Summary

The High Accuity RN performs as a team leader and is responsible for prioritizing and initiating care of adult and pediatric patients in the acute care setting. The RN will continually demonstrate an ability to competently provide individualized goal directed nursing care for patients utilizing the nursing process from admission to discharge as evidenced by hands-on care and clear concise documentation. This person must be able to communicate clearly and accurately, remaining calm and professional in all stressful situations. The RN must have a good working rapport with physicians, patients, patients’ families, and coworkers of all departments of the hospital.

ESSESTIAL DUITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Interprets cardiac monitor strips, recognized arrythmias and carries out standing cardiac orders.

Participates as code team leader, making life saving decisions until physician arrives.

Identifies, organizes, implements, and evaluates patient and family teaching needs (adjusts teaching to the educational level of the patient/caregiver).

Prioritizes and coordinates patient care needs of acute care patients from pediatrics to geriatrics.

Cares for ventilator patients.

Performs and/or delegates duties during Code Blue (i.e.: defibrillation, administration of emergency medications).

Monitors telemetry patients.

Coordinates patient care with other patient care units.

Practices safe infection control during daily routine.

Administers and monitors IV medications and IV infusions of all High Accuity patients: i.e.: Activase, Dopamine, Heparin, Isuprel, Nitroglycerine, Doputamine, Procainamide, Bretylium, Adenosine, Lidocaine, Calan. (Adjusts doses of medications as ordered.)

Interprets and follows all High Acuity and Hospital policies and procedures and standing orders for self and subordinates.

Notifies physician of patient status and any changes in condition of High Accuity patients.

Performs initial admission assessment and discharge assessment on all High Accuity patients.

Follows High Accuity and Hospital-Wide Policies and Procedures

Identifies own learning ne4eds and seeks opportunities for self improvement.

Recommends and assists with changes to improve performance within the department.

Participates in all hospital wide PI activities.

Recognizes early signs and symptoms of impending complications and takes action within their scope of practice to stabilize the patient until the physician arrives.

May occasionally be asked to work in another nursing area within their scope of practice when deemed necessary by the House Supervisor.

Monitors acute care patients, pediatric to elderly, on ambulance transfers as needed when deemed necessary by the House Supervisor.

Utilizes personnel to give the quality of nursing care consistent with the Department of Nursing Philosophy and Objectives.

Directly coordinates patient care on his/her unit.

Supervises and delegates care given by LPNs.

Coordinates evaluating, planning, and setting patient goals and the implementation of patient care.

Identifies and studies nursing service problems and assists in their solutions.

Provides orientation for new personnel to job requirements, equipment, and unit and Hospital -Wide Policies and Procedures.

Instructs unit personnel in new nursing care, techniques, and equipment.

Evaluates staff performance through observation, spot-checking work completed, and conferences.

Identifies learning needs of the staff on the unit and coordinates plans with Inservice personnel.

Directs preparation and maintenance of patient’s clinical records.

Maintains accurate and complete records of nursing care required by the hospital.

Performs initial admission assessment and discharge assessment.

Accompanies physician on rounds and works closely with physicians.

Gives accurate pertinent report to oncoming shift.

Supports and implements Hospital Department of Nursing Services policies and procedures.

Communicates with other departments to facilitate quality patient care.

Identifies patient learning needs and assists in implementation of the patient education system.

Utilizes professional literature.

Attends staff meetings, inservice education programs, and CEU workshops.

Demonstrates correct knowledge of cardiac and emergency drugs for all age groups across the life span.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly Supervises employees in the Nursing Services. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include but not limited to, planning, assigning and directing work and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited School of Nursing with an RN degree.

Current certification in BLS

Current certification in ACLS

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, and interpret policy and procedures, and governmental regulations. Ability to write reports. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from patients, doctors and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume and dosage calculations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.