SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Nurse Manager (or designee), and within hospital and departmental policies and procedures, the professional registered nurse acts as a patient advocate in the application of the nursing process. All essential functions performed in this position reflect the age specific needs of the patients.
Responsibilities
Recognizes and reports deviations from patient or established norms. Identifies deviations from established norms not related to chief patient’s complaints. Reports patient’s responses to treatment(s), and documents nursing interventions.Provides basic comfort and support according to patient needs. Fosters patient(s) and family participation in achieving optimum level of patient’s functioning and performing activities of daily living. Sets priorities in individual patient’s assignments. Seeks guidance and resources, when necessary, in management of patient care.Identifies and assesses emergency situations. Initiates appropriate response and intervention. Plans for potential needs during emergency situations.Defines nursing diagnosis and expected patient’s outcomes. May modify nursing plan of care based on diagnosis and/or outcomes. Documents on appropriate nursing assessment forms.Implements nursing interventions and evaluates based on patient’s outcomes. Modifies plan or care accordingly, including documentation.The Registered Nurse maintains knowledge of contemporary, professional nursing practice within the legal framework of the Rhode Island Nurse Practice Act. Attends training and retraining, as needed, to maintain current knowledge of hospital and patient’s care practices and procedures. Utilizes established protocols and collaborates with the health team to facilitate therapeutic interventions and attainment of desired patient outcomes.Participates in quality improvement processes and risk management activities. Attends unit-based, or hospital meetings to facilitate patient care management.Functions in a cooperative and productive manner in the work environment.Integrates complete physical assessment with nursing assessment, and records reviews in developing a comprehensive and individualized plan of care.Follows all documentation guidelines per policy and procedure.Maintains quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control in accordance with established hospital department policies, procedures, and objectives. Maintains safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff.Demonstrates self-direction in maintaining and advancing clinical and professional competency. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.Provides functional guidance and direction to LPNs, CNAs, and other licensed personnel, as required.May assume shift charge responsibility on an assigned unit. Responsibility includes maintaining an overview of unit activities and delegating work responsibilities with equitable assignments. Makes bed and patient assignments, and assigns primary patients to staff.
