Job Summary

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides patient-centered care through the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This role is responsible for coordinating and delivering high-quality care based on established clinical protocols and physician/provider orders. The RN collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective patient care and desired outcomes, while maintaining a supportive and compassionate environment for patients and their families.

Essential Functions

Coordinates and delivers high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with organizational policies, protocols, and the nursing process.
Conducts thorough patient assessments and documents findings accurately, reporting changes in condition to the appropriate care team members.
Utilizes knowledge of human growth and development to provide age-appropriate care and education.
Administers prescribed medications, monitors for side effects, and documents administration in accordance with standards of practice.
Assists physicians during procedures within the scope of documented competency and skill level.
Collaborates with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans based on patient assessments and needs.
Responds to medical emergencies and participates in life-saving interventions, such as CPR and code team activities, as appropriate.
Advocates for the rights and needs of patients, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in care planning and delivery.
Provides patient and family education on medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care, ensuring understanding and adherence to instructions.
Implements and adheres to infection control protocols to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections.
Monitors and operates medical equipment (e.g., IV pumps, monitors, ventilators) as needed for patient care and safety.
Promotes patient safety by adhering to National Patient Safety Goals and maintaining a clean, safe environment for patients and staff.
Participates in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks to ensure adherence to standards of practice and regulatory requirements.
Demonstrates responsible decision-making in planning, delegating, and providing care based on patient needs and organizational policies.
Documents patient care and education thoroughly and promptly in the medical record.
Engages in professional development to maintain clinical competency and understanding of current nursing standards and regulations.
Participates in performance improvement initiatives, including data collection and process development, to enhance patient outcomes and care delivery.
Critical Care RN:
- Administers medications and other treatments as prescribed, including intravenous medications and therapies.
- Manages complex medical equipment, including ventilators, monitoring devices, and other life-support systems.
- Performs procedures such as inserting central lines, managing tracheostomies, and providing advanced cardiac life support.
Emergency Services RN:
- Rapid Assessment and Triage: Evaluate patients' conditions quickly to determine the severity of their injuries or illnesses and prioritize care accordingly.
- Conducts emergency procedures such as intubation, wound care, and suturing.
- Implements interventions to stabilize patients, including administering medications, starting IV lines, and providing respiratory support.
OR Services RN:
- Provides comprehensive care to patients before, during, and after surgery, including assessments, planning, and evaluation of nursing care.
- Scrubs in for surgeries, assisting the surgical team with instruments and supplies, and ensuring a sterile environment.
- Monitors patient vital signs, administers medications, and observes for changes in patient condition.
Cardiac Surgery RN:
- Continuously assesses patients' condition, including vital signs, hemodynamic parameters, and ECG readings.
- Administers medications and IV drips, adjusting dosages based on the patient's condition.
- Proficient in operating and maintaining advanced life support equipment like ventilators, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and ECMO.
- After cardiac surgeries, monitors patients' recovery, manage chest tubes, pacing wires, and wound care.
Endoscopy RN:
- Assesses patient needs, reviews medical history, explains procedures, obtains consent, and prepares the patient for procedure.
- Monitors patient vitals, administers medications, and assists the physician during procedure.
- Provides post-procedure care, monitors recovery, and educates patients about aftercare instructions.
- Ensures the endoscopy room is properly prepared, instruments are sterilized, and equipment is functioning correctly.
Obstetrics/Labor and Delivery/Post Partum/Nursery RN:
- Educates patients about pregnancy, provides prenatal screenings, and prepares patients for labor and delivery.
- Assesses and monitors the new mother's physical recovery, including vital signs, postpartum hemorrhage, and potential complications like postpartum depression.
- Assists with epidurals and other pain management techniques during labor.
- Administers pain medication, induces labor, and manages other medication needs during labor and delivery.
- Assists during labor and delivery, monitors fetal well-being, administers medications, and provides pain relief. Monitors mothers and newborns after delivery, assessing their well-being, and providing education on postpartum care and breastfeeding.
