FT:  7 PM – 7 AM

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for patient care to include patient history, medications, daily care, education, comfort measures and patient safety.  Performs duties under the supervision of the Unit Manager/Nursing Coordinator.  Assignment of the patient to other staff members is based on their clinical expertise.  Receives order from the physician's as to medications, treatment and discharge instructions.  Responsible for individual schedule changes, ordering of supplies/medications, knowledge of location and use emergency equipment and the checking of the Code Cart and defibrillator.  Is responsible for the accuracy of the narcotic count / administration of the medications.  Performance is subject to periodic evaluation for compliance with policies/instructions and for meeting professional standards of nursing care.  Expected to participate in quality improvement.  Maintains patient/staff confidentiality. Knowledge of computer documentation.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: 

Minimum Education:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. 

Minimum Experience:

• Prefer one year of Med/Surg nursing experience
• No previous experience required, but must possess the desire and the ability to learn. 

Minimum Field of Expertise:

• Participation in continuing education.
• Knowledge of new trends and techniques in nursing. 
• Demonstrate annual competency in selected clinical skills 

Required courses/training:

• CEUs to maintain RN nursing license. 

Required certification:

• Current Kansas license with biennial renewal, 
• BLS affirmation

Recommended certification:

• ACLS

Physical Demands: 

• Moderate/heavy physical efforts             
• Frequent standing/walking/sitting/stooping/reaching/bending
• Frequent lifting patient, supplies, and equipment 
• Manual dexterity and mobility 
• Must be able to lift arms above head
• Rapid and efficient response to emergencies
• Must pass the Physical Capacity Profile Testing (3)

Required protective equipment: 

• Standard precautions for:  a. exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious materials; b. exposure to chemical hazards, slippery surfaces; c. exposure to noise and noxious odors; d. electrical equipment.

Vision requirements: 

• Ability to see clearly at 20 feet or more 
• Ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less
• Ability to see peripherally 

Working conditions:  

• Is subject to stressful conditions
• Assigned to a home unit and shift or shifts. 
• Can expect to be reassigned to another area or shift as necessary for staffing. 
• Requires weekend and holiday work.
• Is subject to overtime and low census days due to fluctuation in workload.
• May be requested to provide patient care in a helicopter or ambulance transfer
• Is subject to call back for mass casualty situations

Personal: 

• Works positively with others, possessing tact, discretion and diplomacy
• Demonstrates leadership and teaching skill 
• Possesses the ability to work under pressure 
• Maintains good physical and emotional well being 
• Positive communication skills
• Ability to work quietly
• Appropriate, clean attire according to department of nursing dress code, wears nametag and identifies self to patient.             
• Reliable
• Possesses integrity
• Possesses initiative
• Role model
• Maintains a positive attitude

Degree of Supervision Required:

• Must be able to work independently

DUTIES OF STAFF NURSE ‑ REGISTERED NURSE

• Performs the nursing care to patients in a manner reflective of the hospital's philosophy and objectives. 
• Plans safe, efficient and economical nursing care of patients while at the same time meeting JCAHO and other relevant standards.      
• Maintains knowledge of All Hospital Plans Book; Department of Nursing/Unit Policies & Procedures; Infection Control Manual and the Personnel Policy Handbook.  Work performance is consistent with these policies and procedures.   
• Maintains positive physician ‑ nurse rapport. 
• Dates/times and implements physician's orders.  
• Performs or reviews admission assessment on assigned patients as evidenced by appropriate documentation on care plan, nurse’s notes, and discharge plans.  The discharge plan is initiated upon admission. 
• Performs age specific treatments/procedures on patients as directed by physician and the plan of care. 
• Monitors patient’s condition and maintains accurate documentation.  Reports abnormalities or instabilities of patient's condition in a timely manner to appropriate individuals; i.e. physician, unit manager or nurse coordinator. 
• Accurately enters orders and related information in the computer.  When the computer is “down” the paperwork is to be completed manually. 
• Initiates/completes surgical/procedural permits and pre‑op check lists. 
• Reduces patient’s/significant other’s anxiety through education and positive emotional support.  Provides patients, family, significant others with an explanation of condition/procedures.  Assesses impairment(s) affecting patient’s/significant other’s ability/willingness to learn. 
• Reviews home care/discharge instructions with patient and/or responsible party, as evidenced by documentation. 
• Performs appropriate medication administration utilizing the five rights and two forms of patient identification. Assumes responsibility for routine, PRN, and stat medications.
• Demonstrates knowledge of IV/Epidural and Nutritional therapies.  Stays current with knowledge of pump functions. 
• Assumes responsibility for checking outdated medication(s). 
• Counts narcotics at end of shift. Informs unit manager/nursing coordinator immediately when the count is not accurate. All staff must remain in the unit until this situation is rectified.
• Completes in a timely manner the Patient Acuity Tool to assist with staffing ratios. 
• Provides a calm, quiet atmosphere
• Adequate vigilance over patients, insuring necessary safety precautions; (rails up, call light in reach, bed in low position, instructions on Nurse Call system/room, fall protocol reviewed for that patient, assistive devices, bed alarm check or restraint per physician request, frequent visual observation and attention to needs).
• Recognizes legal responsibilities and functions within limitations as specified by law. 
• Assists other staff members as needed. 
• Attends 100% of all staff meetings/mandatory classes unless excused by the Unit Manager. 
• Participates on assigned committees. 
• Maintains positive working relationship with all personnel in a professional manner. 
• Assists in maintaining adequate supplies and equipment necessary for delivery of care.
• Leaves patient care area and nursing unit clean for oncoming shift
• Reports patient’s condition to the oncoming shift by giving a concise summary of admission details, patient’s history, pertinent occurrences from previous shift and the off-going shift and pertinent lab values.
• Responsible for safe operation of equipment.
• Assumes responsibility for checking the MAR with physician orders.
• Ensures assessment on assigned patients every shift.
• Registered Nurse ensures the LPN’s admission assessments are co-signed.
• Participates in the orientation of new personnel.
• Understands OSHA regulations and COBRA law and transfer procedures.
• Reads and initials information regarding new Policies & Procedures, schedule changes, Memos, L. A. Express, and Staff News.
• The Registered Nurse is evaluated by the Unit Manager/ Assistant Chief Nursing Officer by several methods including observation, documented counseling, and continuing education/inservices/meeting records. “Exceeds” equals documentation by the Unit Manager that they went beyond the expectations of routine performance. “Not met” must include documentation that the Registered Nurse has not performed up to expectations documented by the Unit Manager/ Assistant Chief Nursing Officer.