HCSS Medical Surgical Telemetry Registered Nurse

Competent Clinician

Possesses knowledge and skill to meet standards for competent professional nursing practice as specified in the Texas Nurse Practice Act. Experienced, knowledgeable, and skilled in specialty area. Competently functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Practice is characterized by predominantly interdependent decision-making. Practice is problem focused and patient centered in the manner care is provided. Able to manage unexpected or emergency situations that are commonly seen in assigned specialty population. Serves as a resource for Nurse Clinician I or II. Can manage commonly seen contingency situations that arise on the clinical unit. Provides patient care through nursing practices based upon the American Nurses Association Standards of Professional Practice, and Professional Performance. Values specialty unit, nursing, and institutional strategic initiatives and health system goals.

Major Duties / Critical Tasks:

Nursing ProcessCompetently and independently assesses, plans, implements, evaluates, and documents the daily care of assigned patientsCompetently identifies patient care needs, formulates appropriate nursing diagnoses, develops, and individualizes care plan, and revises plan of care as neededCompetently executes physician's orders for all assigned patients. Administers medications and treatments and delivers culturally congruent and specialty appropriate competent nursing care in accordance with UTMB's policies, procedures, and standards in a caring and compassionate mannerCompetently and independently performs routine and complex technical procedures/skills in assigned specialty area

Patient/Family Teaching & Health PromotionProvides uncomplicated and complex patient/family instruction and healthcare teaching based on identified learning needs (patient values, beliefs, barriers, and readiness to learn)Coaches others in strategies for patient/family inclusion and serves as a resource to others for patients/families with complex learning needsIdentifies potential impact of family dynamics*Utilizes evidence-based resources to provide patient/family educationUtilizes evidence-based teaching strategies such as Teach-Back, AskMe3, return demonstration, etc.

Care Coordination & DelegationCompetently and independently plans, coordinates, and prioritizes patient care activities according to skill level and work complexityMaintains safety and continuity of care using methods such as bedside shift report, hand-off tools/processes, inter-disciplinary care rounds, etc.; Role models and coaches others to utilize these methodsDemonstrates flexibility in time management to manage changing patient priorities; coaches and supports others to plan, coordinate and prioritize careDemonstrates competent use of technology in the delivery of patient care and serves as a resource and provides trouble shooting support to othersDelegates appropriately; may seek guidance or clarification of non-routinely delegated tasks

Ethics (legal/regulatory), Advocacy & Culturally Congruent CareIdentifies ethical situations and initiates appropriate communication/consultation to addressDelivers culturally congruent care using available resources to meet the needs of patient/family; recognizes situations in which personal bias may influenceServes as a patient advocate; may seek guidance/assistance in difficult situations

Communication & CollaborationSupports healthy work environment by demonstrating respectful verbal and non-verbal communication with all members of the healthcare team; may seek support with challenging communication issues; addresses behavior that does not support respectful environmentRecognizes colleagues when they go above and beyond in demonstrating UTMB's core values.

LeadershipRecognizes informal and formal unit/hospital leaders and can educate colleagues regarding unit/hospital leadershipRecognizes unit, nursing, and institutional strategic initiatives and health system goalsRecognizes the importance of financial responsibility to promote fiscal health for the patient, unit, and organizationDemonstrates openness to change by actively seeking knowledge and needed information; uses positive communication and role modeling to promote understanding of change to colleaguesFunctions as a unit leader, providing direction and assistance to team members.Mentors others and promotes professional development of less experienced colleagues

Education, Evidence-Based Practice & ResearchActively attends/participates in unit meetings/activities and supports the philosophy and goals of the unit/department and UTMBActively participates in shared leadership at the unit level; encourages colleague participation*Attends presentations, professional development activities; encourages attendance/participation of colleaguesParticipates in one journal club annually*Shares educational findings, experiences, and ideas with colleagues through shared leadership meetings, presentations, professional development activities*Mentors others and develops learning opportunitiesDemonstrates commitment to lifelong learning (evidence-based practice, specialty certification, advanced degree)Demonstrates knowledge and utilization of evidence-based resources to guide patient care; coaches colleagues to utilize evidence-based resources

Quality, Resources & SafetyIdentifies patient safety concerns, and reports appropriately; addresses immediate safety concerns appropriatelyCoaches others regarding unit quality metrics/outcomes data and improvement activities; actively engages in discussion, activities related to unit goals; Participates in systematic processes to achieve quality outcomesDemonstrates self-care through practices that support personal well-being, personal safety, and injury preventionServes as a resource to colleagues regarding the Electronic Health Record; identifies opportunities for system improvements and communicates ideas via appropriate channels

General Requirements:

Completes required specialty specific Competency Based Orientation (CBO) tools by the initial performance evaluation due date for placement in employee file.Actively participates in the initial and ongoing evaluation of competency using Competency Based Orientation (CBO) tools and e-performance nursing evaluation.Completes the annual self-evaluation on time for competency and performance evaluation.Performs and reports point of care testing (POCT).Prioritizes and organizes work so that required assignments are completed within a specified time frame.Provides and maintains a clean, safe environment and performs and/or assists others to perform proper aseptic technique, isolation procedures and infection control measures.Demonstrates acceptable productivity and practices cost containment for the unit/hospital and the patient.Competently and consistently completes accurate, concise, and legible documentation on all patient, unit, and hospital records (including care delivery and telephone patient related interactions).Competently utilizes electronic forms of communication and documentation.Meets periodic UTMB and unit specific compliance requirements for health screening, training, attendance, safety, and CPR.Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.Performs related duties as required.

Required Education / Experience :

RN with current license or valid permit to practice professional nursing in Texas.

Two (2) years of inpatient hospital experience within the last 2 years.

Must have current BLS and ACLS certification obtained through American Heart Association (AHA)

Equipment:

Able to use equipment and related supplies for a selected patient population.

Able to use mechanical devices, such as those used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, oxygen administration, and intravenous therapy. Show competency in point of care

testing (POCT) and quality requirements for that testing.

Able to use related computer equipment.

Working Environment :

Work environment is in a comfortable indoor area. Conditions such as noise, odors, cramped workspace and/or fumes could sometimes cause discomfort. Moderate to extreme physical effort may be required, such as walking, standing, performing CPR, and lifting materials, equipment, objects, and/or patients. Occasional lifting may be very heavy and awkward, over 50 lbs. Vision, hearing, talking, and sense of touch abilities must be adequate to enable one to perform tasks quickly and accurately such as reading small print, reading from monitoring equipment, defining details, sending, and receiving clear and accurate oral communication. Frequent periods of concentrated or focused attention will be needed to interpret visual, auditory, and sensory inputs. Shift work may be required. Alertness and careful attention to detail will be required to avoid injury. May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, radiation, chemotherapeutic agents, and disoriented or combative patients.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require the prior approval of the Executive Director of Human Resources

Compensation

University of Texas Medical Branch Health