Registered Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

1. Analyzes pertinent clinical data from patients and other relevant resources; achieves good initial rapport with patients; effectively gathers clinical data in a timely fashion; utilizes appropriate verbal, nonverbal and observational techniques; data includes relevant physiological and psychosocial information.

2. Develops therapeutic relationships with patients and significant others; Creates an atmosphere which facilitates disclosure and active participation in the therapeutic process; actively works to achieve patients trust; facilitates patient awareness of their internal resources for coping; utilizes therapeutic verbal, nonverbal techniques and active listening skills.

3. Provides appropriate nursing care to assist patients in meeting Maslow’s Level I needs; consistently makes pertinent observations regarding patient’s physiological status; appropriately addresses variances from physiological norms; as indicated, accurately monitors vital bodily functions; assists with ADLs as indicated. Responds appropriately to physiological emergencies.

4. Adequately ensures the safety of all patients; identifies patients at risk and intervenes preventatively.

5. Demonstrates sound clinical skills in addressing patients who are exhibiting behaviors which threaten the safety of themselves or others.

6. Utilizes clinically sound repertoire of psychotherapeutic nursing interventions. Consistently participates in goal-oriented interactions with patients. seeks to decrease patient symptomology through effective limit setting, reality orientation, redirection, confrontation, etc.; demonstrates effective crisis intervention skills as indicated; reinforces healthy patient behaviors; promotes healthy expression of thoughts and feelings.

7. Consistently chooses interventions which are compatible with the therapeutic relationship established between the nurse and the patient; creatively motivates patients to participate in the therapeutic process.

8. Utilizes knowledge of medications (psychotropic and other) in the treatment process; actively serves as a knowledgeable resource to other staff regarding patient medications; collaborates in the evaluation of the patients, medication regime; appropriately utilizes PRN medication; recognizes and appropriately responds to medication-related problems/issues (side-effects, laboratory results, etc.)

9. Participates in the health/wellness education of patients; Identifies health education needs of individual patients; Actively pursues opportunities to conduct both individual and group patient education; provides opportunities for patients to learn experientially; promotes patient independence through health teaching.

10. Participates as a vital member of the multi-disciplinary treatment team. Clearly and consistently communicates with other team members. Provides concise and meaningful shift reports; Appropriately collaborates with and utilizes other resources to resolve treatment issues; consistently participates in the support treatment program development; appropriately represents nursing perspective to others. Documents the patients progress according to the treatment plan.

11. Functions as an effective nursing leader on the unit; effectively role-models attitudes and behaviors which positively impact on patient care and staff moral; consistently provides support and direction to staff; utilizes good judgment in assigning patient care to other staff; effectively demonstrates sound and creative decision making and problem-solving; effectively and efficiently utilizes available resources; consistently assumes teaching role to develop skills of other nursing staff.

12. Performs relevant routine clinical nursing tasks such as medication and treatment administration, transcribing physician orders, vital signs, etc.; consistently and accurately administers medications; consistently and accurately transcribes physicians orders; accurately completes all forms (Nursing Assessment, Problems List, Treatment Plan, Progress Notes, etc.) in a timely fashion; Accurately completes all relevant hospital forms (Incident Reports, Acuity Worksheets, Transfer Forms, Medication Sheets, etc.) in a timely fashion; utilizes documentation of other staff to develop more comprehensive understanding of patients.

13. Administers nursing care in compliance with relevant governing statutes and guidelines (TJC, ODMH, Nursing Practice Act, ANA Standards, etc.); follows established hospital policies and procedures; consistently applies knowledge of appropriate standards (ANA, TJC); laws and guidelines; collaborates with appropriate team members in the utilization of resources/agencies.

14. Actively contributes to the development of the Registered Nurse role within the department and the hospital; actively participates in the orientation of new RNs/LPNs and other nursing staff in the program/department; presents relevant information/material to other RNs/LPNs and other nursing staff in the program/department; utilizes expertise to assist other RNs/LPNs and other Nursing staff.

15. Functions as supervisory nurse when required and provides effective leadership to nursing staff; oversees and completes assessment of patients requiring admission; serves as resource person for nursing staff; receives employee call-ins and phone calls, notifies appropriate units and retains documentation; performs special projects or other related work as required or requested.

16. Utilizes knowledge of medications (psychotropic and other) in the treatment process; actively serves as a knowledge resource to patients and staff regarding medications; collaborates in the evaluation of the patients’ medication regime; appropriately utilizes PRN medication.; recognizes and appropriately responds to medication related problems/issues (side effects, laboratory results, etc.).

17. Shows ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner.

18. Displays knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.

19. Demonstrates ability to work with others.

20. Adapts to changing situations or work assignments.

21. Demonstrates willingness to rotate to other areas of hospital within the limits of preparation and skill level.

22. Conforms to uniform and dress code, personal hygiene and good grooming.

23. Wears and properly display name badge.

24. Positively responds to guidance or counseling and attempts to benefit by it.

25. Adept in identifying potential problems within the department and seeks management guidance

26. Demonstrates excellent organizational skills and originator of new ideas and methods.

27. Use verbal and non-verbal communication with others, i.e., courtesy, tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures, etc.

28. Maintain confidentiality.

29. Participate in continuing educational programs as prescribed by hospital policy, as well as attendance to hospital and department staff meetings per department policy.

30. All other duties as directed by the DON, ADON, Nursing Supervisor in relation to leadership, patient care, health and wellness.

31. Demonstrates an understanding of and adherence to the Code of Conduct

32. Conduct reflects Oglethorpe’s values and a commitment to the Code of Conduct