GENERAL SUMMARY

The staff RN is a professional practitioner who functions as both a caregiver and care manager. In the caregiver role, the RN assumes responsibility for a group of patients for a designated time frame implementing the Nursing Process and therapeutic use of self. In the dominant role of care manager, the RN directs and oversees the care of other caregivers (nurses and non-nurses) via delegation, coordination, supervision, validation, and evaluation.

GIBSON AREA HOSPITAL & HEALTH SERVICES MISSION STATEMENT

To provide personalized, professional healthcare services to the residents of the communities we serve.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Performs assessment and data collection in an ongoing and systematic manner, focusing on the patient’s physiologic and cognitive status.

2. Formulates or individualizes a predefined goal, in a consistent and continuous manner by utilization of and adherence to pre-determined standards which define the structure, process, and desired patient outcomes of nursing process.

3. Evaluates effectiveness of care given by self and by all health care team members. Also, evaluates contribution of systems, environment, and instrumentation in processing patients toward desired outcomes.

4. Demonstrates competency in select psychomotor skills adhering to predefined written procedures.

5. Identifies patient learning needs and readiness for learning. Implements patient/significant other instruction to meet self-care needs as defined in standards of care and patient teaching protocols.

6. Performs documentation of responsibilities following all policies and protocols in the Division of Nursing and specially assigned areas.

7. Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to patient rights, as identified within the institution.

8. Functions with an awareness of and adherence to safety requirements as
identified in existing standards.

9. Performs efficiently in emergency patient situations following established protocols, remaining calm, informing appropriate persons, and documenting events.

10. Demonstrates applied knowledge base in areas of Division of Nursing and OB specific patient care resources/references, protocols, pertinent drugs, standards of care, and significant lab values.

11. Demonstrates an awareness of self-responsibility and accountability for own professional practice within the Illinois Practice Act.

12. Participates actively in staff development activities by sharing knowledge with others and using appropriate teaching/learning strategies to assist peers.

13. Demonstrates self directed learning and participation in continuing education to meet own professional development.

14. Seeks validation of knowledge base, skill level, and decision making as necessary and assertively requests guidance in areas of question.

15. Demonstrates awareness of legal issues in all aspects of professional practice and patient care and strives to manage situations in a reduced-risk manner.

16. Participates in development and attainment of unit and department of nursing goals.

17. Participates in development of standards at both the Division of Nursing and OB specific nursing level and demonstrates an attitude of acceptance/importance of standards in all professional practice strives to achieve minimum compliance levels and uses “professional modification” measures with sound clinical judgment.

18. Actively involves self in Performance Improvement (PI) activities through use of data sources and compliance peer review monitoring.

19. Demonstrates willingness and ability to effectively coordinate patient care/unit activities among nursing staff, physicians, and support services in both the care manager and “shift leader” role.

20. Demonstrates effective organization and priority settings abilities in using self, human, and material resources in a time oriented and cost containment manner.

21. Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills by implementing existing communication methods (i.e. staff meetings, written correspondence, etc.), and always attempting to receive and give information in a timely, concise, clear and positive manner.

22. Formulates and uses effective working relationships with all health care team members, patients, and families.

23. Demonstrates appropriate use of lines of authority in clinical and operational matters when seeking direction, validating self decision making, and resolving problematic issues.

24. Remains flexible in staffing patterns and in resolution of staffing conflicts; participates in temporary assignment measures in the division of nursing. On-call hours may be required based upon unit needs and to maintain patient safety.

25. Demonstrates problem identification skills using existing PI tools/methods; demonstrates sound clinical and operational decision-making abilities based on current standards and resulting in prompt action/resolution.

26. Demonstrates an attitude of seeking knowledge and rationale for actions and shows ability to apply theory/data to the clinical settings.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Visual acuity to observe patient assessment data and use manual/automated documentation tools.

2. Auditory acuity to hear patient verbal communication and gather data using auscultatory skills.

3. Manual dexterity of hands and feet to ambulate 8-12 hours per shift and to adroitly manage multiple pieces of equipment/tubes/invasive lines.

4. Physical strength to perform CPR(bed/floor), lift/push/pull 60-300 pounds (with assistance) as often as 20 times per 8-12 hours and perform constant walking, twisting, turning, and stretching maneuvers in patient care and use of patient care equipment.

5. Physical strength to perform the following lifting tasks:

Floor to waist - 40 pounds
14” to waist - 50 pounds
Waist to shoulder - 20 pounds
Shoulder to overhead - 10 pounds
Carry 40 pounds 30 feet
Push 40 pounds/force 30 feet
Pull 40 pounds/force 10 feet
Carry 20 pounds away from body 30 feet

6. Keen mental faculties to perform assessment and decision making skills in the management of acutely ill patients.

7. Communications/speaking/enunciation skills to receive and give information in person and by telephone.

8. Emotional stability conducive to dealing with a high stress level for 8-12 hours at a time associated with caring for acute patients/SO, fast paced physical activity, rapidly changing patient conditions, emotional demands and their families, and the demands of maintaining effective working relationships with peers, managers, physicians and other health care workers.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Reports to the Director of Unit-Middle Manager

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Current Illinois licensure

2. Appropriate nursing practice/experience (in past 3 years), or evidence of successful refresher program.

3. Current CPR

4. Current NRP or obtained within one year

5. Current ACLS or obtained within one year

6. Fetal monitoring competency with annual education

7. Attendance at one drill annually

8. Attendance at one Provider/Nursing joint meeting annually

INFECTION EXPOSURE RISK LEVEL

Category 1 - Maximal Risk – this job exposes you to potential blood, body fluids, and tissues on a routine basis. It is recommended that you get the Hepatitis B vaccine.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Works in patient care areas where there are few discomforts due to dust, dirt, noise and the like.

2. Works with patients and may be exposed to contagious diseases or infectious materials, but potential for personal harm and injury is limited when proper safety and health precautions and equipment are used.

Gibson Area Hospital

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