RN Medical Surgical

About the position

The Registered Nurse provides direct and indirect patient care using the nursing process in accordance with applicable scope and standards of practice. He/She applies the nursing process to plan and implement the care of patients, including patient and family education and continuum of care planning. The Registered Nurse must possess good communication skills and must be able to effectively communicate with physicians, peers, patients and families. He/She works collaboratively with all members of the healthcare team to ensure quality care is delivered. Will oversee LPN practices as directed by unit director.

Responsibilities

• Obtains and documents nursing history from the patient and/or significant other that is comprehensive of present condition and prior problems.
• Performs basic assessment of the patient, indicating adequate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
• Records vital signs, notes changes, and pursues more-specific investigation as needed.
• Makes pertinent observation, using language that correctly describes body parts and functions, and draws logical conclusions which direct formation of nursing care plan.
• Identifies abnormal diagnostic data and shows a fundamental understanding of its implications by reporting information to the physician and others caring for the patient, and by incorporating information in the nursing care plan.
• Uses assessment information to develop a care plan before the end of duty time that communicates enough information for incoming personnel to adequately care for the patient.
• Reviews and develops care plans for assigned patients.
• Includes the patient and his or her family in planning care, establishing priorities, and setting goals.
• Uses care plans as a basis for providing safe and therapeutic care to patients.
• Consistently follows established standards, policies, and procedures in providing nursing care.
• Accepts accountability for clinical care of assigned patients, including supervision of nonprofessional personnel.
• Communicates with the patient and his or her family and other members of the health care team in carrying out the goals of the care plan.
• Indicates an understanding of the roles of other health-care team members in patient care and incorporates their input into the care plan.
• Performs competently those technical skills considered basic to the type of care given on that unit.
• Identifies patient teaching needs and provides elementary instructions for the patient and his or her family.
• Notes discharge planning elements and incorporates these in care plans, demonstrating an awareness of community care available after discharge.
• Responds appropriately in urgent and/or emergency situations.
• Evaluates and notes the individual patient's response to nursing care defined in the nursing care plan and medical records.
• Participates in the evaluation of nursing care given to groups of patients.
• Identifies strengths and weaknesses of nursing care systems.
• Supports standards of nursing care through adherence to existing policies and procedures.
• Supervises care given by nonprofessional personnel, providing instruction as needed.
• Regularly attends unit conferences and makes recommendations for improvement in patient care via the patient care conference and unit conference.
• Participates in peer review as appropriate to the unit and Department of Nursing.
• Assumes responsibility for professional growth by current reading and attendance at educational programs and unit conference.
• Assists in teaching individual patients and patients in groups in established programs.
• Seeks guidance when encountering nursing procedures and responsibilities that have not been mastered.
• Acquires minimum of ten (10) hours of continuing education per year in nursing practice.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
• Must possess an active RN license in the state of TN or hold a compact State RN license.
• BLS current or must obtain within 90 from date of hire.
• ACLS current or must obtain within 90 from date of hire.
• PALS current or must obtain within 90 from date of hire.
• HWC must obtain within 6 months from date of hire.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree (BSN) preferred.