Registered Nurse - ENCORE Acute Care Unit (FTD)

This professional staff person is responsible for performing assessments, developing a plan of care and implementing and evaluating the care. The RN-Critical administers medications and treatments as ordered by physicians and in keeping with the current clinical nursing practice. Also responsible for directing, monitoring and evaluating the care delegated to non-licensed personnel. The RN-Critical leads the interdisciplinary care team for patients with primarily cardiovascular disease. In addition, the RN-Critical performs a range of technical services in a cross-functional mode to comprehensively serve patient needs. Assumes (under the direction of the Laboratory) responsibility for patient specimen testing, quality control, quality improvement and equipment maintenance.

Primary Duties

Patient Care:

1. Completes admission assessment and periodic reassessments according to patient’s progress and/or unit routines and patient population-specific parameters.
2. Documents findings and communicates all pertinent information to interdisciplinary team members as appropriate.
3. Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members in the development, evaluation and revision of the plan of care as appropriate to meet the patient’s needs and goals.
4. Provides competent direct care and ensures the provision of a safe and comforting environment resulting in a high level of patient satisfaction.
5. Assists healthcare team members in the understanding of hospital policies and procedures.
6. Provides education to patients/families/significant others, incorporating patient population-specific criteria and assessment of readiness to learn.
7. Maintains patient confidentiality.
8. Maintains standard precautions.
9. Administers medications and completes treatments according to provider orders, hospital policy and within patient population-specific parameters.
10. Maintains all necessary documentation.
11. Facilitates transition of care plan in collaboration with interdisciplinary team.
12. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to use necessary patient care equipment.
13. Coordinates response of the interdisciplinary team to emergency situations.
14. Performs Point-of-Care procedures in a timely manner according to established policy and procedure. Documents required information and complies with all Point-of-Care quality control standards.
15. Evaluation and Review of Patient Care Services:
    1. There shall be established working relationships with other services of the hospital, both administrative and professional.  The factors explaining the standard are as follows:
       1. Registered Nurses confer with the physicians relative to patient care
       2. Interdepartmental policies affecting patient care are made jointly with the nurse executive or designee
       3. Procedures are established for scheduling laboratory and X-ray examinations, for ordering, securing and maintaining supplies and equipment needed for patient care and for ordering diets, etc.
           

ICU

1. Ability to formulate an individualized plan of care and revise plan according to the patient’s response to treatment. Evaluates plan regularly for effectiveness.
2. Communicates appropriately and clearly to Resource Nurse, CCO and Physician.
3. Demonstrates knowledge of cardiac monitoring; identifies dysrhythmias and treats appropriately based on orders and ACLS protocol.
4. Able to perform a head-to-toe assessment on all patients per policy.
5. Able to monitor hemodynamic status of patient and correctly interpret the results.
6. Consults other departments as appropriate to provide an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.
7. Coordinates and supervises patient care as necessary.
    

• This position is designated as a safety sensitive position because of the essential duties of the job involves critical medical care to patients.  A lapse in attention to detail may constitute a threat to health or safety resulting in injury, illness or death.  This position is required to work in a constant state of alertness in a safe manner. 

Qualifications/Specifications

• Education: Graduate of an accredited nursing program required.
• Licensure/Certification: Registered Nurse with current state licensure or licensure from a state within the Nursing Compact required. BLS certification required prior to providing direct patient care.  Successful completion of ACLS certification is required for any Registered Nurse by completion of clinical orientation. Certifications will be renewed by recommended renewal date on the certification documentation.