Registered Nurse, Otolaryngology, 24 Hours (Days)

Registered Nurse

In accordance with the American Nurses Association's "Standards of Clinical Nursing Practice," the registered nurse, under the general supervision of the Nurse Manager, Nursing Director, is primarily responsible for professional performance and direct patient care. The role encompasses nursing assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, evaluation, and coordination of care for patients and their families across the health care continuum. The registered nurse is accountable for clinical, educational, quality and fiscal patient care outcomes using the model of care designed by the nursing department and in accordance with established agency policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines and standards of practice.

Department: Otolaryngology

Schedule: 24 Hours (Days)

Standards of Care

1.0 Consistently and effectively utilizes all steps of the nursing process in the provision of timely, safe, efficient and appropriate patient/centered care.

2.0 Analyzes the assessment data to determine appropriate nursing diagnoses.

3.0 Identifies expected outcomes individualized to the patient.

4.0 Develops a plan of care that prescribes interventions to attain expected outcomes.

5.0 Implements interventions identified in the nursing and medical plan of care.

6.0 Evaluates the patient's progress toward the attainment of clinical and educational outcomes.

Standards of Professional Performance

1.0 Systematically evaluates the quality, cost, and effectiveness of nursing practice.

2.0 Acts in a professional manner relative to practice standards, statutes, and regulations.

3.0 The nurse acquires and maintains current knowledge in nursing practice.

4.0 The nurse contributes to the professional development of peers, colleagues, and others.

5.0 The nurse's decisions and actions on behalf of patients are determined in an ethical manner.

6.0 The nurse collaborates with client, significant others and health care providers in delivering client care.

Other duties

7.1 Interprets/translates for patient/family/visitors when conversant in their native language as needed.

7.2 Acts as a shift charge nurse when requested/needed and oriented to charge.

7.3 Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Patient Assessment and Triage

• Answer patient phone calls, portal messages, and referrals.
• Assess symptoms and determine the level of urgency.
• Document all patient interactions in the medical record.

Post-Operative Triage

• Assess patients after ENT procedures and surgeries
• Escalate concerns to the surgeon or advanced practice provider when appropriate.
• Provide post-operative education and reinforce discharge instructions.

Clinical Advice and Patient Education

• Educate patients regarding:
• Medications
• Post-procedure expectations
• Review red flag symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

Test Results Management

Medication Management

• Process medication refill requests according to department protocols.
• Review medication questions and side effects.

Administrative and Quality Responsibilities

• Manage patient message pools and in-baskets.
• Ensure timely response to patient concerns.
• Track urgent referrals and pending issues.
• Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

Red Flag Symptoms Requiring Immediate Escalation

An ENT triage nurse should promptly escalate:

• Airway compromise or breathing difficulty
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe neck swelling
• Sudden hearing loss
• Severe post-operative complications
• Signs of sepsis or serious infection
• Neurologic symptoms associated with dizziness

Job Requirements

Education:

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with an Associate's degree or Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN). BSN preferred. Candidates who do not have a BSN must enroll in a Baccalaureate program one year from date of hire and must complete their BSN by the end of the semester in which the four year anniversary of employment at BMC occurs.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required:

• Registration and current RN licensure in the state of MA in good standing required.
• Requires current basic life support (BLS) certification. Some units may require Advanced Cardiac Life support (ACLS) certification.
• Additional certifications may be required for certain practice areas