RN Clinical Observation Unit -Fulltime Nights

Erlanger Health System•Chattanooga, TN

About The Position

A registered professional nurse employed by Erlanger Health System is responsible for practicing nursing in accordance with the state Nurse Practice Act, Erlanger’s Models of Care/Practice, and applicable policies and procedures. The nurse delivers assigned patient care, supervises qualified staff to whom care has been delegated, addresses patients’ physical, spiritual, emotional, and educational needs, and coordinates care with other healthcare professionals. The role also includes participating in and completing relevant patient safety initiatives and carrying out responsibilities in keeping with Erlanger Health System’s Mission, Vision, and Values. Bedside nurses are placed on a matrix based on five core competencies: Customer-Focus, Cost-Effective Care, Communication, Competent Care, and Compassionate Care. Guided by the Benner Model of novice to expert, the matrix is used to track staff engagement, advancement, and professional development. The professional nurse provides safe and effective patient care using evidence-based best practices. This includes communicating effectively with the healthcare team, maintaining a safe therapeutic environment, assessing patients holistically, responding appropriately to changes and emergencies, involving patients and families in care planning, documenting accurately, and meeting unit-specific education and competency requirements. The nurse also contributes to performance improvement and a healthy work environment.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
Current licensure privileges to practice nursing in the state of employment.
BLS completed before going to the unit or department and maintained thereafter.
Non-Tennessee residents must obtain Tennessee licensure or multistate licensure from a compact state within three months of hire.
Complete additional certifications required by the unit.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Prior experience delivering patient care in a similar care setting.
Nationally recognized certification in the area of practice.
ACLS after one year of nursing experience and maintained thereafter.

Responsibilities

Deliver assigned patient care and supervise qualified staff to whom patient care has been delegated.
Address patients’ physical, spiritual, emotional, and educational needs and coordinate the plan of care with other healthcare professionals.
Participate in and complete patient safety initiatives appropriate to the position.
Use handoff communication and bedside shift reports to communicate effectively with the healthcare team.
Maintain a safe therapeutic environment by following hospital policies and procedures and identifying and communicating risks to patient safety.
Perform and document comprehensive, holistic assessments; interpret and respond to abnormal diagnostic data.
Anticipate potential emergencies and intervene safely and appropriately, seeking assistance when needed.
Develop relationships with patients and families that support their involvement in care planning.
Document concisely, accurately, and completely in accordance with hospital, regulatory, and legal requirements.
Complete population-specific mandatory education and unit-based competencies.
Provide culturally competent care to patients and families and demonstrate awareness of evidence-based practice.
Manage time appropriately and meet punctuality and attendance expectations.
Demonstrate scheduling flexibility to support patient care staffing needs.
Communicate effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members, seeking assistance with conflict resolution as needed.
Implement the plan of care and identify resources to meet patient care needs.
Identify and communicate patient-condition changes that may affect unit staffing or safe patient care.
Contribute to a healthy work environment through professional behavior and by seeking assistance to address interpersonal conflicts.
Meet education and mandatory-program requirements.
Contribute positively to unit-based performance-improvement outcomes.
Update the individual competency matrix with information reflecting accomplishments.