GENERAL SUMMARY:
Assumes responsibility and accountability for assigned patients. Provides professional nursing care to these patients incorporating the nursing process, the environment, technical equipment, and health care members. Provides patient care activities to patients of diverse ages.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Administers nursing care to patients; includes assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating the patient’s care plan in coordination with the physician.
• Provides patient/family or caregiver education and counseling in recognition and solution of physical, emotional, and environmental health problems.
• Supervises health care members (i.e., licensed practical nurses, patient care technicians, etc.) with patients.
• Utilizes computer applications and communication technologies appropriate to the work setting to enter, retrieve, and analyze information and to facilitate communication and education.
• When assigned to charge, makes patient assignments; triages patients; and problem solves with staff, physicians, patients, families, and ancillary departments.
• Maintains knowledge of documentation requirements needed for patients’ records.
• Works independently with limited direct supervision using the Nurse Practice Act, Mercy Medical Center polices, nursing standards, and professional judgement.
• Maintains knowledge of equipment set-up, maintenance, and use (i.e., IV pumps, monitoring equipment, drainage devices). Utilizes safeguards such as IV pump drug library and monitor alarms whenever available to maximize patient safety.
• Works rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• Initiates emergency support measures (i.e., cardiopulmonary resuscitation, protecting patient from injury).
• Takes assigned call as defined in unit policy.