RN

Overview

Reports to the Nurse Director/Nurse Manager of assigned unit and according to Department Policies, Nursing Care Standards, and professional licensure; functions as a member of the Patient Care Team to provide professional nursing care services to patients with a wide variety of medical and surgical conditions that are admitted/transferred to the Unit.

Responsibilities

1. Admits patients to unit by orienting patient to room and introducing unit personnel. Takes vital signs (e.g, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, etc.). Monitors patients' vital signs including cardiac rhythms and rates. Identify and document arrhythmias. Interviews patients to obtain health history, allergies, current use of medications, and documents findings. Ensures all admission paperwork has been completed.

2. Performs physical assessment of patients upon admission and according to protocol. Assesses and documents patients` physical, psychological and social needs appropriate to the age of the patients served on the Unit. Reviews other available diagnostic data (e.g., laboratory values, radiology reports, transferring unit reports, etc.) and incorporates into assessment process. Identifies, communicates and documents significant physiological and behavioral findings.

3. Places patient on appropriate Nursing Care Plan based on initial assessment of patient and with input from patient/family. Establishes outcome goals based on nature of admitting diagnoses and assessment data. Nursing Care Plans include nursing interventions necessary to achieve outcome goals. Continually reviews and revises Nursing Care Plans based on evaluation of patient responses to nursing interventions. Implements appropriate protocols, including core measures and patient safety goals.

4. Accurately interprets and promptly implements physicians' orders according to policy.

5. Prepares and administers prescribed medications orally, intramuscularly, via IV solutions, etc. Monitors patients` response to medications, treatments, and therapies. Documents per policy.

6. Assists physicians during procedures and diagnostics, as needed either at bedside or in various ancillary areas according to established guidelines.

7. Demonstrates clinical competency by performing or assisting care givers with all types of routine and complex patient care procedures and tasks per competency skill checklist.

8. Collaborates with physicians and other health disciplines to coordinate the delivery of care and monitor progress of patient. At any transfer of care, reports all significant information, related to assigned patients. Documents per policy.

9. Provides effective health teaching to patients and families; assist patient and families to obtain knowledge about illness, injury prevention and treatment through appropriate and timely patient education and document appropriately.

10. Maintain high level of professional knowledge and skill through self-directed learning and participation in organization continuing education programs. Share such knowledge openly with peers. Attend mandatory educational programs, in-services and meetings as required. Actively seeks out information by attending Huddles & Unit Meetings, completing assigned mandatory education and reading communication memos.

11. Respond to life saving situations based upon nursing standards, policies, procedures and ACLS protocol.

12. Participates on Hospital Committees as assigned.

13. Responds appropriately when alarms sound; silence alarms only as necessary for patient care and returns to audible when done.

14. Rotates to other nursing units as necessary.

Qualifications

* EDUCATION

* Graduate of accredited school of professional nursing.

* LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS

* Current RN license to practice in the State of Illinois.

* BLS Certification required.

All Pediatrics trained staff required to obtain PALS within 1 year of hire.

* EXPERIENCE

* Successful completion of Pekin Hospital's Orientation program and successful complete of the Medication/IV Therapy Examination.

* SKILLS

* Ability to perform a variety of activities in an environment characterized by change. Adaptability in working with ill patients and members of the patient care team. Preference for working with people and performing services of benefit and help. Respect for privileged information. Knowledge of regulatory standards, safety, and infection control and Hospital procedures. Participates in quality risk management initiatives.

* INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

* Basic interpersonal skills. Effective communication and telephone etiquette, and the ability to function productively and cooperatively as part of a team.

* Exhibits excellent guest relations to patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers. Demonstrates courtesy, compassion, and respect at all times.