JOB SUMMARY
Under direct supervision and/or direction of the department manager/director, charge nurse, or staff nurse/team leader, charge nurses assist staff nurses in the treatment and care of patients in accordance with the established methods and procedures of the hospital. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family-centered care.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
• Assists the nurse with patient admissions, discharges, transfers, pre and post-op care, treatments, etc. • Provides personal care (hygiene, ambulation, ADLs, etc.) as assigned. • Performs routine treatments and specimen collections, according to operating instructions. • Documents and reports as appropriate any changes observed in condition or behavior or a patient (vital signs, I/O, daily weights, glucometers, removing IV, Foley catheters, safety checks, etc.). • Documents patient interventions in electronic medical records (EMR) computer terminal. • Assists patients at meal time and with nourishments as directed. • Makes rounds frequently on assigned patients, responds to call lights/requests, and anticipates patient needs. • Purposeful hourly rounding. • Assists in maintaining a safe environment by cleaning equipment, rooms, instruments, and reporting equipment that is out of order, preparing equipment for disinfection, and maintaining stock supplies on the unit as directed. • Assists physicians as requested (maintaining patients position, etc.). • Attends in-service education programs as assigned. • Maintains current acceptable BLS certifications, competency assessment, Handle with Care, and mandatory safety education in accordance with satisfactory performance standards.
Demonstrate job-related aspects of patient safety to assure a safe environment, safe and effective use of equipment and technology, and decreased risk of potential adverse patient occurrences.
Demonstrate knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards of care, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statement, corporate compliance plan, standards of behavior, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served on his/her assigned unit.
Must demonstrate knowledge of principle growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patients/residents status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient/residents requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the units and divisions policies and procedures.
Performs other specific duties as assigned.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
• If Patient Care Technician: Unexpired CNA certification or EMT license preferred. • If Patient Care Technician I: Unexpired CNA certification or EMT license required. • High school diploma/GED required. • Computer-based competencies required for acute care. • Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) required. • Requires ability to perform simple math functions. • Requires a level of education necessary to read and understand transcribed physicians orders, vital signs, and other information on patients/residents charts.
EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of patient care experience preferred.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/MOTOR SKILLS
These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job-related physical requirements may be added on an as-needed basis. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.
• Sedentary Work: Frequently required to stand, kneel, and crouch. • On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs, and bend. • Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. • May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs. • Vision: Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye. • Near acuity: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. • Midrange Acuity: Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet. • Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms. • Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment. • Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.
ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES
• Proficiency using modern office, computer, and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare. • Ability to have hand-eye coordination and fine-motor skills for administration of treatments (vital signs, weights, hot packs, enemas, ace wraps, TED stockings, etc.).
ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES
• Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast-paced, quickly changing, or stressful situations. • Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules, and laws. • Ability to follow directions. • Ability to document findings and interventions as appropriate. • Ability to identify changes in patients/residents conditions and/or patients/residents response to interventions.
ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
• Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals. • Able to see and hear for work-related purposes. • Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents and family. • Ability to assess patients condition and auscultate blood pressures. • Ability to see, smell, touch, and hear patient status. • Communicate receptively and expressively in English, both written and verbal, with diverse populations, including physicians, patients, families, community agencies, employees, and volunteers. • Maintain self-control.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
• Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public, and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous, and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally, and in all written and electronic communication. • Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered. • Open, honest, and tactful communication skills. • Ability to work as a team member in all activities. • Positive, cooperative, and motivated attitude. • Maintain confidentiality. • Maintain professional and courteous manner.