetings and continuing education programs.

Decision making and budget responsibilities (e.g. impact limited to the employee, entire unit or organization-wide):

·         Impact limited to the employee.

Assigned direct reports (not limited to the ones listed). 

·         N/A

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education:

Required

·         Associates Degree in Nursing.

Preferred

·         Bachelor or Master of Science in Nursing. 

Experience:

Required

·         N/A

Preferred

·         Minimum one (1) year Med/Surg experience.

Licenses, Certifications and/or Registrations:

Required

·         Current licensure as registered nurse by the Oregon State Board of Nursing.

·         American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS. 

·         American Heart Association Healthcare Provider ACLS required within 90 days of hire.

Preferred

·         N/A

Job Related Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:

Required

·         Skills in use of hospital computer information/ordering system.

·         Uses effective written and verbal communication skills.

·         Demonstrates excellent customer service skills.

·         Functions well as part of a team and practices effective interpersonal skills.

·         Utilizes a problem-solving process to make decisions related to patient care and unit activity.

·         Personal appearance makes a good first impression.

·         Uses protective equipment properly and takes appropriate precautions to assure personal safety.

·         Performs efficiently in Emergency patient situations following established protocols.

·         Demonstrates IV competencies within 90 days by utilizing correct procedure for establishing and maintaining IV sites.

·         Demonstrates competency when performing finger stick blood sugar using appropriate precautions to assure personal safety.

·         Utilizes the least restrictive measure that will provide for patient safety.

·         Follows policies for disposal of hazardous waste and sharps.

·         Investigates ways to improve customer service utilizing feedback from customers (i.e. patients, family, co-workers, other departments, etc.).

Preferred

·         Bilingual skills a plus.