JOB SUMMARY: The Registered Nurse is responsible for the delivery of safe patient care utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. The Registered Nurse also directs and guides patient/family teaching and activities of other nursing personnel while maintaining standards of professional nursing. He/She provides direct patient care within the scope of his/her practice, and is able to respond quickly and accurately to changes in condition and/or response to treatment. The Registered Nurse provides for a safe environment for patients and visitors and utilizes the chain of command when necessary to ensure patient well-being and appropriateness of care. The Registered Nurse is directly responsible for the care given to his/her assigned patients. He/She communicates with the physician about changes in the patient’s clinical condition including assessment, monitoring, results of diagnostic studies and abnormal results and symptomatology. The Registered Nurse maintains patient privacy and confidentiality.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING
1. Current and valid Registered Nurse License in the State of Texas.
2. BSN preferred.
3. Current BLS certificate upon hire and maintain current.
4. Current ACLS certificate required upon hire or within 6 months of employment and maintain current.
5. Minimum of two years’ experience in ICU/CCU preferred.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Consistently uses two patient identifiers when performing procedures.
2. Does not use unacceptable abbreviations in documentation and using read back on all telephone orders. Monitors authentication and validation of telephone orders within 24 hours by the physician.
3. Ensures Crash Cart, defibrillation function have been checked per protocol and after each code, appropriate items are immediately replaced.
4. Is in compliance with information contained in the Infection Manual (i.e. OSHA blood borne pathogen standards, CDC Guidelines), and demonstrates appropriate use of personal protective equipment ( i.e. gloves, gowns, masks, goggles ) and good hand washing techniques.
5. Consistently ensures that all clinical alarms i.e. Cardiac monitor alarms are set with the appropriate parameters for the patient and are audible at all times. (In those units where cardiac monitoring is applicable).
6. Adjusts frequency of assessment as appropriate for patients condition and reassess nursing action for effectiveness in achieving desired outcome.
7. Establishes priorities of patient care based on essential needs and available resources of time, equipment, personnel and supplies.
8. Assists physicians with special tests and procedures. Uses time out on all patients for any bedside procedures.
9. Avoids and prevents injury to self and patients by applying the principles of body mechanics. Maintains a safe environment, functioning with an awareness and application of safety issues identified within the unit/facility, i.e oxygen immediately available.
10. Reviews and implements new orders and keeps physician informed of changes in patients clinical status. Consistently follows protocol regarding telephone/verbal orders and the using of “read back”.
11. Recognizes signs of abuse and reports appropriately to the Adult Protective Services.
12. Initiates discharge and patient / family education planning with proper documentation on the patient record.
14. Establishes priorities of patient care based on essential needs and available resources of time, equipment, personnel and supplies.
15. Formulates, maintains and updates a goal directed plan of care on patients which is prioritized and based on patient outcomes.
16. Provides education and support for patients and families to ensure understanding and reduce anxiety related to critical condition/special procedures.
17. Performs other duties as assigned or required.