Registered Nurse

The registered nurse provides general nursing care to patients to contribute to the total patient care program. EDUCATION : Must be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Must possess a current, unencumbered active license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Kansas. Must be certified in BLS, ACLS, PALS & TNCC. PALS AND TNCC certification may be obtained within the first year of hire. Must have the knowledge and ability to perform necessary computerized nursing functions. ACCOUNTABLE TO : The Chief Nursing Officer. ENVIRONMENT : St. Luke Hospital and Living Center is an acute care and long-term care facility licensed for 10 acute care beds, and 32 long term care beds. The acute care nursing department employs 20 plus staff for the areas of medical/surgical, emergency, geriatric, surgery, ambulatory care, outpatient, urgent care, and swingbed. Patient population spans neonates through geriatrics, emergency and critical through long term, immediate and skilled care, inpatient and outpatient. The work performed includes some heavy lifting, up to 50 pounds, bending, stooping. reaching, etc., lifting and transferring patients, providing general physical care to patients, including turning and bathing. The employee is held accountable for the use of safe lifting techniques and body mechanics (instruction provided during orientation and reinforced with annual mandatory in-services), the correct use of lifting belts and equipment, the eliciting of help from others when needed to provide care, safety awareness, and sound judgment to prevent a dangerous situation that could cause injury to either the patient, the employee, or both. The employee may be exposed to communicable disease and toxic chemicals. FUNCTIONS : Maintains patient, employee, physician and corporate confidentiality, respects the rights, privacy, and property of others. Assumes responsibility and accountability for individual knowledge, skill, performance and behavior in accordance with hospital, and nursing standards of care (policies and procedures). Demonstrates compliance with infection control guidelines and the hospital chemical hazmat program including proper use of personal protective equipment and safety/emergency procedures. Demonstrates initiative in personal, professional, and educational development. Assumes additional responsibilities, duties and projects as requested or assigned. Uses the nursing process to direct and supervise patient care including coordination of care with ancillary departments. Assesses and participates in education of staff thought orientation and ongoing instruction as needed. Assesses and participates in education of patient/family through discharge planning and care instructions as needed. Demonstrates competency in handling of crisis situations, involving the patient, family, visitors, EMS personnel and law enforcement. Demonstrates knowledge of the clinical assessment/management of the pediatric, adult, geriatric, medical and surgical patient and responds appropriately to complications and emergencies. Demonstrates critical thinking skills in care of patient with potential life threatening illness and or injury. Document accurately and in a timely manner the nursing process in the care of each patient seen in the Emergency Department. Documents treatments and supplies used in order to apply cost to patient accounts. Holds self accountable for all aspects of nursing practice, therefore, reports all adverse incidents to Risk Management in a timely manner to facilitate patient safety. Demonstrates the following behaviors which contribute to a positive environment in a patient care setting: Demonstrates sensitivity and responsiveness to patient, family, and visitor needs. Demonstrates a caring and compassionate attitude with patients, families and visitors by treating them with courtesy, consideration, and tact. Listens to and communicates effectively and pleasantly with patients, families, visitors and coworkers. Treats coworkers with dignity and respect and provides them with support and assistance. Does not speak negatively about a coworker. Promotes teamwork and quality patient care by demonstrating ability to positively collaborate with all coworkers and health care team members. Communicates concerns to the appropriate person(s) to resolve problems and issues. #J-18808-Ljbffr