JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for assessment, patient problems list, planning care, implementation of care plan, evaluation of care, education of patient and family, excellent communication skills, exhibiting professional behavior, delegating, directing and supervision of patient care. Institute appropriate nursing interventions according to department policy and procedure. Facilitate patient flow throughout the department utilizing effective communication skills in cooperation with the other nursing and ancillary units.  Communicate relevant information to the appropriate health care team, the patient and the family. Make assignments to licensed staff (RN&LVN) and delegate to unlicensed staff in compliance with BNE rules for patients with predictable as well as unpredictable health needs.  Document legibly in the patient record including patient responses to treatments and medications and progress towards goals as appropriate.   Act as liaison to the patient and family by providing accurate and timely information regarding the patient’s clinical condition.   Collaborate with physicians and anesthesia staff to ensure expected outcomes for patient.  Serve as a resource for other licensed and unlicensed staff.  Support patient and their right to make informed decisions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Current registered nurse license in the State of Texas, Current CPR, A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing is preferred, National certification is preferred.

EXPECTATIONS

Maintains high ethical standards.  Uses the nursing process in the delivery of individualized patient care.  Provides direction to health care team members delivering patient care.  Shares knowledge with peers and participates in the orientation of new employees.  Flexible in meeting the needs of the unit i.e. changes in patient assignments or changes in work schedule.  Reports to work at the assigned time.  Completes unit assignments in a timely manner.  Adheres to unit dress code.  Expected to cross train to other units and willingly float to those units when requested to do so.  Demonstrates professional behavior.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Consults and coordinates with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans
• Conducts preoperative patient assessment to ensure patient safety and quality care
• Assist in preparation of patient for procedure.
• Conducts pre- and post-operative education
• Serves as the communication liaison to family and members of the operating team
• Takes and monitors patients’ vital signs.
• Ensures that operating on correct patient and the correct procedure is being performed
• Provides basic, bedside care
• Prepares and administers (orally, subcutaneously, through an IV) and records prescribed medications. Reports adverse reactions to medications or treatments in accordance with the policy regarding the administration of medications by a licensed registered nurse
• Responds to life-saving situations based upon nursing standards and protocol
• Records all care information concisely, accurately and completely, in a timely manner, in the appropriate format and on the appropriate forms
• Preps operating room for patient/procedure
• Initiates corrective action whenever information from monitoring equipment shows adverse symptomatology
• Monitors patients’ physical and emotional well-being throughout the care continuum
• Initiates patient education plan, as prescribed by physician. Teaches patients and significant others how to manage their post-treatment home care needs, self-administration of medication and rehabilitation
• Manage and maintain supplies necessary to do procedures.
• Performs other position-related duties as assigned, depending on assignment setting