Registered Nurse – Med/Surg, VRC Float Pool – Newport, RI

Provides basic comfort and support according to patient needs. Fosters patient(s) and family participation in achieving optimum level of patient functioning and performing activities of daily living. Sets priorities in individual patient assignments. Seeks guidance and resources when necessary in management of patient care.

Identifies and assesses emergency situations. Initiates appropriate response and intervention. Plans for potential needs during emergency situations.

Defines nursing diagnosis and expected patient outcomes. May modify nursing plan of care based on diagnosis and/or outcomes. Documents on appropriate nursing assessment forms.

Implements nursing interventions and evaluates based on patient outcomes. Modifies plan or care accordingly including documentation.

The Registered Nurse maintains knowledge of contemporary professional nursing practice within the legal framework of the Rhode Island Nurse Practice Act. Attends training and retraining as needed to maintain current knowledge of hospital and patient care practices and procedures.

Utilizes established protocols and collaborates with the health team to facilitate therapeutic interventions and attainment of desired patient outcomes.

Participates in quality improvement processes and risk management activities. Attends unit-based or hospital meetings to facilitate patient care management.

Functions in a cooperative and productive manner in the work environment.

Integrates complete physical assessment with nursing assessment and records reviews in developing a comprehensive and individualized plan of care.

Follows all documentation guidelines per policy and procedure.

Maintains quality assurance safety environmental and infection control in accordance with established hospital department policies procedures and objectives. Maintains safe environment for patients visitors and staff.

Demonstrates self-direction in maintaining and advancing clinical and professional competency.

Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span with consideration of aging processes human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

Provides functional guidance and direction to nurse assistants and other licensed personnel as required.

May assume shift charge responsibility on an assigned unit. Responsibility includes maintaining an overview of unit activities and delegating work responsibilities with equitable assignments. Makes bed and patient assignments and assigns primary patients to staff.

May serve as a nurse preceptor for new hires.

Qualifications:

Licensure as Registered Nurse in the State of Rhode Island by the Rhode Island Board of Nursing or licensure as a Registered Nurse in accordance with the Nurse Licensure Compact agreement of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Graduate of a school of nursing Baccalaureate in Nursing preferred with current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Rhode Island.

Experience:

Two years recent experience in an acute care hospital preferred. Will consider RNs who have successfully completed 1year recent acute care hospital experience off RN orientation.

Current CPR Certification.

Current ACLS certification or must obtain within first three months of employment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Works with medical equipment and has direct patient contact. Any potential hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety procedures and precautions including use safety equipment and protective clothing. Prolonged standing and walking. Exposed to all patient elements. Often required to lift/turn patients and equipment. Repeated bending squatting stooping. Must be able to sit stand squat/kneel for 1-3 hours per day walk 12 hours per day lift over 50 lbs. with good mechanics twist/bend infrequently. Must be able to use both hands/wrists and perform work that deviates from neutral position and be able to perform fine motor skills. Must have accurate near and far vision 20/20 depth perception and discriminate among colors.