About this role
- 1. Utilizes the nursing process for the performance of patient care, to assess, plan, intervene, and evaluate patient care to achieve prioritized patient outcomes according to the RN scope of practice.
- Performs complete assessment utilizing information in medical record. If incomplete, responsible for obtaining information from patient to ensure completeness of medical record.
- Conducts full body system analysis.
- Administers and performs nursing assessment in accordance with the applicable patient type, which may include: Acute, Observation, ER, SNF and Outpatient Surgery.
- Reviews, discusses and implements health care provider orders appropriately and acts appropriately if there are questions.
- Recognizes abnormal symptoms/changes in patient condition, establishes priorities and takes appropriate action.
- Serves as a patient advocate.
- Performs patient rounding for all patient assignments.
- Evaluates patient progress toward desired outcomes prior to discharge.
- Demonstrates personal accountability in the delivery of patient care in a competent, professional and compassionate manner.
- Provides intravenous interventions.
- 2. Collaborates with health care providers to coordinate medical and nursing management of patient care.
- Promotes team concept through effective communication regarding patient condition, patient care plan and patient satisfaction with appropriate individuals that are involved in the patient's care.
- Works effectively with ancillary areas as part of the team approach to patient care.
- Directs patient support team members effectively and appropriately.
- Demonstrates initiative and flexibility in the provision of patient care.
- Informs and involves Lead Nurse or Nurse Manager regarding patient care issues in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team.
- Completes patient and family education pre and post-operative instructions.
- 3. Performs emergency treatment as required in accordance with RN scope of practice.
- Initiates or assists in patient care in an effective and responsive manner as each situation requires.
- Triages each emergency situation appropriately and involves other resources as appropriate.
- Administers and performs emergent care in accordance with the applicable patient population type, which may range from newborn to geriatrics.
- Follows emergency policies, procedures and protocols in an effective manner.
- 4. Performs and maintains documentation.
- Documents accurate and ongoing assessments of patient status that reflect nursing interventions, patient responses, patient teaching and status of outcomes at discharge.
- Completes shift end check prior to leaving duty.
- 5. Communicates effectively.
- Communicates and collaborates effectively with other health team members regarding patient condition, nursing plan of care, patient satisfaction needs and recommendations for meeting identified outcomes.
- Follows approved shift report format when communicating patient information.
- Identifies and recognizes abnormal symptoms/changes in patient condition, established priorities, and takes appropriate action. Appropriately, reports condition changes to medical provider.
- 6. Promotes and ensures patient and staff safety in all aspects of responsibilities.
- Administers medications, treatments and procedures in a timely and safe manner according to health care provider orders and nursing policy, including appropriate performance of standard precautions, using two patient identifiers, and performing patient risk assessments every shift.
- Utilizes proper body mechanics, transfer and lifting techniques to minimize fall risk to patient and injury to self.
- Implements infectious disease controls as appropriate including isolation procedures, proper use of hand hygiene and gloves.
- Follows proper procedures for wasting narcotics and disposal of sharps and hazardous materials.
- 7. Performs in a Lead Nurse capacity, as assigned or requested by management.
- Oversees care delivery and staffing needs and assignments on the nursing unit.
- Provides secure pharmacy coverage.
- Demonstrates knowledge of treatments, policies/procedures, and equipment.
- Responds to Patient/Family concerns and provides immediate interventions when possible.
- Adapts to changes in workload and completes assignments while maintaining quality care.
- Initiates and performs duties that need to be completed although not directly assigned.
- Works in collaboration with other departments in coordinating patient care.
- 8. Functions as the Surgery Coordinator.
- Developing patient care plans based on surgical needs, including determining appropriate pre-operative care, establishing post-operative follow up plans, and arranging for alternative care arrangements.
- Coordinating the scheduling of surgeries, anesthesia appointments, surgical boot camps, and appropriate pre-surgical testing.
- Ensuring all surgical cases are scheduled in a timely manner in accordance with the Physician or Surgeon's directions.
- Follow up on receipt of proper pre-surgical documentation; including but not limited to history and physical with PCP, any laboratory and imaging tests required.
- Completes prior authorization along with coordinating communication regarding billing with Patient Financial Counseling team and the patient.
- Answering telephone calls and emails as well as common questions about surgical times, appointments and pre/post-surgical instructions.
- Assisting (when necessary) with ensuring adequate preparation for surgeries by scheduling the necessary equipment and procedure rooms while also maintaining the surgical inventory.
- Communicates and collaborates with admitting nursing units, surgeons, surgical assists, anesthesia, and other departments. Working closely with these teams to identify and address any scheduling conflicts.
- Ensures all required documentation is provided and prepares patient chart in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.
- Plays a significant role in ensuring that the overall surgical booking requirements are met.
- 9. Performs other duties as assigned.