- Assesses and monitors newborn health, taking vital signs, performing routine assessments, and educating parents on newborn care.
- Assists with gynecological exams and procedures, and provides education on reproductive health, contraception, and prenatal care.
- Educates patients about family planning, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.
- Interprets fetal heart rate patterns and assesses fetal well-being using electronic fetal monitoring.
Oncology RN:
- Administers chemotherapy, manages side effects, monitors vitals, and manages pain.
- Explains treatments, answers questions, and provides information on resources.
- Provides emotional and psychological support to patients and their families.
Orthopedics RN:
- Provides specialized care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, and diseases.
- Provides care for Orthopedic patients encompassing pre-operative and post-operative care.
- Conducts peripheral/vascular assessments.
- Treats patients with immobilization devices.
- Provides pain management.
- Provides patient education.
PACU RN:
- Assesses the patient's level of consciousness and responsiveness as they wake up from anesthesia.
- Evaluates pain levels and administers pain medications as prescribed.
- Observes any side effects of anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, shivering, or muscle aches.
- Monitors for and respond to any post-operative complications.
- Administers medications, including pain relievers and other post-operative medications, as prescribed.
- Regulates intravenous (IV) fluids and monitor fluid balance.
- Checks and changes dressings on surgical wounds.
- Ensures a clear airway and provide oxygen support as needed.
- Educates patients and families about post-surgery care, potential complications, and discharge instructions.
NICU RN:
- Continuously assesses and monitors vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) and other signs of distress.
- Administers prescribed medications, intravenous fluids, and other treatments, including respiratory support and oxygen therapy.
- Manages feeding needs, including tube, breast milk feeding support, and ensuring adequate nutrition.
- Provides basic care tasks like diaper changes, bathing, and positioning.
- Performs procedures like inserting IV lines, administering medications, and assisting with intubation or ventilation. Operates and adjusts specialized medical equipment used in the NICU.
Telemetry RN:
- Using telemetry equipment to track heart rhythms (EKG), blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and other vital signs.
- Analyzes telemetry data to identify trends, abnormalities, and potential problems, and reports these findings to physicians.
- Provides direct patient care, including medication administration, wound care, and patient education, with a focus on cardiac health.
- Recognizes and responds to emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, and implements appropriate interventions.
Dialysis RN:
- Sets up and operates dialysis machines, monitors patients before, during, and after treatment, and adjusts treatment parameters as needed.
- Takes vital signs, monitors signs of complications, and responds to changes in patient condition.
- Educates patients and families about kidney disease, dialysis procedures, and the importance of adhering to treatment plans, diet, and medication.
- Inspects and maintains dialysis machines and equipment.
Cath Lab RN:
- Pre-Procedure:
  - Reviews medical history, assesses patient's overall health, and prepares them for the procedure.
  - Intravenous (IV) Line Initiation: Starts and maintains an IV line for medication administration.
  - Administers medications as prescribed by the physician.
  - Educates patients and families about the procedure and what to expect.
  - Verifies that surgical consents have been signed.
- During the Procedure:
  - Assists the Cardiologist during the catheterization process.
  - Closely monitors the patient's vital signs, hemodynamic data, and sedation levels.
  - Ensures proper functioning of equipment and supplies.
  - Manages potential complications and responding to emergencies.
- Post-Procedure:
  - Continues to monitor the patient's vital signs and overall condition after the procedure.
  - Administers post-procedure medications as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

0-2 years of experience in a clinical nursing role or student clinical rotations in an acute care setting required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong knowledge of the nursing process and clinical nursing practices.
Ability to perform thorough patient assessments and communicate findings effectively.
Proficient in administering medications and monitoring for side effects.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documenting patient care.
Knowledge of safety standards, infection control, and quality improvement initiatives.

Licenses and Certifications

RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required
BCLS - Basic Life Support required
ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred
PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support preferred
NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation preferred
Refer to facility or unit-specific guidelines for additional requirements.

Wilkes-Barre General Hospital

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