Registered Nurse I

Registered Nurse

A Registered Nurse at UNC Health Wayne is a member of the patient care team who, with knowledge of the nursing process, provides leadership in applying scientific principles and professional skills aimed at caring for the ill, preventing disease and maintaining optimum health. The RN assists the provider in carrying out a therapeutic regimen for each patient and directs other licensed and non-licensed nursing teammates in providing nursing care to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of individual patients. The RN implements the nursing process in order to provide professional holistic patient care. Provides all nursing services to patients and families in accordance with the scope of the RN as defined by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Responsibilities include using the nursing process to plan, provide, supervise and document professional nursing care delivered to patients in accordance with provider orders, hospital and nursing standards, established policies and procedures, and regulations. Individualizes the plan of care using professional nursing judgment based on the patient's baseline needs and response to care. Evaluates patient progress and updates care plan accordingly. Demonstrates competence in care of patients with complex problems, including population-appropriate physical, psychosocial, educational and safety aspects of care. Performs bedside point of care testing as required for patient care plan. Organizes and prioritizes care according to patient/family needs. Consults with appropriate resources in a timely fashion regarding patients with complex care issues, unusual teaching needs and/or those at high risk for discharge planning. Collaborates and communicates effectively with providers, interdisciplinary teammates, patients and their families. Follows the systems that support the nursing process and delivers safe and effective patient care. Understands and complies with regulatory guidelines. Monitors the activities of other licensed or unlicensed teammates and delegates appropriately. Provides direction, training and guidance in the proper use, care and control of material resources. Assists teammates in the delivery of nursing care and provides direct patient care as indicated. May act as team leader or charge nurse as assigned. Completes continuing education, professional development and in-service programs to meet regulatory and job requirements. Keeps current on trends and developments in area of practice. Guides the professional growth of others within the department through precepting, role modeling, coaching and/or mentoring. Responds appropriately in emergency situations. Keeps leadership informed of any problems or concerns. Participates in performance improvement activities, departmental committees and other operational projects as assigned. Promotes a safe, clean environment. Presents and promotes a professional demeanor at all times, establishes high standards of customer service, supports responsibility, pride, and teamwork, remains calm under pressure, and offers reasonable solutions for problems. Demonstrates appropriate interaction with and provides recommended care and services to all patients. Ensures the delivery of age appropriate, culturally sensitive, and ethical care for patients. Applies knowledge of principles of standard precautions. Routinely uses PPE to avoid risk of exposure to self and others. Takes appropriate care of material resources and equipment.