Applying the principles of the nursing process and working within the policies/procedures of the Patient Care Services Department and the Medical Center, the staff nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who, as the patient's primary nurse, is responsible and accountable for the overall management of the nursing care provided, assuring competent, compassionate and cost-effective patient care from admission to discharge. This includes assuring the safety, comfort, personal hygiene and protection of patients and performing disease prevention and restorative measures, as well as responding to medical and environmental emergencies.