RN - Shock Trauma ICU - Full time, nights

Erlanger Health System•Chattanooga, TN

About The Position

A registered professional nurse employed by Erlanger Health System practices 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 and supervises qualified staff to whom patient care has been delegated, using independent judgment. The role addresses patients' physical, spiritual, emotional, and educational needs and coordinates care with other healthcare professionals. The nurse also participates in applicable patient safety initiatives and performs responsibilities in accordance with Erlanger Health System's mission, vision, and values. Bedside nurses are placed on a matrix system covering five core competencies: Customer-Focus, Cost-Effective Care, Communication, Competent Care, and Compassionate Care. Guided by the Benner Model from novice to expert, the matrix tracks staff engagement, advancement, and professional development. The professional nurse provides safe, effective care using evidence-based best practices. Responsibilities include communicating with the healthcare team, maintaining a safe therapeutic environment, conducting holistic assessments, responding to abnormal diagnostic data and potential emergencies, involving patients and families in care planning, documenting care accurately, and implementing the plan of care. The nurse also completes required education and competencies, contributes to unit performance improvement, and supports a healthy work environment.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
Current licensure to practice nursing in Tennessee.
BLS certification completed before going to the unit or department and maintained thereafter.
ACLS certification required before completing departmental orientation and maintained thereafter.
Obtain Tennessee licensure or multistate licensure from a compact state within three months of hire if a non-Tennessee resident.

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.

Responsibilities

Deliver assigned patient care and supervise qualified staff to whom care has been delegated.
Address patients' physical, spiritual, emotional, and educational needs and coordinate plans 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 with the healthcare team.
Maintain a safe therapeutic environment by complying with 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 planning care.
Document concisely, accurately, and completely in accordance with hospital, regulatory, and legal requirements.
Complete population-specific mandatory education and unit-specific competencies.
Provide culturally competent care to patients and families and demonstrate awareness of evidence-based practice.
Manage time appropriately, meet punctuality and attendance expectations, and demonstrate scheduling flexibility to support 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 changes in patient conditions that may affect unit staffing or safe care delivery.
Contribute to a healthy work environment through professional behavior and by seeking help to address interpersonal conflicts.
Complete hospital- and unit-based education, mandatory programs, and competencies.
Contribute positively to unit-based performance improvement outcomes.
Update the individual matrix with information reflecting accomplishments.