Registered Nurse (RN)- Med Surg, Casual

Join Our Med/Surg Acute Care Unit at UPMC Greene!

The professional staff nurse is a registered nurse and a vital member of the care delivery team. This role is responsible for setting the standards for the level and quality of care, holding responsibility, authority, and accountability for the provision of nursing care. The professional staff nurse manages and provides patient care activities for a group of patients and their families through the application of independent judgment, communication, and collaboration with all team members. This role encompasses leadership, partnership, collaboration, and supervision. The professional staff nurse establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with physicians, other healthcare providers, patients, and their families to achieve desired patient outcomes throughout the continuum of care. Additionally, the professional staff nurse demonstrates a commitment to the community and the nursing profession.

Responsibilities:

1. Demonstrates knowledge of adult learning principles (and/or teaching children if applicable) and applies this in teaching patients, families, students, and new staff. Provides detailed and appropriate teaching to patients and families to effectively guide them through the episode of care and transition to another level of care and/or home. Supports the development of students, new staff, and colleagues, and may serve as a preceptor. Creates an environment of open dialogue, inquiry, and continuous development by asking for feedback and improving practice.
2. Actively participates in department or unit-specific quality improvement efforts. Identifies opportunities for quality improvement to colleagues and management. Takes personal responsibility for improving patient satisfaction with the quality of care and service. Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to support improvement in clinical care: identifies research issues or articles related to clinical specialty or areas of interest, discusses opportunities for quality improvement at multidisciplinary rounds, and influences patients' plans of care.
3. Applies the nursing process within the framework of relationship-based care to create a healing environment. Formulates daily goals and a plan of care for patients that involve the patient as a partner and consider the individual needs of the patient in a holistic manner. Demonstrates critical thinking in identifying clinical, social, safety, psychological, and spiritual issues for patient care within an episode of care. Practices solid communication skills, articulating and translating the patient's condition to other care providers, negotiating, and making recommendations for changes in patient care and unit practices. Patient documentation is comprehensive and promotes communication between caregivers. Incorporates national professional organization as well as business unit and health system goals to improve patient safety, quality, and satisfaction. Creates a caring and compassionate patient-focused experience by building healing relationships with patients, families, and colleagues.
4. Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment to patients and colleagues. Demonstrates an understanding of cultural differences and holds peers accountable for healthy relationships. Maintains a conscious balance between work and personal life. Models safe work hours, time management, and a healthy lifestyle. Communicates with peers and management any safety hazards identified in the workplace.
5. Demonstrates accountability for professional development that improves the quality of professional practice and patient care. Actively participates in unit-based shared governance, goal setting, and supports the change and transition process to improve the quality of care and the practice environment. Serves as a highly engaged and full partner on the care team, responding willingly to care team member needs for assistance and partnership. Participates in work that improves patient care and the professional practice environment. Adapts to change and demonstrates flexibility with the change process.

The individual must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and interact appropriately with patients of all ages served by their assigned unit. They must also possess an understanding of the principles of growth and development across the lifespan and the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status. This includes interpreting the necessary information to identify each patient's age-specific needs and providing care as described in the department's policies and procedures.

Experience and Education:

• Minimum 1 year of experience.
• BSN preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, other departments, and patients/families.
• Ability to work productively and effectively within a complex environment, handle multiple/changing priorities, and operate specialized equipment.
• Good clinical judgment with critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities related to various aspects of patient care.
• Critical thinking skills necessary to exercise and lead others in the application of the nursing process.
• Mobility and visual manual dexterity.
• Physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting, and positioning of patients.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• UPMC-approved national certification preferred.
• Current licensure as a registered professional nurse in the state where the facility is located or in a state covered by a licensure compact agreement.
• CPR certification based on AHA standards, including both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire.
• Act 33
• Act 34
• Act 73 FBI Clearance

Required Certifications:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Registered Nurse (RN)

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran