RN Med/Surg

Acute Care Medical Surgical Nurse

Under the general supervision of the Director of Acute Care Services, is responsible for safe, effective and quality patient and family centered care in the Acute Care Medical Surgical setting.

Clinical Competency:

• Plans, evaluates, directs and renders care and re-evaluate clinical outcomes according to established standards of care
• Incorporates evidence based best practice into everyday clinical activities
• Performs medication reconciliation and administers medications safely and appropriately using the 5 rights of medication administration. Leverages technological resources for safe medication administration such as bar code scanning and tele-pharmacist service
• Recognizes and performs nursing interventions to maintain the body's homeostasis; acid-base balance, fluids and electrolyte balance, wound and tissue perfusion)
• In accordance with standing medical protocols and standing orders; enters orders, interprets and evaluates diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition, communicates same to the treating provider
• Modify patient's treatment plans as indicated by patient's condition
• Maintains accurate, detailed clinical nursing documentation, reports and records
• Within the scope of nursing practice, delegates and provides oversight of nursing care activities of ancillary nursing/healthcare team members such as LNAs.
• Promotes a safe patient care environment safe from hazards
• Consistently utilizes clear, concise, professional communication in all interactions (SBAR). This will include interactions with patients and their families, between disciplines, inter-departmentally and with outside agencies
• Promotes a safe patient care and work environment free of potential safety hazards
• Ensures safe transportation of patients within the facility utilizing safe lifting and transport adjunct equipment and good body mechanics to protect patient, self, co-workers
• Demonstrates safe, competent use of patient care equipment, beds, stretchers, lifts, safety and alarm devices, walkers, monitors, wound vacs, drains, oxygen therapy and other equipment approved for patient care
• Demonstrates flexibility in practice and collaborates to cross train in other departments to additional duties as needed to promote flexibility, sustainability and teamwork within the Critical Access Hospital setting

Patient Advocacy:

• Develops and/or implements an individualized plan of care, including developmental and cultural needs
• Utilizes appropriate resources for non-English speaking patients, healthcare illiterate patients, hearing and sight impaired patients and caregivers
• Clear communication of patient plan of care and education at a level the patient, family, and caregiver can comprehend
• Takes proactive steps to recognize and report suspected abuse/neglect, including, child abuse, elder abuse, sexual abuse, and spousal abuse. Reporting identified cases to supervisor and appropriate authorities
• Champion of customer service and service excellence within the department. Leads shift to resolve customer concerns and works with team to enhance the experience of care in the emergency department setting. Demonstrates effectiveness in negotiation and compromise to effect positive patient and team outcomes.

Quality & Professionalism:

• Ensures quality of care by adhering to therapeutic standards, measuring health outcomes against patient care goals and standards. Making recommendations for adjustments in patient care as necessary
• Adheres to Infection Prevention standards, consistent in hand hygiene practice before and after each patient interaction. Adheres to infection prevention precautions. Holds team members to IP and hand hygiene standards and room/patient IP precaution measures to prevent infection or the spread of infection
• Participates in quality review, performance improvement, survey readiness and patient satisfaction initiatives within the department such as hourly rounding, collateral duties, chart audits and nursing policy review/revisions as assigned
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Adheres to standards and applicable codes of conduct that govern behavior among peer and colleagues to create and environment promoting cooperation, respect and trust.
• Adheres to the standards of profession as outlined by the American Nurses Association
• Maintains professionalism by conforming to the Huggins Hospital dress code
• Continues professional growth by maintaining education hours for license renewals and participating in hospital committees, clinical council, and professional organizations

Organizational Expectations:

Attendance: Attendance is an essential job function; employee comes to work daily, on time, and completes scheduled shift

HIPAA: facilitates to maintain patient confidentiality

Internal communication: contributes to positive team performance and a culture of service excellence through effective communication, active listening, and respect

Interpersonal relationships: maintains appropriate interpersonal relationships with staff, patients, and visitors at all times. Works as a team member with other departments.

Safety: Practices workplace safety daily

Employee Engagement:

Actively participates in all hospital Service Excellence initiatives and trainings

Attends and participates in a minimum of 50% department staff meetings and signs off on review of 100% department staff meeting minutes

Completes all required annual education on or before the due date

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Minimal physical effort required with occasional light lifting to a maximum of 25 pounds; stooping; and pick, pinch, type, or otherwise work primarily with fingers

Ability to effectively manage considerable mental stress

Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word

Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication

Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and convey information in a clear, concise and accurate manner

Familiarity with computer and other business machine

Qualifications:

Experience: One (1) year of Medical Surgical nursing is preferred. Proficient with electronic medical records, computer literate

License and Certification: Current NH RN license, B LS Certification

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.