Job Description

Position Summary:

Under the leadership of the departmental Nursing Director, the Registered Nurse (RN) I is an active member of the department that utilizes the nursing process in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care. The RN I must be able to collaborate with other professional disciplines as well as interact with the patient, family members, and significant others. The RN I will provide care for patients from various types of illness or trauma requiring basic, advanced, or emergency attention. The Nurse must be able to recognize and effectively implement treatments for life threatening conditions. The RN I is also responsible for providing care that is appropriate for the patient's developmental age and is culturally sensitive. The Registered Nurse I duties are of considerable difficulty and are based on scientific principles and standards of nursing practice.

Basic Qualifications:

Education:

Requires an Associate's degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing.

Experience:

Requires up to one year of work-related experience, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Licensure, Registrations & Certifications:

Requires a current state license as a Registered Nurse and is listed in good standing with the state's Department of Professional Credentialing.



Requires a current certification in Basic Life Support. ACLS and PALS must be obtained within six months of ED employment. TNCC is recommended.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Conducts and records an assessment of the patient's condition, current symptoms, and a patient history. Collaborates with members of the health care team regarding patient assessment data collected and assists in the development of a treatment plan. Renders professional nursing care, including, but not limited to, the administration of medicine and drugs, monitoring IV's and blood, monitoring EKG rhythms, performing venipuncture, inserting intravenous catheters, externally defibrillating patients, performing the more complex as well as routine treatments as prescribed by the physician or as indicated by the patient's condition. Uses professional judgment in treating patients, and in collaboration with members of the healthcare team modifies the treatments, and/or contacts the physician as appropriate. Prepares or directs the preparation of necessary equipment and instruments and assists the physician during examination and treatment. Participates in the education process by explaining and providing instructions to patients, family members, and/or significant others/caregivers regarding treatments, tests, x-rays, lab, and/or procedures, etc. to help mitigate fears. Communicates with patients and their families to help them overcome emotional problems associated with their health care condition. Makes regular rounds to assigned patients, alone or with physicians, observing and evaluating patients' symptoms and reactions to treatments and medications. Determines progress and problems and takes corrective action as indicated or directed. Maintains records and charts of patients in electronic or paper format, reports to proper persons, pertinent information regarding the patient's condition, medication given, and treatments administered. Participates in Quality Assurance studies and integrates Quality Assurance standards into patient care activities. Acts as a liaison between members of the care team. Participates in the discharge process by teaching and explaining, to the patient and/or responsible caregiver/significant other, the home care needs for post treatment, diet, activity, medications, and physician follow up care. Serves as a clinical leader, implementing nursing concepts, conducting patient conferences as needed, and assisting in directing, orienting, and teaching student nurses, ER Technicians, EMT/PMD Students, LPNs, and other ancillary personnel as needed. Remains current on innovations, developments, new procedures, and techniques in nursing care to provide quality nursing care services. Assumes responsibility for safety, infection control and performance improvement as part of CRHS's efforts to provide quality care and services. Performs all associated duties, responsibilities, and tasks. Presents a professional image to CRHS's nursing co-workers, clinical and medical staff members, patients, families, and visitors. Attends professional development programs and in-service training and meets the minimum requirement for continuing professional education. * Performs other related job duties as assigned.