RN- Acute Care

Summary: Provides nursing services to patients admitted to the hospital Acute Care Unit by performing the following duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Performs patient admission and assessment. Determines the nursing needs of the patient and devises a nursing plan for each individual. Implements the nursing plan of care and coordinates tests and other diagnostic procedures.

Documents all aspects of care as it relates to the patients' needs, problems, capabilities, and limitations as reflective of the plan of care and response to the care. Keeps records of vital signs, significant conditions and reactions.

Provides constant monitoring as well as physical and psychological assessment of the patient and provides treatment when necessary. Calls for the initiation of emergency procedures and administers treatment upon recognizing danger signals.

Operates and monitors medical life-support equipment and systems.

Acts as a liaison between the patient, physician and other disciplines. Communicates to the physician, family and support staff, appropriate information on the patient's condition.

Interprets and implements medical orders.

Plans for the health related educational needs of the patients and family based on their knowledge level. Helps patients to understand their conditions and learn what must be done to adjust to a new life-style compatible with their new state of health.

Initiates and follows through with planning for discharge or continuing care.

Demonstrates a sound knowledge base and decision making in the administration of nursing care for a designated patient population.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises support personnel in the Acute Care Unit. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Behavioral Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Teamwork - Contributes to a climate where employees want to do their best and work together as a team; Accepts responsibility for establishing and maintaining a healthy relationship with every member of the staff; Assists co-workers as needed; Displays a positive, cooperative team attitude and recognizes the achievement of others.

Communication/Interpersonal Skills - Demonstrates the organization's cardinal value; to honor the dignity and worth of each individual; Relates to others in an honest, straightforward fashion and is professional verbally and non-verbally; Resolves conflict in a positive manner; Actively listens with a sincere attempt to understand and values different points of view; Respects the confidentiality of patient and employee information.

Dependability/Reliability - Reports to work in a regular and timely manner and is willing to make schedule adjustments related to changes in workload activity; Accepts delegation responsibly and can be relied upon to perform duties and complete assignments independently and in a reasonable time frame; Observes appropriate work breaks and meal periods; Attends mandatory meetings and in-services; Demonstrates commitment and responsibility.

Initiative - Recognizes and follows through with duties that need to be performed; Seeks out new assignments and assumes additional duties; Makes suggestions for improving procedures; Commits time and effort to hospital committees and community service; Participates in department in-service programs and takes responsibility for personal and professional growth.

Decision Making/Judgment - Demonstrates the ability to secure and evaluate facts in making decisions and taking action and makes decisions in a timely manner; Makes good decisions when faced with new situations or incomplete information; Is able to effectively prioritize tasks; Approaches problems, challenges and new situations in an organized manner; Demonstrates flexibility and creativity in finding workable solutions and avoids recurring problems.

Customer Service - Treats patients and co-workers with respect and professionalism; Assists others in the department and throughout the hospital; Takes initiative in working to solve customer complaints; Displays a can do attitude.

Stewardship - Demonstrates a commitment to cost effectiveness and sound business practices; Conserves resources whenever appropriate.

Change Management - Is open to change and makes suggestions for change; Maintains a positive attitude regarding change.
Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience: Graduate of an accredited nursing program. Telemetry experience or successful completion of an EKG class preferred. Diabetes Education training preferred; may be required upon request.

Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret medical periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, patients, families, physicians and the general public.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as medication dosages, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills: Basic PC skills preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Current CPR certification (must be obtained within 4 weeks of hire)
Current RN license in Ohio
ACLS certification (must be obtained within 12 months of hire)
PALS certification preferred