1. Provides nursing care by utilizing the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care in accordance with the RN scope of practice to achieve desired patient outcomes.
- Performs comprehensive nursing assessments in a timely and efficient manner.
- Reviews and implements provider orders, seeking clarification when necessary.
- Identifies changes in patient condition, prioritizes care needs, and initiates appropriate nursing interventions.
- Serves as a patient advocate while promoting compassionate, patient-centered care.
- Evaluates patient progress and readiness for discharge.
- Demonstrates accountability by providing safe, competent, and professional nursing care.
- Administers and manages intravenous therapies and related interventions.
2. Collaborates with physicians and the interdisciplinary healthcare team to coordinate patient care.
- Promotes effective communication among healthcare team members regarding patient status, care plans, and patient satisfaction.
- Works collaboratively with ancillary departments to support quality patient care.
- Provides direction and guidance to patient care support staff as appropriate.
- Demonstrates flexibility and initiative while responding to patient care needs.
- Communicates patient care concerns to the Nurse Manager in a timely manner.
- Assists with patient assignments, surgical scheduling needs, and daily workflow as appropriate.
- Participates in interdisciplinary care planning.
- Provides ongoing education to patients and families before and after procedures.
3. Delivers emergency nursing care within the RN scope of practice when patient conditions require immediate intervention.
- Responds promptly to emergency situations while providing appropriate patient care.
- Prioritizes emergent patient needs and involves additional resources when necessary.
- Provides emergency care appropriate to the patient population served.
- Follows established emergency policies, procedures, and clinical protocols.
4. Maintains accurate and complete clinical documentation.
- Documents patient assessments, interventions, treatments, and responses in accordance with organizational standards.
- Completes all required documentation related to surgical implants, specialized equipment, and applicable procedural charges.
5. Demonstrates effective communication with patients, providers, and members of the healthcare team.
- Communicates patient status, plan of care, and recommendations with appropriate healthcare professionals.
- Utilizes the approved handoff process to ensure continuity of care during patient transitions.
- Recognizes significant changes in patient condition, prioritizes interventions, and promptly communicates concerns to the appropriate provider.
6. Promotes a safe environment for patients and staff by following established safety and infection prevention practices.
- Administers medications, treatments, and procedures safely while adhering to provider orders, nursing policies, patient identification standards, and required preoperative assessments.
- Utilizes proper lifting, transfer, and positioning techniques to reduce the risk of injury to patients and staff.
- Follows infection prevention protocols, including isolation precautions, hand hygiene, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
- Adheres to policies regarding narcotic wasting, sharps disposal, and hazardous material handling.
7. Performs operating room responsibilities as assigned.
- Prepares and maintains the operating room to ensure instruments, supplies, and equipment are available, sterile, and ready for surgical procedures.
- Collaborates with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and other surgical team members to promote safe and efficient patient care.
- Assists with patient positioning while ensuring appropriate padding, alignment, and patient safety throughout the procedure.
- Demonstrates working knowledge of surgical equipment, treatments, and departmental policies and procedures.
- Addresses patient and family concerns and provides timely support when appropriate.
- Provides emotional support to patients and communicates with family members throughout the surgical experience as needed.
- Adjusts to changing patient volumes and departmental priorities while maintaining quality standards.
- Demonstrates initiative by completing responsibilities that support the surgical department, even when not specifically assigned.
- Participates in quality improvement activities and maintains compliance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.
8. Provides Phase I post-anesthesia recovery care as assigned.
- Completes a comprehensive patient assessment upon admission to the recovery area, including evaluation of:
- Vital signs, pulse oximetry, cardiac rhythm, blood pressure, and pain level.
- Respiratory status, including airway patency, breath sounds, oxygen saturation, and artificial airway management when applicable.
- Cardiovascular status, including heart sounds, peripheral pulses, capillary refill, and monitoring for hemodynamic changes.
- Neurological status, including level of consciousness and ability to follow commands.
- Gastrointestinal assessment, as appropriate.
- Extremity sensation, strength, and mobility, when applicable.
- Skin integrity.
- Surgical site, dressings, drains, and wound status.
- Intravenous access, invasive lines, and drainage devices as applicable.
- Administers medications and manages intravenous therapies in accordance with patient needs.
- Communicates patient status and recovery information to the RN assuming Phase II recovery care in accordance with hospital policy.
9. Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.