Postpartum Nurse - BWH

The Registered Nurse is a professional nurse registered in Massachusetts who is responsible and accountable for planning and providing patient care for assigned patients in accordance with Nursing Standards of Care as set forth in the Nursing Department's Clinical Practice Manual. The registered nurse demonstrates initiative, knowledge and clinical skills in caring for the patient with complex needs. The Registered Nurse demonstrates the ability to effectively manage patients by assuming full responsibility for the assessment, plan, implementation and evaluation of patient care and is directly responsible to a designated nurse manager, or supervisor.
For newly licensed nurses a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing is required.
Does this position require Patient Care? Yes
Essential Functions:
-Organization of Patient Care
* Accountable for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating a plan of care for a specific patient assignment.
* Sets priorities when organizing care for patients with varying acuity.
* Maintain continuity through clear and concise (verbal and written) communication.
* Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of growth and development of the adult and geriatric patient. In areas, such as the NICU and Obstetrics the principals of growth and development are applicable to the neonate.
-Quality of Care
* Documents patient care in a manner that is clear, complete, concise and in compliance with nursing documentation standards.
* Develops a comprehensive plan of care based on data from an initial assessment of patient and family, information from other members of the health care team, intra-agency referral and previous medical records.
* Develops a comprehensive educational plan for the patient and family, utilizing appropriate resources and documents according to the department's documentation standards.
* Develops a comprehensive discharge plan utilizing appropriate resources and referrals including community resources.
* Evaluates the effectiveness of the plan of care, and documents progress in meeting stated goals. Revises plan of care as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
* Participates actively in the unit-based and organizational quality management and/or quality improvement programs.
* Provides a safe environment for patients, staff, family and visitors.
* Administers medication safely according to established policies and procedures.
* Performs nursing procedures safely and efficiently.
* Uses equipment safely and efficiently.
* Demonstrates awareness of potential/actual risks of infection and modes of transmission.
* Utilizes universal precautions in nursing practice.
-Coordination/Collaboration
* Interacts with patients, families, and colleagues in a professional manner.
* Collaborates with other discipline(s).
* Develops, utilizes and evaluates unit-specific standards of care.
* Upholds the A.N.A. code of ethics and acts as a role model to other staff members.
* Participates in determining and implementing goals and objectives for the unit.
* Participates in determining goals and objectives in the periodic review and evaluation.
* Serves on unit-based and organizational committees and disseminates information to peers.
-Education
* Assumes responsibility for personal and professional growth through identification of own learning needs.
* Shares knowledge and experience with colleagues.
* Participates in unit-based and organizational educational programs.
* Seeks and accepts guidance for additional learning needs.
-Research
* Utilizes nursing research findings in clinical practice.
* Contributes to nursing and/or medical research endeavors by supporting investigators.
-Budget
* Utilizes time and materials in an effective and economical manner.
* Provides suggestions which support the delivery of cost-effective health care.
* Assesses patient's acuity accurately when making decisions regarding staffing, transfers and assignments.
* Demonstrates awareness of the need to manage within established budgetary boundaries.
-Personnel
* Participates in the orientation of new staff members, students and others as appropriate.
* Provides input into the clinical evaluation of other staff, as appropriate.
* Assumes responsibility for the unit in the absence of leadership personnel.
* Adheres to hospital and nursing policies and aids in their interpretation to others.
* Recommends change in policies and procedures through appropriate channels.
* Participates in the cooperative effort and peer support required for the smooth running of the unit, e.g., flexibility in relation to patient assignments, shift assignment, or work schedule.

Education
Bachelor's Degree Nursing required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
Yes

Licenses and Credentials
Registered Nurse [RN - MA State License]

Experience
Minimum current 3 year inpatient RN experience required. Maternal/newborn experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- The RN must show evidence of the basic analytic thinking necessary to care for a group of patients.
- Must demonstrate observational skills and the ability to set priorities.
- Must be able to function under stress with good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Must demonstrate effective skills in applying hospital standards in area of service, teamwork, communication, respect for others, and time/priority management. The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.